Apple MacBook Air 15-inch
Expert rating8.1 / 10
- Chip:
- Apple M4, 10-core CPU / 10-core GPU
- RAM:
- 16GB unified memory
- Storage:
- 512GB soldered SSD
- Display:
- 15.3" Liquid Retina 60Hz
- Weight:
- 1.51kg
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Manufacturer: Apple Last updated: 2026-10-10
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch Review
The 15-inch MacBook Air with the Apple M4 chip pairs a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU with 16GB of unified memory and a 512GB SSD in a fanless 1.51kg chassis with a 15.3-inch display.
The 15-inch Air gets the fuller 10-core GPU that the base 13-inch configuration doesn't, plus a bigger screen and battery. Everything is still soldered, so this is a buy-for-the-long-haul decision on both memory and storage, not one you can revisit later.
Performance
The 10-core GPU here is a genuine step up from the 8-core GPU in the base 13-inch Air, though the CPU is identical. Like all M4 Airs it runs fanless, so sustained GPU-heavy workloads will throttle before a Pro model would.
Upgradability
RAM: no. 16GB of unified memory is fixed on package. Storage: no. The 512GB SSD is soldered with no M.2 slot. This configuration's extra storage over the base 13-inch model is the only real headroom you're buying.
Battery life
Apple rates the larger 66.5Wh battery for up to 18 hours of video playback, matching the 13-inch model's rated runtime despite the bigger screen, thanks to the larger battery offsetting the higher power draw.
Display
The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina panel covers full sRGB at 500 nits typical brightness, the same panel technology as the 13-inch model scaled up. Good for everyday use, not HDR-capable like the MacBook Pro's XDR display.
Design and ports
At 1.51kg this is still light for a 15-inch laptop. Two USB4 ports and MagSafe 3 only; no HDMI or SD card slot without a hub.
Our verdict
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating8.1 / 10
The M4 MacBook Air 15 combines an M4 chip, 16GB of unified memory, 512GB of storage and a 15.3 inch 2880 by 1864 IPS display at 500 nits. It weighs 1.51 kg with a 66.5Wh battery, which suits buyers who want a bigger screen for multitasking and media.
Memory and storage are fixed, so choose your configuration carefully. Sustained GPU-heavy rendering or gaming is not what this model suits.
Best for
- Buyers who want a bigger screen without moving to a MacBook Pro
- Content consumption and everyday multitasking
- Anyone who wants more baseline storage than the 13-inch entry config
Not for
- Anyone who might want to add RAM or storage later
- Sustained GPU-heavy rendering or gaming
- Buyers who need more than two ports without a dongle
Specifications
What these specs meanIdentity and variant
| Brand | Apple |
|---|---|
| Series | MacBook Air |
| Series ID | macbook-air-15-m4 |
| SKU Name | M4 / 16GB / 512GB |
| Region Sold | Global |
Class and platform
| Laptop Class | Thin and Light |
|---|---|
| Release Year | 2025 |
| Operating System | macOS |
| Weight | 1.51 kg |
Processor
| CPU Brand | Apple |
|---|---|
| CPU Model | Apple M4 |
| CPU Cores | 10 |
Graphics
| GPU Brand | Apple |
|---|---|
| GPU Model | Apple M4 GPU (10-core) |
| VRAM | 0 GB |
| Graphics Switching | Integrated Only |
Memory
| RAM Capacity | 16 GB |
|---|---|
| RAM Type | Unified Memory |
| Memory Form Factor | On Package Unified |
| Memory Soldered | Yes |
| Max RAM Supported | 32 GB |
Upgradability
| RAM Slots | 0 |
|---|---|
| RAM Slots Free | 0 |
| Storage Slots | 0 |
| Storage Slots Free | 0 |
| Storage Form Factor | Soldered |
| SATA Bay Present | No |
Storage as shipped
| Storage Capacity | 512 GB |
|---|---|
| Storage Type | Soldered NVMe |
Display
| Display Size | 15.3 inches |
|---|---|
| Resolution Width | 2880 px |
| Resolution Height | 1864 px |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Brightness | 500 nits |
| Brightness Condition | SDR Typical |
| sRGB Coverage | 100 % |
| Touchscreen | No |
Battery and ports
| Battery Capacity | 66.5 Wh |
|---|---|
| Thunderbolt Support | USB4 |
| WiFi Standard | WiFi 6E |
FAQs
Can you upgrade the RAM in the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch?
No. The memory (16 GB of Unified Memory) is on the processor package and there are no memory slots, so it cannot be upgraded after purchase. Choose the capacity you need when you buy.
Can you upgrade the SSD in the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch?
No. The storage is not in a replaceable slot, so it cannot be swapped after purchase.
What display does the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch have?
The Apple MacBook Air 15-inch has a 15.3-inch, 2880x1864, IPS, 60 Hz non-touch display.
Does the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch have Thunderbolt?
It lists USB4 rather than Thunderbolt. Many Thunderbolt devices work over USB4, but check the device maker's compatibility notes first.
How big is the battery in the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch?
The Apple MacBook Air 15-inch has a 66.5 Wh battery.
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