Apple unveils MacBook Air with M5, faster AI performance and 512GB base storage

M5 MacBook Air

• Apple launches MacBook Air with M5 chip and faster AI performance
• Base storage now starts at 512GB, up to 4TB configurable
• Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and up to 18 hours battery life included

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Apple has refreshed its most popular laptop with the launch of the new MacBook Air powered by the M5 chip, bringing faster performance, expanded AI capabilities and more storage as standard.

The headline upgrade is the M5 processor, which features a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU. Apple says each GPU core now includes a Neural Accelerator, allowing the new MacBook Air to deliver up to four times faster AI task performance compared to the M4 version, and up to 9.5 times faster than the M1 model. The company positions the machine as more capable for both creative workloads and on-device large language models in enterprise environments.

Graphics also get a lift thanks to enhanced shader cores and a third-generation ray-tracing engine. Apple claims improvements of up to 6.5x in 3D rendering performance versus M1 models, alongside noticeable gains in AI video enhancement and image processing apps. Unified memory bandwidth rises to 153GB/s, a 28 per cent jump over M4, aimed at smoother multitasking and quicker app launches.

One of the more practical changes is storage. The MacBook Air with M5 now starts at 512GB — double the previous base configuration — and can be configured up to 4TB for the first time. Apple says the new SSD is twice as fast in read and write speeds compared to the outgoing model, which should translate into quicker file transfers and faster loading of large projects.

Connectivity also moves forward. Apple’s new N1 wireless chip brings Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support, promising improved reliability and higher speeds. The laptop retains two Thunderbolt 4 ports, MagSafe charging and support for up to two external displays.

Design-wise, little changes — and that’s intentional. The MacBook Air continues with its thin, fanless aluminium build, available in 13-inch and 15-inch sizes. Colour options include sky blue, midnight, starlight and silver. The Liquid Retina display reaches up to 500 nits of brightness and supports one billion colours.

Battery life remains rated at up to 18 hours, with Apple noting that this is up to six hours longer than Intel-based MacBook Air models. The system also includes a 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View support, a three-microphone array, and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos.

Price, availability

Pre-orders begin March 4, with availability starting March 11. The M4 MacBook Air starts at Rs 1,19,900 for the 13-inch variant whereas the 15-inch variant starts at Rs 1,44,900. Both are available in sky blue, midnight, starlight, and silver.