Apple has announced a new generation of MacBook Air powered by its M5 chip, introducing performance upgrades, expanded storage options, and improved wireless connectivity. The updated laptop will be available in 13-inch and 15-inch models.
According to the company, the new MacBook Air is designed to deliver faster everyday computing and improved support for artificial intelligence workloads. The M5 chip features a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU, with a Neural Accelerator integrated into each graphics core. Apple says this enables significant gains in AI processing, graphics rendering, and multitasking compared with previous M-series models.
Performance and Hardware Upgrades
The M5 processor brings enhancements in both computing and graphics performance, including support for advanced ray tracing and improved shader cores. Apple reports that the chip offers up to four times faster AI task performance compared with the M4-based MacBook Air, and up to 9.5 times faster than models using the M1 chip, depending on the workload.
The company has also increased memory bandwidth to 153GB/s, a 28 percent improvement over the previous generation. This is intended to support smoother multitasking and faster application launches.
Storage has been upgraded across the lineup. All models now start with 512GB of solid-state storage, double that of the previous generation, and can be configured with up to 4TB. Apple says the new SSD offers up to twice the read and write speeds of earlier versions.
Display, Design, and Connectivity
The latest MacBook Air retains its thin, fanless aluminum design and is available in four colors: sky blue, midnight, starlight, and silver. Both models feature Liquid Retina displays, measuring 13.6 inches and 15.3 inches respectively, with 500 nits of brightness and support for over one billion colors.
Other hardware features include:
- A 12MP Center Stage webcam with Desk View support
- A three-microphone array and Spatial Audio-compatible speakers
- Up to 18 hours of battery life
- Two Thunderbolt 4 ports and MagSafe charging
- Support for up to two external displays
Wireless connectivity is upgraded through Apple’s new N1 chip, enabling Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 for faster and more reliable connections.
Software and AI Features
The new MacBook Air ships with macOS Tahoe, which introduces interface customization options and new productivity tools. The operating system integrates Apple Intelligence features, including live translation, enhanced reminders, and automation tools powered by on-device AI models.
Continuity features remain a key focus, allowing users to handle phone calls, notifications, and live activities from nearby iPhones. Apple has also added an “Edge Light” effect for video calls, designed to improve facial lighting in low-light environments.
Tech Specs
| Specification | 13-inch MacBook Air | 15-inch MacBook Air |
|---|---|---|
| Finishes | Sky Blue, Silver, Starlight, Midnight | Sky Blue, Silver, Starlight, Midnight |
| Starting Price | $1,099 | $1,299 |
| Chip | Apple M5 10-core CPU (4P + 6E) 8-core GPU (configurable 10-core) Neural Accelerators Ray tracing 16-core Neural Engine 153GB/s memory bandwidth | Apple M5 10-core CPU (4P + 6E) 10-core GPU Neural Accelerators Ray tracing 16-core Neural Engine 153GB/s memory bandwidth |
| Media Engine | H.264, HEVC, ProRes, ProRes RAW Video encode/decode AV1 decode | H.264, HEVC, ProRes, ProRes RAW Video encode/decode AV1 decode |
| Memory | 16GB unified (configurable 24GB/32GB) | 16GB unified (configurable 24GB/32GB) |
| Storage | 512GB SSD (configurable 1TB/2TB/4TB) | 512GB SSD (configurable 1TB/2TB/4TB) |
| Display | 13.6″ Liquid Retina 2560×1664, 224 PPI 500 nits, Wide P3, True Tone, 1B colors | 15.3″ Liquid Retina 2880×1864, 224 PPI 500 nits, Wide P3, True Tone, 1B colors |
| Battery & Power | Up to 18h video, 15h web 53.8‑Wh battery 40W USB-C adapter (fast-charge 70W+) | Up to 18h video, 15h web 66.5‑Wh battery 40W USB-C adapter (fast-charge 70W+) |
| Charging & Ports | MagSafe 3 3.5mm headphone 2× Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) | MagSafe 3 3.5mm headphone 2× Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) |
| External Display | 2× 6K@60Hz or 4K@144Hz 1× 8K@60Hz / 5K@120Hz / 4K@240Hz | 2× 6K@60Hz or 4K@144Hz 1× 8K@60Hz / 5K@120Hz / 4K@240Hz |
| Video Playback | HEVC, H.264, AV1, ProRes HDR10/10+/HLG, Dolby Vision | HEVC, H.264, AV1, ProRes HDR10/10+/HLG, Dolby Vision |
| Audio Playback | AAC, MP3, ALAC, FLAC, Dolby Digital/Atmos | AAC, MP3, ALAC, FLAC, Dolby Digital/Atmos |
| Keyboard & Trackpad | Backlit Magic Keyboard Touch ID Force Touch trackpad | Backlit Magic Keyboard Touch ID Force Touch trackpad |
| Wireless | Apple N1 chip Wi-Fi 7 Bluetooth 6 | Apple N1 chip Wi-Fi 7 Bluetooth 6 |
| Camera | 12MP Center Stage, Desk View 1080p HD | 12MP Center Stage, Desk View 1080p HD |
| Audio System | Four speakers Spatial Audio Three-mic array 3.5mm headphone jack | Six speakers w/ force-cancelling woofers Spatial Audio Three-mic array 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Size & Weight | H: 0.44″ W: 11.97″ D: 8.46″ Weight: 2.7 lbs (1.23 kg) | H: 0.45″ W: 13.40″ D: 9.35″ Weight: 3.3 lbs (1.51 kg) |
| Operating System | macOS Tahoe | macOS Tahoe |
Pricing and Availability
Pre-orders for the new MacBook Air begin on March 4, with general availability starting March 11. Pricing starts at 13-inch model: $1,099 and the 15-inch model: $1,299
With faster processing, expanded storage, and updated connectivity standards, the M5-powered MacBook Air represents an incremental but notable update to Apple’s most popular laptop line. The emphasis on AI performance and wireless networking reflects the company’s broader focus on on-device intelligence and long-term platform integration.
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