M4 MacBook Air Performance Nearly Matches Pro Models

The upcoming M4 MacBook Air is shaping up to be a lightweight and speedy addition to Apple’s laptop lineup. Recent benchmark data indicates that it could exhibit subtle performance enhancements compared to the latest MacBook Pro models.

Apple is expected to unveil this new laptop, featuring both 13-inch and 15-inch variants, around March. A device presumed to be the M4 MacBook Air appeared on the Geekbench 6 benchmark on February 19. The results are drawing comparisons to other Apple devices, such as the M4 MacBook Pro and the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro.

The Geekbench 6 Metal benchmark revealed a device running macOS 15.2, powered by a ten-core M4 chip and equipped with 24GB of unified RAM. Specifically, the SoC configuration comprises four performance cores and six energy-efficient cores, with clock speeds remaining unchanged, as noted by Wccftech.

This particular device identified as Mac16,12 appears to represent a new naming convention—likely a codename for the M4 MacBook Air.

When it comes to benchmark performance, the laptop achieved a score of 54,806, making it about 5% slower than the M4 MacBook Pro. Nevertheless, this reflects a solid evolution for the M4 MacBook Air, particularly since both laptops utilize the same chip. Experts suggest that users are unlikely to perceive any major differences in performance in everyday tasks. Previous Geekbench Metal tests have indicated that the M4 MacBook Pro has a score of 57,596.

While there is a strong belief regarding the validity of this benchmark, it’s important to recognize that scores from unreleased devices cannot be definitively verified.

The MacBook lineup is strategically designed to cater to different user requirements. The MacBook Air models are tailored for casual internet browsing, checking email, and light use, whereas the MacBook Pro series targets more intensive users who deal with demanding applications and files.

According to TechRadar, the M4 MacBook Air shows better performance compared to the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro, which received a Geekbench score of 54,064. Notably, the iPad is recognized for its slim design and fanless cooling system, features that are also anticipated in the M4 MacBook Air.