Apple Refreshes MacBook Air with M5 Chip, Doubling Base Storage and Boosting AI Performance

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

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.