Apple's M4 MacBook Air drops to a record-low price

Engadget - May 14th, 2025
Open on Engadget

Apple's latest MacBook Air M4 models are now available at all-time low prices, with significant discounts on both the 13-inch and 15-inch versions. The entry-level 13-inch model is reduced from $999 to $849, a 15% discount, and features 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. More robust configurations with larger storage and memory also see $150 price cuts, marking unprecedented lows for these models. The 15-inch version, offering a larger display and improved speakers, also benefits from similar discounts across its configurations.

Released in mid-March, the MacBook Air M4 has been acclaimed for its powerful M4 chip, featuring a 10-core CPU, 8-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, providing more than enough power for everyday tasks. The device's long-lasting battery, sturdy build, and excellent keyboard contribute to its recognition as 2025's best MacBook overall, despite its modest 60Hz display. These discounts come as a strategic move by Apple to boost sales and maintain competitive advantage in the rapidly evolving tech marketplace.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article on the MacBook Air M4 provides a well-rounded overview of the product's features, pricing, and current discounts, making it highly relevant for consumers interested in purchasing a new laptop. It scores high on accuracy, with most claims supported by reputable sources and Apple's official announcements. The article is timely, engaging, and highly readable, effectively capturing the interest of its target audience.

However, the article's focus on positive aspects of the MacBook Air M4 results in a somewhat one-sided portrayal, lacking a broader perspective that includes potential drawbacks or comparisons with competing products. Transparency could be improved by specifying the sources for certain claims and disclosing any potential conflicts of interest.

Overall, the article serves its purpose of informing potential buyers about current deals and features of the MacBook Air M4, with minor improvements needed in balance and transparency to enhance its overall quality.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The story demonstrates a high level of factual accuracy, with most claims supported by reputable sources and aligning with Apple's official announcements. The discount on the 13-inch MacBook Air M4, including the price drop from $999 to $849, is confirmed by multiple sources, making this a well-supported fact. The availability of the laptop in specific colors and configurations is also verified, although the exact RAM and SSD configuration at the $849 price point requires direct confirmation from retailers.

The specifications of the MacBook Air M4, such as the 10-core CPU, 8-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, are corroborated by Apple's official product details. The battery life claim of exceeding 18 hours during HD video playback is consistent with independent reviews and Apple's own claims. However, the article's mention of the MacBook Air M4 being named "2025's best MacBook overall" and receiving a score of 92 in Engadget's review requires verification against Engadget's official review page.

Overall, the article provides a precise and truthful depiction of the MacBook Air M4's features, pricing, and availability, with only minor areas needing further verification. The potential inaccuracies are minimal and do not significantly detract from the story's reliability.

7
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the positive aspects of the MacBook Air M4, emphasizing its discounted price, advanced specifications, and favorable reviews. This creates a somewhat one-sided portrayal, as it does not address any potential drawbacks or criticisms that might exist regarding the product.

While the article provides valuable information for consumers interested in purchasing a MacBook Air M4, it lacks a broader perspective that includes potential downsides or comparisons with competing products. For example, it does not discuss any limitations of the M4 chip or how the MacBook Air M4 compares to other laptops in the same price range.

Despite the focus on positive aspects, the article maintains a generally neutral tone and does not exhibit overt favoritism toward Apple. However, including a more balanced range of perspectives would enhance the article's overall balance and provide readers with a more comprehensive understanding of the product.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides readers through the key points about the MacBook Air M4. The language is straightforward and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand the information presented.

The article effectively highlights the main features and benefits of the MacBook Air M4, such as its discounted price, advanced specifications, and positive reviews. It also provides specific details about different configurations and pricing options, which are presented in a concise and organized manner.

However, the article could improve clarity by providing more context for certain claims, such as the basis for the MacBook Air M4 being named "2025's best MacBook overall." Including this information would help readers better understand the significance of the claims. Overall, the article is clear and easy to follow, with minor improvements needed for enhanced clarity.

8
Source quality

The article relies on credible and authoritative sources, including Apple's official announcements and reviews from reputable tech outlets like Engadget. These sources provide a solid foundation for the article's claims, enhancing its reliability.

However, the article does not specify all the sources it relies on, such as the specific Engadget review that named the MacBook Air M4 "2025's best MacBook overall." Explicitly citing these sources would further strengthen the article's credibility by allowing readers to verify the information independently.

Overall, the quality of the sources used is high, but greater transparency in source attribution would improve the article's source quality and help readers assess the reliability of the information presented.

6
Transparency

The article provides a good overview of the MacBook Air M4's features, pricing, and availability but lacks transparency in certain areas. For instance, it does not clearly disclose the methodology behind the claim that the MacBook Air M4 was named "2025's best MacBook overall" by Engadget.

Additionally, while the article mentions price discounts and configurations, it does not specify the retailers offering these deals, which could be crucial for readers looking to make a purchase. Providing this information would enhance the article's transparency and help readers make informed decisions.

The article could also benefit from disclosing any potential conflicts of interest, such as advertising partnerships with Apple or retailers, which might impact the impartiality of the reporting. Overall, while the article is informative, greater transparency in these areas would improve its quality.

Sources

  1. https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-macbook-air-m4-is-on-sale-for-850-a-very-competitive-price-for-one-of-the-best-laptops-of-2025/
  2. https://www.macrumors.com/2025/05/13/amazon-m4-macbook-air/
  3. https://9to5toys.com/2025/05/13/apple-24gb-13-inch-m4-macbook-air/
  4. https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-m4-macbook-air-is-back-on-sale-for-150-off-144625994.html
  5. https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-the-m4-chip-and-a-sky-blue-color/