Apple’s M4 MacBook Air was launched in March 2024, a few 12 months after the M3 model was launched. Apple seems to be on a yearly cycle with the MacBook Air, and the following technology might be launched subsequent spring. This text will preserve observe of what’s being reported, in addition to provide a perspective based mostly 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 normal configurations of the M4 MacBook Air, for reference.
| MacBook Air mannequin | U.S. | U.Okay. | 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 are able to guess based mostly on the provision of the M5 collection of chips. A latest report acknowledged that the M5 iPad Professional and M5 MacBook Professional may ship within the second half of 2025, which implies 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 colour to exchange House Grey. The brand new M5 fashions additionally had the identical increased 16GB RAM configuration that Apple launched halfway by way of 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 seemingly 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 facet. Nevertheless, contemplating how lengthy it took for Apple to eliminate the 8GB RAM configuration, Apple might keep on with the 256GB SSD base mannequin for a pair extra generations.
Apple launched Sky Blue as a colour possibility with the M4 MacBook Air.
Eugen Wegmann
The present design for the MacBook Air was launched in 2022. Because it’s just a few years previous, we don’t count on it to vary 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 received’t occur till 2026. The MacBook Air may observe in 2027, but it surely’s additionally doable Apple will proceed to supply the usual Liquid Retina show to maintain the traces separate, as with the iPhone and iPad.
M5 MacBook Air: Worth
When it launched the M4 MacBook Air, Apple additionally lower the value of all fashions by $100, bringing the entry-level mannequin all the way down to $999.
We haven’t learn any reviews concerning the pricing for the M5 MacBook Air. Apple will seemingly provide comparable configurations to the M4, but it surely stays to be seen if the brand new decrease costs will stay. The specter of tariffs by the U.S. authorities is a looming difficulty, 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.