The new MacBook Air M5 costs $100 more - here's what that gets you
Source: ZDNet
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Apple announces MacBook Air with M5 processor.
- It costs $100 more with faster SSD and 512 GB storage.
- It keeps the base 16 GB of unified memory.
Apple just announced its new MacBook Air with the M5 processor, refreshing its thin‑and‑light laptop lineup with the latest Apple silicon.
More expensive
The MacBook Air M5 starts at $1,099, $100 more than last year, but it now ships with 512 GB of storage—double the previous base capacity—and twice the read/write speeds. For the first time, the Air can be configured up to 4 TB of local storage.
Also: Everything Apple may unveil at its March event: MacBook M5, iPad 12, and more
The new M5 chip features a 10‑core CPU and 10‑core GPU, with Apple claiming speeds 9.5× faster than the MacBook Air M1. It also includes Apple’s N1 wireless chip, supporting Wi‑Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, while maintaining the Air’s thin, portable form factor.
Incremental upgrade
The baseline RAM remains at 16 GB, the same as the previous‑generation Air M4, bringing the Air closer to the Pro in terms of hardware. Other specs stay unchanged:
- Up to 18 hours of battery life.
- Color options: Silver, Sky Blue, Starlight, Midnight.
- 12 MP Center Stage camera.
- Two Thunderbolt 4 ports that can drive two external displays with the lid open.
Also: Apple’s new M4 iPad Air is here – and it’s twice as fast than your old M1 model
Overall, the Air receives a modest hardware bump and expanded storage options. The higher price nudges it closer to the recently updated MacBook Pro (also with M5) and may make room for a rumored budget MacBook that could be announced later this week.
Pricing and availability
- 13‑inch MacBook Air M5 – starts at $1,099.
- 15‑inch MacBook Air M5 – starts at $1,299.