Technology

iRobot doesn't participate in CES, so we don't typically get much new Roomba hype in late winter like we do for some of its competitors.

But for iRobot this year, skipping out on CES doesn't mean skipping out on that prime spring cleaning spotlight. iRobot announced four new series of Roombas on March 11 — and it's not like a Roomba drop you've ever seen before. Prices range from $299 to $999, with all models opening for preorder at irobot.com on March 18 and shipping beginning on March 23.

iRobot was clearly over having blindspots in its lineup

Roombas have always been a staple in the robot vacuum market because iRobot is often the first brand to bring innovative new robot vacuum features to the mainstream. Everyone was wowed by a robot vacuum that could remember a map of your home or empty itself with the i7+ in 2018, or a robot vacuum that could avoid phone chargers with the j7 in 2021.

But iRobot tends to plateau after that rush wears off. Other big robot vacuum brands catch up and make those once-fancy features available at lower price points, and both the cheapest and the fanciest Roombas alike struggle to be a bang for your buck. iRobot heard those qualms and did something — a lot of things, actually — about it.

SEE ALSO: Need a robot vacuum that actually works on carpet? These 3 performed the best in my home.

I think that this 2025 Roomba showcase has more variety and depth than all Roomba drops from the past few years combined — you could probably go as far as to call it a full overhaul of the Roomba family tree. With circular LiDAR laser towers sitting atop most of the new models and each coming in a white option, there's little resemblance to be seen to the older Roombas.

In total, there are eight new Roombas falling under four different umbrellas: the Roomba 105 or 205, or Roomba Plus 405 or 505. White Roombas are finally an option now for anyone who just doesn't vibe with the black plasticky look. Some mop, some self-empty, some do both, offering opportunities to mix and match the features you prioritize with a price point that feels comfy. One crucial robot vacuum feature applies across the board, though: smart mapping.

Let's get into the differences between the 2025 Roombas.

New budget Roomba: Roomba 105 Series Credit: iRobot Credit: iRobot

• Roomba 105 (standalone) — $299

• Roomba 105 with AutoEmpty dock — $449

• Roomba 105 Combo (standalone) — $319

• Roomba 105 Combo with AutoEmpty dock — $469

While the mid-range to high-end Roombas at least start off being groundbreaking, the low-end cheap Roombas have had a history of being underwhelming from the jump. For instance, iRobot ushered in two new budget Roombas in April 2024 — neither of which had smart mapping, both of which retailed at $250 or more. The Combo 2 Essential, which does mop and self-empty but still doesn't smart map, later debuted at $424.99. At this point in the game, a robot vacuum that just bumps around and hopes to get to the right spot is all but guaranteed to be more trouble than it's worth, especially if you're paying more than, like, $100.

SEE ALSO: Honest review of Ruggable: Are the washable rugs worth the price?

The new Roomba 105 series is a much smarter option for the $300 to $500 range. All 105 models are equipped with LiDAR-powered smart mapping to clean specific rooms on command. Compared to the older mid-range Roomba i3 and i5 models, the Roomba 105s use a four-stage cleaning system instead of three-stage, offering up to 70 times the suction power compared to the old base-tier 600 series Roombas.

If you're on a budget, there's still a lot of room for customization within your Roomba 105 purchase. The two without Combo in the title don't mop, but one of the non-Combos does still offer automatic emptying. Alternatively, you could save money and space by choosing a Combo version without the AutoEmpty dock.

New mid-tier Roomba: Roomba 205 Series Credit: iRobot Credit: iRobot

• Roomba 205 DustCompactor Vac — $449

• Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo — $469

The Roomba 205 DustCompactor series was blessed with the coolest innovation on this list, providing a much-needed alternative to bulky self-emptying docks for people who live in small spaces. Rather than trying to squeeze a self-empty canister into the most compact dock possible, iRobot found a way to simply compact the dust itself. As debris is sucked in, the Roomba 205 condenses it, enough to leave you off the hook from emptying the onboard dust bin for up to 60 days.

With a dock no bigger than your average box of tissues and the Roomba itself omitting the LiDAR tower to stay flat on top, this is a rare option that can be fully stored under a TV stand, credenza, or even a bed — without having to give up the convenience of automatic "emptying."

The Roomba 205 DustCompactor also uses the upgraded four-stage cleaning system and can be purchased in a Combo or non-Combo version.

