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A Practical Decision Over Hype
When I told people I had purchased an M1 MacBook Air in 2025, I expected some pushback—something along the lines of, “Why would you buy such an old model?” However, to my surprise, many agreed that there wasn’t much reason to upgrade, especially considering my type of usage.
After testing the new MacBook Air M4 at an Apple Store, I realized I wouldn’t even choose it over my M1 model if they were the same price. The differences just weren’t significant enough to justify an upgrade.
From Backup Device to Primary Mobile Machine
Originally, I kept a MacBook Air as a backup machine, just in case my main computer had issues. My previous model, an 11-inch MacBook Air, lived in a drawer most of the time—until it finally stopped working.
For travel, I relied on my 16-inch MacBook Pro. Despite being portable, it wasn’t always ideal for casual outings. My alternative was a 12.9-inch iPad Pro with a Magic Keyboard, which I used for writing sessions in coffee shops.
Back in the Intel Mac era, iPads had a clear advantage in battery life, but Apple Silicon changed that. With the M1 MacBook Air, I could get 9-10 hours of real-world battery life. Since I could tether to my iPhone for internet access, I no longer needed an iPad for mobility.
That’s why the M1 MacBook Air became my go-to device for on-the-go writing. But as I used it more, I wondered if I should sell it and upgrade to the M4 model.
The M4 Didn’t Offer Me Any Real Benefits
I absolutely love the wedge design of the first-generation Apple Silicon MacBook Air, and that played a huge role in my decision to keep the M1. When I compared it with the M4 model at the Apple Store, the only aesthetic improvement I noticed was the smaller bezels. Even then, the difference was minimal—mainly in the top bezel.
Size-wise, there wasn’t a noticeable difference. While the M4 is slightly thinner at the back, the M1 remains slimmer at the front. Technically, the M1 is a tiny bit smaller in depth, but it’s barely noticeable.
Other improvements, like the brighter display and Spatial Audio, didn’t matter to me. MagSafe was nice, but since I use the MacBook Air exclusively on battery power, it wasn’t a real advantage. Fast charging? Not a necessity. A better camera and mic? Useful, but not crucial for a machine primarily used for writing.
No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t justify upgrading. I even applied my “packaging test”—if I keep the packaging for a new device, it means I’m unsure about the purchase. Since my M1’s packaging is now in the recycling, that says it all.
Should You Also Stick With an Older MacBook Air?
It depends on your needs.
- If your MacBook Air is your primary computer and you need it for tasks like coding, video editing, or heavy multitasking, then getting the latest model—either the M4 or a MacBook Pro—makes sense.
- If you use your Mac for lighter tasks, such as writing, emails, web browsing, and occasional photo editing, any Apple Silicon MacBook Air will perform well.
The real question is whether the M4’s new features justify the extra cost for your specific needs.
For instance:
- If you do a lot of video calls, the 12MP Center Stage camera and upgraded microphones could be major selling points.
- If you work outdoors, the brighter display might be crucial.
One thing is clear: buying an M2 or M3 model today probably isn’t worth it. They don’t offer significant savings over an M4, so it makes more sense to wait for M4 discounts.
For now, I’m sticking with my M1. What about you?
What Undercode Says: The Smart Choice Between Practicality and Marketing
Apple releases new MacBook Air models almost every year, each promising incremental improvements. But for many users, these updates don’t translate into a significantly better experience. Let’s break it down.
Performance: Does Newer Always Mean Faster?
The M4 chip is undeniably more powerful than the M1, but that doesn’t mean it’s necessary for everyone. The M1 MacBook Air still delivers excellent performance for writing, browsing, email, and even moderate photo and video editing. Benchmarks may show speed improvements, but in real-world usage, the difference is often unnoticeable for non-intensive tasks.
Design: Evolution or Just Change?
Apple moved away from the wedge-shaped design with the M2 and newer models, opting for a flatter look. While this is subjective, many users (myself included) still prefer the classic wedge. The slightly smaller bezels on the M4 are nice, but hardly a game-changer.
Battery Life: Is More Always Better?
Both the M1 and M4 MacBook Air offer excellent battery life. Apple claims improvements in efficiency, but for everyday use, the M1 already provides all-day battery life. If you’re getting 9-10 hours of real usage, do you really need an extra hour?
Features: Do You Need the Upgrades?
- MagSafe: Convenient, but if you mostly use battery power, it’s irrelevant.
- Faster Charging: A nice perk, but unnecessary if you rarely need to charge quickly.
- Better Camera & Mic: Great for frequent video callers, but not a must-have for everyone.
- Brighter Display: Useful outdoors, but indoors, the M1’s screen is already excellent.
Price: The Biggest Factor
The M1 MacBook Air can often be found at half the price of a new M4 model, making it one of the best-value laptops available. Unless you need the latest features, sticking with an M1 is a financially smart decision.
Final Thought: Upgrade Only If You Truly Need It
Tech companies push upgrades constantly, but that doesn’t mean you should always follow. If your current device still meets your needs, why spend extra? The M1 MacBook Air remains an incredible machine in 2025, proving that not all upgrades are worth the price.
Fact Checker Results
1. Performance Gap?
- While the M4 is more powerful, real-world usage shows minimal differences for everyday tasks.
2. Battery Life Claims?
- Both the M1 and M4 offer similar battery performance in practical usage.
3. Price Justification?
- The cost of upgrading to an M4 isn’t justified for users who only need a machine for writing and light tasks.
References:
Reported By: https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/21/buying-a-five-year-old-macbook-air-was-the-right-decision-for-me
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