When Apple launched the MacBook Air M1 in late 2020, it revolutionised laptop performance.
The M1 chip marked Apple’s bold move away from Intel and into its own silicon ecosystem — promising speed, silence, and battery life unlike anything before.
Now, five years later, many wonder: is the M1 MacBook Air still worth using in 2025?
Let’s explore the arguments for and against this modern classic.
Reasons the M1 Air Still Excels
1. Strong Everyday Performance
Despite its age, the M1 chip still flies through web browsing, office work, media streaming, and light photo or video editing.
Benchmarks prove it continues to outperform mid-range Windows laptops released even in 2024 — impressive for hardware this old.
2. Exceptional Battery Life
The M1 Air delivers up to 15 – 18 hours on a charge.
It’s ideal for students, remote workers, and travellers who need true all-day power.
3. Silent and Cool Operation
This model has no fan, so it runs silently and comfortably cool.
Even under stress, thermal throttling is minimal, making it perfect for quiet work environments.
4. Continued macOS Support
Apple’s long update cycle means the M1 Air still receives new macOS versions and security updates, ensuring smooth compatibility with apps well into the decade.
5. Excellent Value for Money
Refurbished or second-hand M1 Airs now sell for far less than new MacBooks while offering similar performance for typical tasks — unbeatable value in 2025.
Where the M1 Air Shows Its Age
1. Limited Ports and Display Options
Two USB-C/Thunderbolt ports and support for only one external monitor make this laptop less appealing for multitasking professionals.
2. Modest RAM and Storage
Most configurations ship with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage.
That’s adequate for productivity but restrictive for creators handling large projects.
3. Not Built for Heavy Workloads
Video editors, 3D artists, and developers pushing big files will notice slowdowns.
Newer chips like the M2 and M3 easily outpace the M1 under demanding conditions.
4. Older Design and Webcam
While still sleek, the 720p camera and thicker bezels look dated beside newer Apple models featuring sharper displays and improved webcams.
5. Limited Future-Proofing
Though still supported, Apple’s attention will inevitably shift toward later chips.
In a few years, updates may prioritise M3/M4 optimisation instead of M1.
Verdict: Still a Smart Buy — for the Right User
The MacBook Air M1 remains one of Apple’s most reliable and efficient laptops ever.
It’s perfect for writers, students, business professionals, and anyone focused on everyday productivity, streaming, and cloud work.
If your workload involves heavy video editing, complex design, or multiple displays, upgrading to the M2 or M3 Air makes more sense for longevity and power.
In short:
The M1 Air is not outdated — it’s mature.
Still fast, still silent, and still one of the smartest MacBook purchases for 2025 on a budget.