New premium Roombas: Roomba Plus 405 Combo and 505 Combo The Roomba Plus 405 Combo. Credit: iRobot The Roomba Plus 505 Combo. Credit: iRobot

• Roomba Plus 405 Combo + AutoWash Dock — $799

• Roomba Plus 505 Combo + AutoWash Dock — $999

These last two Roomba releases aren't the first time we've seen the AutoWash Dock from iRobot, but they do mark the first time we've seen a Roomba with self-washing and drying mopping pads debut under $1,000 (or under $800, in the 405's case). This is the meshing of premium maintenance features and practical prices that we've been itching to see from iRobot for years.

Both the 405 and 505 ditch the retractable mopping arm that is iRobot's claim to fame on the Combo j7, j9, and 10 Max lines. In its place are two spinning mopping pads, or what iRobot is referring to as DualClean. In my briefing on these products with iRobot, I learned that the company has found that customers find this dual-spinning pad system to scrub more reliably than one big, flat pad.

SEE ALSO: Dyson's cheapest laser vacuum made me feel bad about my dirty floors...in a good way

One main difference between the 405 and 505 models is that the spinning pads on the Roomba Plus 505 use iRobot's PerfectEdge technology, meaning they can swing out from under the circular vacuum to mop along edges and in corners. This hinged pad design is one I've experienced in a few Roborock models now, and the attention to detail has been a game changer for me, especially near the kitchen counters. That's the true wall-to-wall robot vacuum experience.

The Roomba Plus 505 also incorporates another navigational non-negotiable of mine: small obstacle avoidance. Because robot vacuums with this technology can avoid random clutter on the floor like charging cords, loose laundry, and pet waste, you can start a spontaneous cleaning without having to tidy up the floor first. I've tested a ton of robot vacuums with this capability in the past two years, but iRobot's PrecisionVision obstacle avoidance has consistently been the most accurate. While several Roombas at multiple price points can already do this, the Roomba Plus 505 Combo is the only Roomba under $1,000 to offer this and the AutoWash Dock. The other option is the Combo 10 Max, which retails for $1,399.

It's easy to get lost in a clear night sky full of stars. It can feel like a random mess of lights without a little guidance. Once you're able to identify a few constellations though, the sky starts making a lot more sense.

The Moon passes right in front of a star or planet, making it disappear for a little while. This is called a lunar occultation. They happen pretty often, though most people wouldn't notice. Unlike eclipses, which get all the attention, occultations are quick and subtle. Here's what you need to know.

It's always good to see companies stay on top of zero-days—you can't help them, but you want to minimize the amount of users that can be affected by this. Now, Apple has just fixed a zero-day vulnerability on WebKit, and it's actually a pretty interesting one.

Plugable now sells a 5Gbps Ethernet to USB-C adapter for just $38. The company is also introducing its first Thunderbolt 5 cable, which is (thankfully) far less expensive than Apple's TB5 cable.

Despite a slow launch in 2019, Apple TV+ has blossomed into an excellent streaming service with plenty of critically acclaimed TV shows. Whether you're seeking feel-good comedy, thrilling drama, or innovative sci-fi, you're well catered for.

Many interactive installations at the annual XR Experience at SXSW offer a mix of the experimental and the emotional. But in 2025, few offer a wilder ride on these two tracks than Traces: The Grief Processor, an interactive VR installation from Vali Fugulin and Couzin Films.

Unlike many XR Experience projects that lean into spectacle, Traces is quiet and intimate. It’s a multi-user VR experience where four participants step into a space shaped by those who came before them.

And while Traces isn't a substitute for therapy, it is a unique, almost playful way to process your grief — no matter what kind of grief you happen to be experiencing.

Traces makes this clear right at the start, with a deeply personal choice. You’re asked to share a photo that stirs feelings of grief, whether that's a loved one, a lost moment, or something else entirely. You also enter a short phrase, something you’d tell yourself to ease that emotion.

SEE ALSO: When virtual reality meets psychedelic therapy

These elements become a permanent part of Traces, layering on the experience with the echoes of previous users. "During the pandemic, as I grappled with profound grief, I found myself yearning for connection, yet unsure how to express my sorrow," Fugulin says in a statement.

Fugulin says Traces isn’t about mourning recent losses; she even cautions against using photos of someone who just passed. But that didn’t stop attendees from being visibly moved. One teary-eyed user thanked Fugulin and producer Ziad Touma after the session.

