Apple launches M5 MacBook Air with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage
Apple announced a refreshed MacBook Air with an M5 chip, contradicting prior reports that no such update would occur. The new model starts at $1,099, a $100 increase from the M4 version’s $999 starting price.
This release reverts a price cut implemented last year and marks the first hardware update to the MacBook Air line in 2025. The price increase accompanies doubled base storage and upgraded memory specifications across the entry-level configuration.
The M5 MacBook Air delivers four times faster AI performance than the M4 model and up to 9.5 times faster performance compared to the M1 MacBook Air, the company said. The base configuration now includes 16GB of RAM with 153GB/s bandwidth, a 28 percent improvement over the previous generation. Storage is doubled to 512GB, with Apple stating the SSD offers 2x faster read/write performance than the prior model. Maximum configurations support up to 32GB of memory and 4TB of storage.
The laptop incorporates Apple’s N1 wireless chip, adding support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. It runs macOS Tahoe and supports Apple Intelligence features. The system includes a Liquid Retina display, a 12MP Center Stage camera, and a sound system with Spatial Audio support. Two Thunderbolt 4 ports allow connection to up to two external displays. Apple claims up to 18 hours of battery life on a single charge.
The M5 MacBook Air is available in 13-inch and 15-inch models, with the larger screen starting at $1,299. Color options include sky blue, midnight, starlight, and silver. Pre-orders begin on March 4 at 9:15 AM ET. The laptops will be available in stores in 33 countries and regions on March 11.