Apple has officially introduced the new MacBook Air with the M5 chip. The updated laptop comes with a slightly higher starting price, but it also doubles the base storage and adds faster wireless connectivity.
M5 MacBook Air is 100$ More Expensive, but Has Double The Storage
The new MacBook Air starts at $1,099, a $100 increase over the previous MacBook Air (M4) model.
However, Apple has increased the base storage to 512GB, up from 256GB previously. The laptop also offers faster SSD performance and can now be configured with up to 4TB of storage, doubling the previous maximum of 2TB.
Memory options remain unchanged, with configurations available at 16GB, 24GB, and 32GB
Apple now includes 16GB of RAM as standard, a significant improvement over older MacBook Air models that shipped with just 8GB at this price tier.
MacBook Air Gets a New M5 Chip and AI Improvements
The new laptop is powered by Apple’s M5 chip, which features a faster CPU and a next-generation GPU. According to Apple, each core now includes a Neural Accelerator, designed to improve AI workloads and support features powered by Apple Intelligence.
These improvements should help the MacBook Air handle creative workflows, productivity tasks, and on-device AI processing more efficiently.
Faster Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Connectivity
Apple has also upgraded wireless connectivity with the new model:
- Wi-Fi 7 replaces Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth 6 replaces Bluetooth 5.3
These upgrades are powered by Apple’s N1 wireless chip, which also appears in some of the company’s newest devices.
Same Design as the Previous Mac, and A New Charger
The MacBook Air retains its thin aluminum design, Liquid Retina display, and fanless architecture.
Other key features include:
- 12MP Center Stage camera
- Spatial Audio speakers
- Support for two external displays
- Two Thunderbolt 4 ports
- Up to 18 hours of battery life
Apple now includes a 40W Dynamic Power Adapter (60W max) in the box, replacing the previous 30W or 35W chargers.
Do You Need to Upgrade From MacBook Air M4 to Mac M5?
Compared to the MacBook Air with the M4 chip, the new M5 model offers a slight upgrade rather than a major redesign. The main differences include the newer M5 processor, faster unified memory, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support, and doubled base storage at 512GB with faster SSD speeds.
However, the overall design, display, battery life, and most hardware features remain unchanged. For most users already using the M4 model, upgrading may not be necessary, as the improvements are relatively incremental. Those using older MacBook Air models, however, may see more noticeable gains in performance, storage capacity, and connectivity if they decide to upgrade.
New MacBook Air Sizes, Colors, and Availability
The M5 MacBook Air will continue to be available in 13-inch and 15-inch models, while color options will include: Sky Blue, Midnight, Starlight, and Silver
Pre-orders of a new MacBook Air begin March 4, with general availability starting March 11.
Apple says the new MacBook Air, combined with macOS Tahoe and Apple Intelligence features, is aimed at students, professionals, and business users who want a lightweight yet powerful laptop.
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