And while I haven’t faced a major loss recently, I still found myself caught up in the experience. My contribution was a photo of my cat, because I felt guilty leaving him to attend SXSW.

Others shared snapshots from past vacations or younger versions of themselves — grieving not just people but places, memories, and versions of their own lives that no longer exist. And that’s the point.

As Fugulin puts it, grief isn’t just about death. It’s about change, about time, about the things we can’t get back. And in Traces, those fragments of loss become something new — woven together in a virtual space where grief isn’t just personal but shared.

The journey of Traces is led by Fugulin and her longtime friend, Quebecois actor and ritualist Stéphane Crête. The pair craft a documentary-style VR experience that feels both intimate and immersive — a rare combination at SXSW.

Without giving too much away, Traces invites you into something personal, reflective, and unexpectedly moving. You won’t walk away disappointed — and you might just learn something about yourself in the process.

New iPhones updates are automatically enabling AI-powered Apple Intelligence functionality, even for people who already switched it off. It’s not clear if this is a bug or intended behavior, but either way, it’s getting to be annoying.

Got a used hard drive and want to know its age? Or have you been using it for years and starting to wonder how much longer it will last? Here are a few ways to determine the age of your hard drive.

Wide monitors have earned a place in not only the hearts of gamers, but also the hearts of everyone who values extra productivity. They're great for work and, basically, a great addition to anyone's setup. This monitor by Alienware tends to be pretty expensive, but you can now have it for a really juicy discount.

The Copilot app for Windows now has a keyboard shortcut for opening voice mode, allowing you to talk to the AI chatbot without a bunch of clicks. It's a bit of a throwback to the conversation mode in Windows 10's Cortana voice assistant.

Your Mac is better for gaming than you give it credit for, and it’s only getting better with each new macOS release. Here are some features you might have missed.

TikTok is once again expanding its parental control options, launching new Family Pairing features that allow parents and guardians greater control over screen time and access to their kids' followers.

SEE ALSO: Apple's child safety changes put more of the onus on app developers

The app's updated supervision feature lets parents of teen users view their children's followers and the accounts they follow in return, as well as any accounts their teen has blocked. Later this year, TikTok will release an additional feature that allows teens to notify their parents or caregivers when they report a video.

Parents will have more options to limit their teens' screen time with the new Time Away feature, as well, which lets parents block app access for select hours during the day. Parents can also elect their teen into reoccurring, scheduled access, and are given the power to approve teen requests for extended screen time. If a teens opens the app during an unscheduled time, they will be alerted by a pop-up and won't be able to access the app without permission.

In addition, the platform says teens can expect additional "Wind Down" reminders for users under 18 years old (TikTok allows users as young as 13) who are on the app after 10 p.m., part of its larger array of screen time reminders and a platform-wide emphasis on mindfulness and mental health.

Credit: TikTok

“TikTok’s latest iteration of its parental controls and online safety tools is a welcome development for families looking to both protect their children from harm and empower them as responsible digital citizens," said Stephen Balkam, CEO and Founder of the Family Online Safety Institute, in a press release. "Most importantly, these tools give parents greater support in fostering open, ongoing conversations about their children’s technology use."

Overall, TikTok has taken longer than some of its other competitors, like Meta, to implement such monitoring tools. TikTok has previously released features like screen time limits, direct messaging controls, and content restrictions, responding to widespread concern about the effect of the social media platform on teen users' mental health.

TL;DR: Live stream Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Bayern dominated the first leg of their Champions League matchup with Leverkusen, coming out 3-0 winners at home. Leverkusen will need to do something special in the second leg if they stand any chance of progressing into the quarter finals. But this is the Champions League. Anything is possible.

If you want to watch Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich?

Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on March 11. This fixture takes place at the BayArena.

How to watch Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich for free

Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Ireland

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

5. Watch Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Virgin Media Player, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Liverpool vs. PSG in the Champions League for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Liverpool weathered the storm in their first-leg Champions League matchup against PSG, and then went and won the game against the run of play. It was a real snatch and grab performance from the Premier League leaders, and now they hold a 1-0 advantage as they return home for the second leg.

If you want to watch Liverpool vs. PSG in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Liverpool vs. PSG?

Liverpool vs. PSG in the Champions League starts at 8 p.m. GMT on March 11. This fixture takes place at Anfield.

