How to preorder the new Apple M5 MacBook Air
Source: Mashable Tech
Apple has lightly refreshed its MacBook Air with the M5 chip, and it will be available for preorder starting tomorrow (March 4) ahead of its formal launch on March 11. This story will be updated with preorder listings from the Apple Store and its retail partners as soon as they’re live.
Availability and Pricing
- Sizes: 13‑inch and 15‑inch models
- Starting prices: $1,099 (13‑inch) and $1,299 (15‑inch)
- Education discount: $999 and $1,199 respectively
The base M5 MacBook Air comes with 512 GB of storage—double the 256 GB option that was available on the M4 generation (the 256 GB configuration is no longer offered). Storage options max out at 4 TB, up from a 2 TB limit on the previous models.
Specifications
- Processor: M5 with 10‑core CPU and up to a 10‑core GPU
- Display: Liquid Retina, 60 Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness
- Memory: 16 GB – 32 GB RAM
- Storage: 512 GB – 4 TB SSD
- Connectivity: Wi‑Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6
- Battery life: Up to 18 hours
- Webcam: 12 MP Center Stage camera
- Ports: Two Thunderbolt 4 ports, MagSafe 3 charging port, headphone jack
- Colors: Sky blue, midnight, starlight, silver
Notably, the base M5 MacBook Air is $100 cheaper than the M4 models with the same 512 GB storage, offering better value than the previous generation, which started at $1,199–$1,399 for that SSD capacity.
Preorder Information
Preorders open tomorrow for several newly announced Apple products, including:
- iPhone 17e
- M4 iPad Air
- Studio Displays
- Upgraded MacBook Pros with the new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips (details)
Apple is also expected to announce a new budget MacBook priced around $599–$799.