If you are planning to buy a budget Apple laptop in 2025, you have probably seen the MacBook Air M1 still selling online at heavy discounts. But this laptop was launched back in 2020. Now the big question is — does it still make sense to buy the MacBook Air M1 in 2025?
In this real review, we explain its performance, battery life, daily usage experience, limitations, and whether Indian students or working professionals should still consider it this year.
What is MacBook Air M1 and Why Is It Still Trending in 2025?
The MacBook Air M1 is powered by Apple’s first in-house M1 chip, which changed the laptop market when it launched. Even after almost five years, many tech experts say the laptop still delivers strong performance for daily work and creative tasks.
In 2025, the reason it is trending again is simple — price drop. The M1 model is now available at a much lower cost compared to newer MacBook Air models, making it attractive for budget buyers and students.
Real Performance in 2025: Can It Handle Modern Tasks?
Even in 2025, the MacBook Air M1 can easily manage:
- Web browsing
- MS Office work
- Online classes
- Blogging
- Video editing
- Coding
- Photoshop or Canva
- Light 4K video editing
The M1 chip still offers smooth multitasking and quick app opening for normal use. Users report that it is “blazing fast for most tasks” even after years of use.
However, heavy tasks like large video rendering, Android Studio projects, or running multiple virtual machines may push the base 8GB RAM version to its limits.
So for normal users, performance is still strong. But professionals doing advanced editing or development work may need 16GB RAM or newer models.
Battery Life in 2025: Still Reliable?
Battery life is one of the biggest reasons why people still recommend this laptop.
- Real-world usage can give around 8 to 12 hours backup even today.
- Some tests show it can last for an entire working day depending on usage.
Apple originally claimed up to 18 hours of battery life, thanks to the power-efficient M1 chip.
For Indian students attending classes, bloggers (like Pixel Pulse audience), or office users working remotely, this battery performance is still more than enough in 2025.
Design and Build: Still Premium But Looks Old
The MacBook Air M1 still feels:
- Slim
- Lightweight
- Silent (fanless design)
- Strong aluminium body
But there are some outdated parts now:
- Thick display bezels
- Only 720p webcam
- Only two USB-C ports
- Brightness not ideal for outdoor sunlight
These limitations are noticeable when compared to newer M2 or M3 models.
Why It Matters for Indian Buyers in 2025
In India, many students and freelancers want:
- Long battery
- No heating issues
- Fast performance
- Premium laptop under ₹60,000
The MacBook Air M1 fits perfectly in this segment right now. Reports in 2025 show it is still recommended as a solid budget laptop for students or general use due to its performance and battery life.
For tasks like blogging, YouTube editing, digital marketing, or online courses — it is still a value-for-money Apple laptop.
Should You Buy MacBook Air M1 in 2025?
You can buy it if:
- You are a student
- You are a blogger or content creator
- You work from home
- You need long battery life
- You want a budget MacBook
Avoid it if:
- You do heavy video editing
- You need gaming
- You use advanced coding tools
- You want future-proof specs for 5–6 years
What Happens Next?
Apple may stop official support for older models in coming years, but macOS updates are still expected for some more time. Many experts believe the M1 MacBook Air will continue to work smoothly for daily use for the next few years.
Read More : Samsung Galaxy Book 5 After 3 Months
FAQ
Is MacBook Air M1 still good in 2025?
Yes, for daily tasks like office work, browsing, editing, and studying, it still performs very smoothly.
Can MacBook Air M1 handle video editing?
Yes, it can handle light 4K editing. But heavy editing may require 16GB RAM.
How long does the battery last in 2025?
You can expect around 8–12 hours depending on usage.
Is 8GB RAM enough in 2025?
For normal users, yes. But for developers or video editors, 16GB is better.
Is it good for students in India?
Yes, it is still one of the best Apple laptops for students due to performance and battery life.