How to watch Liverpool vs. PSG for free

Liverpool vs. PSG is available to live stream on Prime Video in the UK, but you don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this fixture. Instead, you can watch Liverpool vs. PSG (plus more Champions League fixtures) for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

Fans from outside the UK will need to use a VPN to watch the Champions League for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:

1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

3. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

5. Watch Liverpool vs. PSG for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Liverpool vs. PSG on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Champions League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Prime Video, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Liverpool vs. PSG in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

Tesla stock is plummeting.

Elon Musk's EV car company had its worst day on the stock market since September 2020. All of Tesla's post-election gains on the market have been completely wiped out.

Musk broke his silence after the markets closed on Monday.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

 "It will be fine long-term," he said in a reply to a user referencing the biggest single-day drops in Tesla stock history.

While Musk attempts to calm investors, it's clear that Tesla may very well be in trouble.

Tesla is currently facing a large boycott campaign over Musk's ties to President Donald Trump and the far-right. Musk's advocacy for Trump may have been good for his companies in the short term right after the election, but it appears Trump's presidency has been unpopular so far – at least with Tesla's potential consumer base.

Musk directly getting involved as a special government employee with the Trump administration's DOGE has put the Tesla CEO directly involved with dismantling government agencies and programs that many people in the U.S. and around the world depend on.

As a result of all of this, Tesla's sales have been dropping globally, with dramatic decreases in Tesla purchases as high as 76 percent in some countries like Germany. Tesla owners have been reportedly selling their vehicles to avoid being mistaken as a supporter of Musk's politics.

Protests have been popping up around the world at Tesla's showrooms. The situation has been escalating to the point where people are vandalizing Tesla vehicles and charging stations to show their disapproval of Musk.

President Trump is now stepping in to defend Musk and Tesla directly.

On Monday night, Trump declared that activists were trying to "illegally and collusively boycott Tesla," which Trump called Musk's "baby."

"I’m going to buy a brand new Tesla tomorrow morning as a show of confidence and support for Elon Musk, a truly great American," Trump said.

Mashable notes that as of Tuesday morning Trump has offered up no evidence that he followed through with his pledge to buy a Tesla vehicle.

As for Musk, he's spent the day personally thanking his fans, such as conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, for voicing their support for Tesla on his social media platform X.

"I FULLY, 1000 PERCENT SUPPORT DOGE AND I AM BUYING MORE TESLA STOCK!!" posted comedian Rob Schneider.

Musk replied to Schneider with a heart emoji.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Google Maps Timeline is a handy feature (with some privacy compromises) that lets you relive your past travels. However, it’s currently experiencing a pretty major hiccup. Some users are reporting that their Timeline history has vanished without a trace.

Pocket Casts' web and desktop clients no longer require a subscription or login. The company previously charged $4 a month for web and desktop access, though its mobile apps has been free of charge since 2019.

TL;DR: Use code FAMPLAN to grab AdGuard's ad-blocker, malware protection, and more for nine devices for only A$25.

It seems as though ads run your life, popping up as unskippable video ads on YouTube or targeted promos that make it seem as though your phone is actually listening to your conversations. Rather than dealing with pesky ads for another day, invest in AdGuard.

The AdGuard Family Plan could be your permanent solution for banishing ads — as well as a smart addition that protects your devices and prevents malware and online trackers from ruining your digital experience. Grab lifetime access for only A$25 (down from A$63) with code FAMPLAN when you checkout at the Mashable Shop.

All-in-one ad-blocking and privacy protection

AdGuard handily eliminates ads from your devices, so it's no surprise that it boasts 1,400+ five-star ratings. It's designed to remove distracting banners, intrusive pop-ups, or irritating YouTube ads for pet food, but you can also create filters to customize your experience on different platforms and manually block any missed ads.

In addition to streamlining your browsing, streaming, and gaming, AdGuard acts as a digital bodyguard, shielding your digital activity from trackers and analyzers. It even protects your devices from harmful malware and phishing scams, keeping your digital world safe and secure.

Since this AdGuard plan works on up to nine devices — including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS — simultaneously, it's perfect for families. Those with children will also appreciate this ad-blocker's parental controls. You'll be able to restrict content that's inappropriate for your kids, ensuring they can only watch Peppa Pig, Bluey, and other child-friendly content.

Ditch the ads and protect your browsing by grabbing this AdGuard Family Plan lifetime subscription for nine devices, now just A$25 when you use code FAMPLAN at checkout.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Apple announced the MacBook Air M4 a week ago, and as per the norm, people are clamoring to learn more about Apple’s new, more affordable laptop. Reviews have already sprung up across the Internet from the likes of CNET, MKBHD, and Ars Technica, among others. 

