At $150 off, the new MacBook Air is now cheaper than last year’s model
Source: The Verge
Both the 13‑inch and 15‑inch MacBook Air models have dropped to new low prices.
Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge
Pricing and Availability
13‑inch MacBook Air (M5)
| Retail | Discounted |
|---|---|
| $1,099 (Best Buy) | $949 |
| $1,099 (Amazon) | $949 |
| $1,099 (B&H Photo) | $1,049 |
15‑inch MacBook Air (M5)
| Retail | Discounted |
|---|---|
| $1,299 (Amazon) | $1,149 |
| $1,299 (Best Buy) | $1,149 |
You can purchase the 13‑inch model with an M5 chip, 16 GB RAM, and a 512 GB SSD for $949.99 (a $150 discount) at Amazon and Best Buy. The 15‑inch version, which adds a louder six‑speaker system, is also $150 off, starting at $1,149 at the same retailers.
Performance
The latest MacBook Air is Apple’s fastest entry‑level laptop to date. It ships with double the storage of its predecessor and features significantly faster read/write speeds that rival the M5‑powered MacBook Pro. In real‑world testing, 1,000 × 50‑MP RAW images were imported into Lightroom Classic while simultaneously:
- Exporting a 4K video in Premiere
- Downloading a game on Steam
- Keeping 17 Chrome tabs open
The system slowed noticeably but did not crash, demonstrating strong multitasking capability.
Battery Life and Features
- Battery: Up to 14 hours of use on a single charge, matching the previous generation.
- Camera: 12‑MP Center Stage webcam, one of the best laptop cameras available.
- Connectivity: Supports Wi‑Fi 7 for future‑proof wireless performance.
These attributes make the Air a solid all‑rounder for everyday work, streaming, and even some graphics‑heavy tasks.
Verdict
If you’re upgrading from an older MacBook Air (M1 or earlier) or another entry‑level laptop, the new M5‑powered MacBook Air offers a worthwhile performance boost, longer battery life, and a compelling price after the $150 discount.
Read our M5‑powered MacBook Air review.