Does the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) work with Linux?

Not cleanly: there are significant gaps, so we don't recommend it for Linux as-is. Linux on Apple Silicon means Asahi Linux.

What does the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) cost?

RRP is about 999 USD (1199 EUR in the EU); street price is often lower.

Is the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) good for office and web work?

For office and web work we score it 9/10 on value and 8/10 on performance.

How heavy is the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)?

1.24 kg (2.73 lb). That's light enough for daily commuting.

What's the battery life like?

A 53 Wh pack, around 15 hours real-world mixed use. We score battery 9/10.

Can I upgrade the RAM or storage?

RAM is soldered, so the 16 GB it ships with is the RAM it dies with. Storage starts at 256 GB on this configuration.

Photo: Wikimedia contributor · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Apple · 2025

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)

Name: Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)
Brand: Apple
SKU: MacBook Air 13 (M4)
Price: 999 USD
Availability: InStock

Apple finally killed the 8 GB base and cut 100 dollars, making this the best-value Air in years, but Linux on M4 barely boots.

from € 1.199 $999 RRP

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Best for office and web work study creative work basic everyday use
Linux: gaps

Compiled & edited by Dennis de Kruijf · updated 2026-05-18 · how we rate

Scorecard

8.3 / 10

Mean of six category scores, 0 to 10. Compiled from public sources. How we rate.

Strongest on battery, build, and value, with no category below average.

Battery 9/10
Display 7/10
Build 9/10
Keyboard 8/10
Speed 8/10
Value 9/10

Worth knowing

Stands out

Bright 500-nit screen, readable in sunlight
Wide 100% P3 colour, creative-grade
Light at 1.24 kg
Long 15h real-world battery

Watch for

Linux needs significant work on this hardware
RAM is soldered, no upgrade later

Compare with other laptops

Linux: significant gaps, expand for details

Linux readiness Not rated

Not rated · Confidence: low · not enough verified data to score this honestly. · How we score

Specs

Specifications for Apple MacBook Air 13
CPU	Apple M4 (10-core)
GPU	Apple M4 8-core GPU
RAM	16 GB (soldered, not upgradeable)
Storage	256 GB
Screen	13.6" 2560x1664 @ 60Hz, 500 nitsvery bright, easy in direct sun
Weight	1.24 kgvery light to carry
Battery	53 Wh, around 15 h real-world

Common questions

Does the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) work with Linux?: Not cleanly: there are significant gaps, so we don't recommend it for Linux as-is. Linux on Apple Silicon means Asahi Linux.
What does the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) cost?: RRP is about 999 USD (1199 EUR in the EU); street price is often lower.
Is the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) good for office and web work?: For office and web work we score it 9/10 on value and 8/10 on performance.
How heavy is the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)?: 1.24 kg (2.73 lb). That's light enough for daily commuting.
What's the battery life like?: A 53 Wh pack, around 15 hours real-world mixed use. We score battery 9/10.
Can I upgrade the RAM or storage?: RAM is soldered, so the 16 GB it ships with is the RAM it dies with. Storage starts at 256 GB on this configuration.