There’s good reason to be excited. In our hands-on, Mashable’s Stan Schroeder noted the familiar feel of the modern MacBook Air family while also praising Apple for finally including 16GB of RAM on the base model. For the most part, the M4 MacBook Air appears to focus  mostly on refining previous iterations  while remaining ultraportable.

So, with a mix of some new features  while also including a lot of similarities to  prior releases, reviewers at times criticized  Apple’s aging design while remaining enthusiastic about some of the upgrades. We encourage you to seek out reviews but if you want a TL;DR, here are the biggest things reviewers liked and disliked about Apple’s new Macbook Air. 

4 things reviewers liked about the MacBook Air M4

Overall, reviews for the MacBook Air M4 were staggeringly positive. Apple has always been pretty consistent about delivering a complete product, and that’s the general sentiment of reviewers across the Internet. However, here were some things that especially stood out about the M4 to reviewers. 

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it

It’s true that Apple only updates its laptop chassis about once every half-decade or so. Thus, the first thing you may notice about the MacBook Air M4 is that it looks strikingly like the MacBook Air M3 and the M2. We’ll talk more about Apple’s penchant for reusing its designs later, but for the vast majority of reviews, everyone appears to be cool with it. 

Gizmodo notes that the latest MacBook Air still feels good to use while maintaining a solid display and sound quality from the speakers. The M4 also carries over the quiet, fanless design from prior models, which PCMag was happy to see in their review. (Full disclosure: PCMag is owned by Ziff Davis, the same parent company as Mashable.) Wired echoed this sentiment, stating that Apple reached peak MacBook Air design with the M3 model and that carries over to the M4. 

In short, there wasn’t much in the way of negativity when it comes to the basics of the MacBook Air. The keyboard, screen, speakers, and overall design are still highlights, giving consumers a very portable package that still looks and feels good to use. About the only complaint here is the notch for the front-facing camera, which is still as intrusive as it was on the M2 and M3. 

The spec upgrades were a long time coming

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the M4 is faster than the M3, as that tends to happen when new chips come out. For the record, the PCMag notes that the M4 boosts AI performance by a significant percentage, while SixColors did benchmarks to show that it was overall faster than the M3 processor. So, the performance gains are quite good and worthy of praise all on their own.

However, the inclusion of the M4 took a backseat to another performance-related upgrade that users and reviewers alike have been begging Apple to include for a few years now. 

That change is the upgrade to 16GB of RAM on the base model of the MacBook Air M4. This is a big deal, as prior base models made do with 8GB. In a fast-paced technological landscape where a single browser tab can eat a couple of GB worth of RAM and AI applications can take up even more, doubling the RAM on the most budget-friendly models signals that Apple really does listen to its customers sometimes. Every reviewer we saw praised the change.

SEE ALSO: Apple announces MacBook Air with M4 chip for less than $1,000 Better cameras, better displays

The one big change to Apple’s formula that reviewers talked about was the upgraded front-facing camera. It has been upgraded to 12 MP from the 1080p camera that was featured on the MacBook Air M3. Along with the boost to the megapixels, the webcam also features Apple’s Center Stage and Desk View features. 

Desk View uses the wide angle on the 12 MP camera to show your face and your desktop at the same time, while Center Stage uses that same wide angle to keep the user centered in the frame while in voice calls. Some reviewers like Wired and MKBHD turned the software features off, but Wired was appreciative of the higher resolution.

It’s a small thing, but Ars Technica noted the differences in quality are noticeable if you look close enough. SixColors noted that the camera is much better in low light than its predecessor. In short, the new webcam is sharper and better, albeit not by a whole bunch. However, it does keep pace with the MacBook Pro M4, which received the same upgrade when it came out last year.

In addition, nearly every review praised the MacBook Air for its newfound ability to connect two 6K displays at 60 Hz without needing to turn the internal display off. 

The price tag is on point

The big narrative that all reviewers enjoyed was that Apple kept the base price of the MacBook Air M4 reasonable. It starts at the same price as the MacBook Air M3, which is $999 for the 13-inch model and $1,199 for the 15-inch model. 

Reviewers praised Apple for keeping the price the same between generations. In prior years, the price for a base MacBook Air has fluctuated quite a bit. The MacBook Air M1 went for the usual $999 before Apple bumped up the price for the M2 to $1,199. This was a complaint several people had at the time, and Apple brought the price back down to $999 for the M3 model and appears to be keeping it for the M4 model as well.

