The 'too powerful for its own good' M5 MacBook Air is down to its best-ever price — buy for under $950
Source: Mashable Tech
By Christina Buff – May 7, 2026
Christina Buff is a Nashville‑based freelance writer who covers shopping with a splash of entertainment. If you’re ever wondering what streaming service you need to watch something (and the cheapest way to sign up for it), she’s your girl.
Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable
Apple MacBook Air (M5, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD) – Save $150
The Apple MacBook Air (M5, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD) is back on sale for $949 at Amazon – $150 off its list price of $1,099 and its lowest price on record.
$949 – Amazon
$1,099 – List price → Save $150
When Mashable Tech Editor Tim Beck Werth tested Apple’s newest MacBook Air, he called it a “near‑perfect machine” that’s “too powerful for its own good.” It’s extremely similar to the M4 Air, but now packs Apple’s M5 silicon and comes with a steeper starting price of $1,099. “For $899, or even $949, I’d find this laptop irresistible,” Werth writes in his review.
I’m pleased to announce that his wish has been granted: the 13‑inch Apple M5 MacBook Air is now just $949 at Amazon. As of May 7 you’ll save 14 % (or $150) on the base model with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of solid‑state storage – its lowest price on record (reached only once before).
Why this deal is a steal
- The starting price for the M5 MacBook Air is technically higher than the previous generation, but you get more storage out of the box.
- The 2026 Air adds the N1 wireless chip, bringing support for Wi‑Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, and is configurable up to 4 TB (up from 2 TB).
- Core specs remain comparable to the M4:
- 60 Hz Liquid Retina display
- 12 MP Center Stage webcam
- Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports
- 18‑hour battery life
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It’s certainly not an essential upgrade if you already have an M3 or M4 MacBook Air. However, if you’re rocking an older MacBook or you’re just joining the Apple world, this is the best MacBook to get. And as Werth put it, at this price it’s irresistible.
About the Author
Christina Buff is a Nashville‑based freelance writer who covers shopping with a splash of entertainment. If you’re ever wondering what streaming service you need to watch something (and the cheapest way to sign up for it), she’s your girl.
Christina received a B.S. in Business Communication (concentration in writing) from Stevenson University and began her professional journey writing and editing press releases. Since then, she’s written content for a marketing agency, blogged for celebrities, and covered local news, politics, women’s lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and just about everything in between for various publications.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably enjoying live music, studying human design, or embroidering and up‑cycling clothes. You can follow her on Instagram at @touchinfinity.
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