Only the differences are shown. 24 specs stay the same.
+0you gain
−9you give up
MacBook Air (13-inch, M4, 2025) came out in March 2025. MacBook Air (M2, 2022) came out in July 2022, almost 3 years later. Both run macOS 27 with Apple Intelligence.
Note on MacBook Air (M2, 2022): Bluetooth version not shown: Apple's spec page lists 5.3, which does not match our data (5.0).
Chip & memory
Apple M4 → Apple M2
8 CPU cores, 8 GB memory, 24 GB max memory
Ports & charging
Thunderbolt 4 → Thunderbolt 3
2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 (USB-C), 1 external display, Wi-Fi 6
Battery
Same rating
18 h → 18 h video, measured differently
Price check
MacBook Air (M2, 2022) launched at $1,199
Not currently sold refurbished by Apple.
All 13 differences
Price1 change
Price check
MacBook Air (M2, 2022) — launched at $1,199
- Used on eBay
- Refurbished on Back Market
- Apple does not currently sell this model refurbished
What your MacBook Air (13-inch, M4, 2025) sells for
- Apple Trade In estimate
- Sold listings on eBay
eBay may ask you to sign in to see sold prices.
Links open in a new tab. Prices are set by each seller and change daily.
Launch price (US)
$999›$1,199+$200
What does this mean?
The price Apple charged in the US on launch day for the lowest configuration, before tax.
This is not what the Mac costs today. More memory, storage or a faster chip cost extra. Older models drop in price over time, so check the used and refurbished links for current prices.
Chip & memory3 losses · 1 change
Chip options: MacBook Air (13-inch, M4, 2025)
- M4 10-core CPU / 8-core GPU
- M4 10-core CPU / 10-core GPU
Chip options: MacBook Air (M2, 2022)
- M2 8-core CPU / 8-core GPU
- M2 8-core CPU / 10-core GPU
Chip
Apple M4›Apple M2
What does this mean?
The chip is the Mac's brain. Since late 2020 Apple uses its own chips (Apple silicon: M1, M2 and later). Before that, MacBooks used Intel processors.
Apple silicon Macs run cooler and much longer on battery than Intel MacBooks, and can run many iPhone and iPad apps. Intel Macs can run Windows directly with Boot Camp; Apple silicon Macs cannot.
Matters most if: You need Windows, or you want the longest battery life.
CPU cores
10›8
What does this mean?
The CPU is the part of the chip that runs your apps. More cores means it can work on more things at the same time.
More cores help most when exporting video, compiling code or running many apps at once. For browsing and email, the difference is small. Cores are only comparable within the same family: one Apple silicon core and one Intel core do not do the same amount of work.
Memory (base)
16 GB›8 GB
What does this mean?
How much memory (RAM) the cheapest configuration comes with, in gigabytes (GB).
More memory lets you keep more apps and browser tabs open without slowing down. 8 GB is enough for browsing and documents; 16 GB or more helps with photo editing, video and many apps at once. Memory cannot be upgraded later.
Matters most if: You keep many apps or tabs open, or edit photos and video.
Memory (most you can order)
32 GB›24 GB
What does this mean?
The most memory you could order from Apple for this model.
Only matters if you plan to buy a high-end configuration, for example for large video projects or software development.
GPU cores
8 (same on both)
What does this mean?
The GPU handles graphics: what you see on screen, games, and video and photo effects. Apple lists GPU cores for its own chips.
More GPU cores make games, 3D work and video editing smoother. "Not published by Apple" means the Mac uses Intel or AMD graphics, which Apple does not describe in cores.
Neural Engine cores
16 (same on both)
What does this mean?
The Neural Engine is a part of Apple silicon built for machine learning tasks, such as recognizing faces and text in photos.
It speeds up features like Live Text, photo search, voice dictation and Apple Intelligence, while using little battery. Intel Macs do not have one.
Memory type
Unified memory (same on both)
What does this mean?
Memory (RAM) is the working space for open apps and files. Apple silicon uses unified memory: one pool shared by the CPU, GPU and Neural Engine. Intel MacBooks list a memory type such as LPDDR3 or DDR4.
Unified memory lets graphics and apps use the same memory without copying data back and forth, which helps with photo and video work. On these MacBooks memory cannot be added later, so choose enough when you buy.
Storage (base)
256 GB (same on both)
What does this mean?
Storage is where your files, photos and apps are kept. This is the amount in the cheapest configuration. 1 TB (terabyte) is 1,024 GB.
Storage cannot be upgraded inside these MacBooks later. You can add an external drive, but it has to stay plugged in. Photo libraries and video fill storage fastest.
Storage (most you can order)
2 TB (same on both)
What does this mean?
The most storage you could order from Apple for this model.