So, in short, you can get all of the above upgrades along with Apple’s already excellent design, screen, and speakers for under $1,000 before tax. Most reviewers agree that this makes it the best MacBook for typical use and that an upgrade to a MacBook Pro is only really needed for more hardcore use cases. 

SEE ALSO: Hands on with the M4 MacBook Air: The sky blue color is SO subtle 4 things reviewers didn’t like about the MacBook Air M4

No product is perfect, even if it’s from Apple, and reviewers made sure to issue grievances to make sure people know that. Reviewers noted a few disappointments, although none of them appear to be deal-breakers. In any case, let’s not bury the lede too far here and get right into it. 

That blue ain’t blue

Apple introduced a new Sky Blue colorway for the MacBook Air M4, and its reception has been lukewarm at best. Virtually all reviewers note that it’s basically a cold silver color, or silver with just a hint of blue. In fact, here at Mashable we had to put the blue MacBook Air next to a standard silver MacBook to see the difference, as it’s not immediately evident under certain lighting conditions. 

That isn’t to say that it looks bad, but some reviewers wished the blue had been a bit more saturated. Gizmodo compared the blue to Microsoft’s Surface Pro and noted that the Pro was what they would consider blue, whereas the sky blue MacBook was more silver with a blue tint. CNN wrote in its review that it would’ve called the color ice blue instead of sky blue.

While all reviewers noted the subtlety of the blue, not all of them disliked it. Ars Technica said they liked the subtle blue as an extra option alongside Apple’s three typical colors. Wired noted that the sky blue color made them wish Apple had even more color options to compete with the classic Apple silver, gold, and black. In short, we recommend looking at it in a store before buying so you know what kind of blue you’re getting. 

Apple Announces new Sky Blue M4 MacBook Air

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— Basic Apple Guy (@basicappleguy.com) March 5, 2025 at 9:16 AM The RAM is good, but not the storage

Several reviewers noted that while Apple finally increased the RAM to 16GB, the storage remained at a less-than-stellar 256 GB on the base model MacBook Air M4. The issue here is fairly evident. That amount of storage simply doesn’t get you as far as it used to.

There are myriad reasons for this depending on how you use your laptop. Modern AI applications can take up dozens of GBs, if not more, with add-ons and extras. Modern MacBooks also come with AI Intelligence baked in, which eats into the storage before users have a chance to install anything. Software isn’t getting any smaller either. 

Anyone shopping for a MacBook Air and thinking of taking Apple up on any of its expensive upgrades, storage might be the first one we’d look to do.

It’s a boring laptop

It’s unreasonable to expect a flashy new product every 365 days, but that doesn’t make it any less boring when companies don’t do it. While most reviewers praised Apple for putting together a complete package, there isn’t too much about the MacBook Air M4 that separates it from the MacBook Air M3 (or even the M2) except for the upgrades listed above. 

Thus, a lot of the pros and cons are the same as in prior years. The latest MacBook Air has the same number of ports (sans the addition of a MagSafe charging port), the same scissor-switch chicklet keyboard, the same large but exceptionally functional trackpad, and the same overall design. 

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it didn’t give reviewers a lot to latch onto when it came to reviewing the laptop. Ars Technica noted that they had no additional notes, while MKBHD called his review of the MacBook Air M4 “too easy.” CNN said it was “the best boring laptop” they’d ever used. It’s still quite good, but MacBook M2 or M3 users looking for something more splashy will have to look to the MacBook Pro to get something super different. 

The 15-inch model is more comfortable

This one isn’t specific to the MacBook Air M4, but a few reviewers said that they would prefer the 15-inch model over the 13-inch model for the sake of comfort. Namely, CNET and CNN noted that they used the 15-inch model more during reviews. (Full disclosure: CNET is owned by Ziff Davis, the same parent company as Mashable.) The reason is that the 15-inch model can fit more stuff on the screen comfortably, while the keyboard deck is a little bigger, allowing for more comfortable use. 

This isn’t intrinsic to Apple, though, and is a common theme among smaller laptops. There are plenty of good 13-inch laptops on the market, and they’re superior for portability, especially for students and business travelers. However, there is no denying that those extra two inches of space make for a more comfortable experience. So, if you’re shopping around, make sure to try out both to see if you can live with the 13-inch model.