New M4 MacBook Air is great, but MacBook Pro still commands Apple's laptop business

Apple's M4 MacBook Air is more powerful than ever, but the MacBook Pro still dominates the premium laptop market.

Apple's laptop lineup received significant updates recently, with both the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air transitioning to the M4 chipset. Usually, Apple's updates for Macs have been sporadic, unlike the predictable yearly cycles of the iPhone.

The MacBook Pro, which saw an update in October 2024, was quickly followed by the refreshed M4 MacBook Air models introduced in early 2025.

Historically, significant generational shifts have reshaped Apple's laptop market. The transition from Intel processors to Apple's own M-series chips dramatically boosted performance and battery efficiency, shifting consumer expectations and purchasing behavior.

Apple products have a clear hierarchy. The MacBook Pro, with its superior performance, extensive configuration options, and appeal to professionals, has consistently been popular. The Air, on the other hand, is the lightweight, budget-friendly alternative.

Mac model market share over the past year (ending in December). Image credit: CIRP

The historical data supports this trend. According to Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), laptops have consistently dominated Apple's computer sales, representing around 80% of total Mac sales for several years and peaking at 90% in 2023.

Among laptops, the MacBook Pro has continuously been the frontrunner, benefiting from early access to advanced features like Retina displays, which only made it to the MacBook Air lineup years later.

However, the gap between these two models has narrowed significantly, particularly regarding processing power. While the M4 chip is new to both models, the MacBook Pro was refreshed in October 2024, months ahead of the MacBook Air's March 2025 release.

But even with these improvements, the MacBook Air still faces a perception challenge. Despite its impressive specs and attractive $999 entry-level price point, many Apple customers view it as a "lesser" option.

Consumer and economic trends

Consumer psychology plays a pivotal role here. Apple customers often gravitate towards premium models due to perceived value and longevity. The idea of purchasing a more powerful laptop offers reassurance, despite many users never fully using those capabilities.

That thinking aligns closely with Apple's brand positioning, where owning the latest, most advanced model becomes a status symbol.

Broader economic factors also shape these purchasing decisions. In 2025, consumer spending remains cautious due to economic uncertainties like inflation and fluctuating job markets.

Buyers might favor longevity and perceived durability in premium models like the MacBook Pro, viewing them as safer investments.

M3 MacBook Pro

Incremental improvements in the M4 chips enhance processing speed, graphics, and battery life. While these upgrades boost productivity for power users, they don't really change the everyday computing experience for typical users.

So, the appeal for these upgrades may be superficial for most users.

Rivals to the MacBook

Market competition also influences Apple's strategy. Competitors like Microsoft's Surface devices and high-end Chromebooks offer compelling alternatives, often at lower price points.

Apple's premium positioning allows it to differentiate itself, but this strategy depends heavily on maintaining a perceived gap in quality and performance.

Environmental considerations also increasingly matter to consumers. Apple's sustainability initiatives, including using recycled materials and promoting energy-efficient components, add value to both MacBook lines.

The new M4 MacBook Air is compelling, but it's unlikely to replace the MacBook Pro soon. Apple consumers prefer premium positioning, and the Pro's ongoing performance and configurability advantages will likely keep it dominant for now.