Only matters if you need to keep very large files on the Mac itself rather than on an external drive.
Camera2 losses
Camera
12MP Center Stage camera›1080p FaceTime HD camera
What does this mean?
The camera above the screen used for video calls. 480p, 720p and 1080p describe video sharpness (more lines of detail is sharper). 12MP Center Stage is a higher-resolution wide camera.
A 1080p camera makes you look noticeably sharper in calls than a 720p one. The 12MP Center Stage camera can also follow you as you move and show your desk with Desk View.
Matters most if: You make a lot of video calls.
Center Stage
LoseWhat does this mean?
Center Stage uses the wide camera to keep you in frame during video calls.
If you lean back or shift in your seat, the picture follows you. When someone joins you, it widens to fit both of you.
Ports & charging3 losses · 1 change · 1 unconfirmed
USB-C ports
2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C)›2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 (USB-C)
What does this mean?
The sockets on the sides of the MacBook. Each row shows one port gained or lost.
Built-in HDMI and an SD card slot mean fewer adapters when you connect a TV or projector or copy photos from a camera. With fewer ports you rely more on USB-C hubs and adapters.
Matters most if: You connect displays, cameras or many accessories.
Thunderbolt version
Thunderbolt 4›Thunderbolt 3
What does this mean?
Thunderbolt is a fast connection that uses the USB-C plug (Thunderbolt 2 used an older, smaller plug). Gb/s is gigabits per second. Thunderbolt 2 goes up to 20 Gb/s, Thunderbolt 3 and 4 up to 40 Gb/s, and Thunderbolt 5 up to 120 Gb/s.
Faster Thunderbolt matters for external SSDs, docks and high-resolution displays. For charging, keyboards and mice, every version works the same.
External displays (most)
2 external displays›1 external display
What does this mean?
The most separate displays you can connect at the same time, as Apple's spec page lists it. On an iMac this is on top of its own screen.
Very high resolutions or refresh rates can lower the number; Apple's spec page lists the exact combinations. More display support helps when you spread your work across several screens.
Matters most if: You want two or more monitors on your desk.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 6E›Wi-Fi 6
What does this mean?
Wi-Fi generations. Each new one handles more devices at once and higher speeds: Wi-Fi 5 (2014), Wi-Fi 6 (2019), Wi-Fi 6E adds a new, less crowded radio band, Wi-Fi 7 is the newest.
You only get the extra speed if your router supports the same generation. With an older router, the difference is small.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.3›Not confirmed
What does this mean?
Bluetooth connects wireless headphones, mice, keyboards and game controllers. Newer versions have more range and use less power.
Most accessories work with any of these versions. Newer versions mainly help with range and connection stability.
Ports on both
MagSafe 3, 3.5 mm headphone jack (same on both)
MagSafe version
MagSafe 3 (same on both)
What does this mean?
MagSafe is a charging connector that attaches with magnets. MagSafe 3 is the newest version.
If someone trips over the cable, it pops off instead of pulling the MacBook off the table. It also keeps the USB-C or Thunderbolt ports free while charging.
Charger in the box
30 W (same on both)
What does this mean?
The power of the charger Apple includes in the box, in watts (W). Higher watts can charge faster.
A bigger charger refills the battery faster, especially on larger MacBook Pro models. Any USB-C charger works, but a small one charges slowly.
Battery1 loss
Battery (video)
18 hours›18 hours
Apple measured these differently (movie playback vs video streaming), so compare loosely.
What does this mean?
Apple's battery rating for watching video on a full charge, in Apple's own tests. Older models were tested playing downloaded movies, newer ones streaming video over Wi-Fi.
Real use with many apps, high brightness or heavy work drains the battery faster. Batteries also wear out, so an older MacBook today lasts less than it did when new.
Matters most if: You work away from a power outlet for long stretches.
Battery capacity
53.8 Wh›52.6 Wh
What does this mean?
Battery size in watt-hours (Wh): how much energy the battery holds.
A bigger battery helps, but how long it lasts depends even more on the chip. Apple silicon MacBooks last much longer than Intel ones with a similar battery.
What's new
RSS feedAdded Mac mini, iMac, Mac Studio and Mac Pro
33 desktop Macs from 2017 onward, checked against Apple's tech specs pages, in one Mac section with the laptops, so you can compare a Mac mini with a MacBook Air. Specs a model does not have, such as a screen on Mac mini, show as Not applicable.
Added MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and MacBook Neo
45 Mac laptops from 2016 onward, checked against Apple's tech specs pages. Older models appear on the timeline and open for comparison once they are checked. Switch to Mac at the top of the home page.
Added every iPad since 2010
45 iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air and iPad Pro models, checked against Apple's tech specs pages. Switch between iPhone and iPad at the top of the home page.