Apple suddenly decided to delight us by introducing fresh models of its laptops. Alongside the advanced MacBook Pro 2026, the company announced the release of the MacBook Air M5 — the lightest and at the same time most powerful MacBook. In addition to replacing the processor, Apple offered more memory and also updated wireless interfaces, making Wi-Fi and Bluetooth faster and more reliable for maximum comfort while working on the laptop.
The lightweight MacBook got more powerful. Image: Apple
MacBook Air M5 Specifications
Despite the fact that the update is minor and doesn’t offer revolutionary changes, the MacBook Air 2026 specifications still deserve attention, at least in the context of comparison with last year’s MacBook Air 2025.
| Specifications | MacBook Air M5 |
|---|---|
| Display | 13.6 inches, IPS (2560×1664), 60 Hz 15.3 inches, IPS (2880×1864), 60 Hz |
| Camera | 12 MP |
| Processor | Apple M5 |
| RAM | From 16 GB to 32 GB |
| Storage | From 512 GB to 4 TB |
| Ports | 1xMagSafe 3, 1×3.5mm mini-jack, 2xUSB-C |
| Wireless Technologies | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 |
| Battery | 53.8 Wh 66.5 Wh |
| Charging | 60 W |
The key changes can be counted on the fingers of one hand, but they are important, so let’s separately discuss what’s new in the MacBook Air M5. There’s something worth paying attention to.
What’s New in MacBook Air M5
The main innovation of the MacBook Air 2026 is the Apple M5 processor. Thanks to it, the new laptop is faster than last year’s model:
- by 90% when working in Topaz Video;
- by 50% when rendering in Blender;
- by 50% in Affinity.
Furthermore, Apple claims that with the new chip, the MacBook Air M5 provides 50% faster web browsing compared to laptops with Intel Core Ultra X7, and when performing more resource-intensive tasks, the difference becomes twofold.
New hardware for the new MacBook. Image: Apple
In addition to the new processor, the Apple MacBook Air M5 comes with 512 GB of built-in storage by default, while last year’s model offered only 256 GB by default. Moreover, the read and write speed of the drive itself has doubled. Finally, the icing on the cake: current Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 standards, providing a more stable signal.
MacBook Air M5 Release Date
Pre-orders for the MacBook Air 2026 open on March 4, while full sales will begin on March 11. The MacBook Air M5 release date has not been announced. Information about the laptop’s availability in major retail chains will appear later.
How Much Does the MacBook Air 2026 Cost
Depending on the screen size, the MacBook Air M5 price starts at:
- 13 inches — from $1,099;
- 15 inches — from $1,299.
Thus, compared to the previous generation, the MacBook Air price has increased by $100, which is explained by the increase in base built-in storage. In Russia, the MacBook Air M5 will be even more expensive, and its exact price will be announced later.
