Apple MacBook Air M5 Launches With 512GB Storage, Wi-Fi 7, Starts at $1,099

Apple has refreshed the MacBook Air with its new M5 chip, but the most important change is not just performance. For the first time in years, the base model now starts with 512GB of storage instead of 256GB. That single move changes the value equation of Apple’s most popular laptop.

The 13-inch MacBook Air with M5 starts at $1,099. The 15-inch model starts at $1,299. Preorders opened on March 4, and availability begins March 11.

This update focuses on refinement rather than redesign.

512GB Is Now the New Entry Point

For several generations, Apple’s base MacBook Air shipped with 256GB. That configuration increasingly felt restrictive, especially for users working with large photo libraries, 4K video files, or AI-driven applications.

With M5, every MacBook Air now includes 16GB of unified memory and 512GB of SSD storage as standard. Storage can be configured up to 1TB, 2TB, or 4TB, which is the highest capacity ever offered on the Air lineup.

Apple also states that the new SSD delivers up to two times faster read and write speeds compared to the previous generation. The $100 increase over last year’s $999 entry model aligns directly with the doubled base storage.

When reviewing the previous generation in our MacBook Air M4 coverage, storage limitations were one of the most discussed concerns. This update directly addresses that gap.

M5 Chip and Performance Positioning

The M5 chip continues Apple’s 10-core CPU structure with four performance cores and six efficiency cores. The base 13-inch configuration includes an 8-core GPU, while higher configurations and the 15-inch model include a full 10-core GPU.

Unified memory starts at 16GB and scales to 24GB or 32GB. Memory bandwidth increases to 153GB per second, helping improve multitasking and AI workflows.

The M5 includes a 16-core Neural Engine, neural accelerators built into each GPU core, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, AV1 decode support, and ProRes encode and decode engines. Apple claims up to 4 times faster AI performance compared to M4 and up to 9.5 times faster performance compared to M1 systems.

If you followed our MacBook Air M3 analysis, you would notice that Apple has steadily focused on AI acceleration rather than radical CPU core expansion. The M5 continues that pattern.

Display Remains the Same

The display hardware does not change in this generation. Both models continue using Liquid Retina IPS panels.

There is still no mini LED or high refresh rate option. Those features remain exclusive to the MacBook Pro lineup.

For users deciding between Air and Pro, display technology is still one of the biggest differences. We previously compared these differences in detail in our MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Pro M4 breakdown.

Wi-Fi 7 and Connectivity Improvements

The MacBook Air M5 introduces Apple’s N1 wireless chip, bringing Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 to the Air lineup for the first time. While Wi-Fi 7 routers are still expanding in adoption, this addition improves long-term connectivity support.

Ports remain the same:

• Two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports
• MagSafe 3 charging
• 3.5mm headphone jack with high-impedance support

The system supports up to two external 6K displays at 60Hz or one 8K display at 60Hz while running the built-in display.

Earlier models such as the 15-inch MacBook Air M2 faced more external display limitations, which we covered during its launch cycle.

Battery and Camera Updates

Battery life remains rated at up to 18 hours of video playback and up to 15 hours of wireless web browsing. The 13-inch model includes a 53.8 watt-hour battery and supports fast charging with a 70W adapter or higher.

The webcam upgrades to a 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View support. Audio includes Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos support, along with a three-microphone array featuring Voice Isolation.

Pricing

In the United States, the MacBook Air M5 starts at $1,099 for the 13-inch model and $1,299 for the 15-inch model. Both now include 16GB unified memory and 512GB storage as standard.

The previous generation 13-inch MacBook Air M4 started at $999, but that configuration included only 256GB of storage. A direct comparison shows how the value structure has shifted.

Pricing Comparison

Although the headline entry price has increased by $100, the 512GB configuration is now $100 cheaper than the equivalent M4 configuration last year. Apple has removed the lower storage tier and repositioned the base model at a more practical capacity.

In other global markets, pricing varies depending on taxes, import duties, and currency conversion, but the structure remains consistent with the 15-inch model carrying roughly a $200 premium over the 13-inch version.

Final Perspective

The M5 MacBook Air does not attempt to blur the line between Air and Pro. That separation remains clear, especially when compared with higher-end systems like the MacBook Pro 16 M4 Max, where display, cooling, and GPU scale move into a different performance tier.

Apple has focused on improving the foundation of its most popular laptop rather than changing its design. By doubling the base storage, expanding the maximum capacity, and introducing Wi-Fi 7 while keeping battery life and the familiar chassis intact, the company has made the MacBook Air more practical for long-term use.

The M5 chip upgrade is important.

However, the more meaningful change is the new starting configuration. The MacBook Air now begins at a level that better reflects how people actually use laptops in 2026.

Apple 13-inch MacBook Air M5 vs 15-inch MacBook Air M5: Specs Comparison