Apple’s M4 MacBook Air was launched in March 2024, a couple of 12 months after the M3 model was launched. Apple seems to be on a yearly cycle with the MacBook Air, and the following era may very well be launched subsequent spring. This text will preserve observe of what’s being reported, in addition to supply a perspective primarily based on Apple’s present lineup.
M4 MacBook Air: Specs
Earlier than we get into the M5 MacBook Air, listed here are the costs for the present commonplace configurations of the M4 MacBook Air, for reference.
| MacBook Air mannequin | U.S. | Uk | Canada | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13in, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD | $999 | £999 | $1,399 | $1,699 |
| 13in, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD | $1,199 | £1,199 | $1,699 | $1,999 |
| 13in, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD | $1,399 | £1,399 | $1,999 | $2,299 |
| 15in, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD | $1,199 | £1,199 | $1,699 | $2,099 |
| 15in, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD | $1,399 | £1,399 | $1,999 | $2,399 |
| 15in, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD | $1,599 | £1,599 | $2,299 | $2,699 |
M5 MacBook Air: Launch date
- Anticipated within the first half of 2026
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported in March 2025 that Apple is engaged on the M5 MacBook Air, however didn’t point out when it might be prepared. However we will guess primarily based on the provision of the M5 collection of chips. A latest report said that the M5 iPad Professional and M5 MacBook Professional may ship within the second half of 2025, which suggests the Air would ship three to 6 months later.
If the M5 iPad Professional and MacBook Professional are launched in October or November of this 12 months, then we’ll in all probability see the M5 MacBook Air within the first half of 2026.
M5 MacBook Air: Design and options
- M5 chip improve and little else
With the M4 MacBook Air, Apple upgraded the chip from the M3 to the M4, the built-in digital camera to a 12MP Heart Stage digital camera, and the ports from Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 4, and launched a Sky Blue coloration to interchange House Grey. The brand new M5 fashions additionally had the identical increased 16GB RAM configuration that Apple launched halfway by the M4 cycle.
With all these latest modifications in thoughts, the M5 MacBook Air doesn’t have a lot else that clearly wants an improve. So, the following MacBook Air will doubtless be little greater than a processor refresh.
The one specification that we’d prefer to see change is the bottom configuration for the SSD. It’s set at 256GB, which we expect is on the small aspect. Nonetheless, contemplating how lengthy it took for Apple to do away with the 8GB RAM configuration, Apple could stick to the 256GB SSD base mannequin for a pair extra generations.
Apple launched Sky Blue as a coloration possibility with the M4 MacBook Air.
Eugen Wegmann
The present design for the MacBook Air was launched in 2022. Because it’s only some years outdated, we don’t anticipate it to alter with the M5 launch.
The rumor mill has reported on plans for the corporate to implement OLED shows in its MacBooks, with the MacBook Professional getting the brand new show first, however that in all probability gained’t occur till 2026. The MacBook Air may comply with in 2027, however it’s additionally attainable Apple will proceed to supply the usual Liquid Retina show to maintain the strains separate, as with the iPhone and iPad.
M5 MacBook Air: Value
When it launched the M4 MacBook Air, Apple additionally lower the worth of all fashions by $100, bringing the entry-level mannequin all the way down to $999.
We haven’t learn any stories concerning the pricing for the M5 MacBook Air. Apple will doubtless supply related configurations to the M4, however it stays to be seen if the brand new decrease costs will stay. The specter of tariffs by the U.S. authorities is a looming subject, which may have an effect on costs. Apple may additionally preserve the M4 round at $999 and begin the M5 Airs at $1,099 like earlier than.
