Apple is preparing the next generation of its lightest notebook. The MacBook Air M5 is expected to arrive in the first half of 2026, and it is already being said that it will be the biggest performance leap in the history of this series. Apple is not changing what works—the Air will retain its slim body, low weight, and quiet, fanless operation. The biggest changes will therefore take place inside, where the new M5 chip awaits.
How the new M5 chip will change the MacBook Air
The Apple M5 processor is said to be the main reason why the new generation of Air is attracting so much attention. Apple continues to build its own chip ecosystem, and according to leaks, the M5 will represent the biggest leap in performance and efficiency the Air has ever seen. The changes will affect the CPU, GPU, and neural engine, which handles AI-related tasks.
The M5 is expected to use a more modern 3nm manufacturing process, which allows for higher transistor density, lower power consumption, and more stable operation even at higher frequencies. As a result, the CPU is expected to see a performance boost of around 15%, while the graphics component is expected to deliver 30 to 45% more performance, depending on the configuration Apple chooses for the MacBook Air.
Developments in AI are also important. The new generation of neural units is expected to speed up tasks such as photo editing, video processing, voice transcription, and model training directly on the device. Apple is pushing for greater AI capabilities across its entire portfolio, and the Air is no exception.
Despite its higher performance, the M5 chip is designed for maximum efficiency, which means that the MacBook Air should remain quiet without fans. Apple is thus targeting the same audience—users who want a lightweight laptop with the power to handle even the most demanding workday. Battery life should at least remain at the level of the previous generation, which, with more powerful performance, shows how efficient the M5 chip is supposed to be.
For a quick summary of the biggest expected changes in the new MacBook Air M5, we also bring you a short video from 9to5Mac. In it, you’ll find an overview of the most important things about the upcoming M5 chip, its performance, and where Apple wants to take this series.
Design and display of the new generation MacBook Air M5
The MacBook Air M5 retains the look that users know and love. Apple is not changing the proven combination of a thin body, low weight, and clean lines. The new Air once again builds on the elegant and ultra-portable design that has worked for years.
Although Apple is preparing a gradual transition to OLED panels in other product lines, the MacBook Air will continue to use the reliable Liquid Retina LCD. This display has long been known for its color accuracy, high brightness, and low power consumption, which is key for an ultra-thin device. The Air thus sticks with technology that has proven itself and is still among the best LCD panels in its category.
The MacBook Air M5 should again be available in two sizes, 13-inch and 15-inch. Apple is thus maintaining a division that suits users – a smaller model for maximum mobility and a larger one for those who want more space to work, but still in a lightweight body. The current generation is among the lightest notebooks in its class, and there is no indication that this will change with the M5 model.
Design changes are more likely to appear in the details than in major changes. Apple usually tweaks colors, finishes, or small design elements to make the device look more modern and fresh, but its character remains the same. The new generation will thus bring a refined evolution, complemented by a significant performance boost, mainly thanks to the M5 chip.
Technical specifications
The MacBook Air M5 is expected to retain the combination of speed and high efficiency that is typical of this series. According to leaks, Apple is once again relying on integrated memory in the chip, fast SSD drives, and modern connectivity to keep it as light as possible while remaining powerful enough for everyday work and creative projects. More RAM configurations, higher performance thanks to the M5 chip, and the retention of practical features such as Thunderbolt 4 ports and MagSafe charging are expected. Below is a summary of the most frequently mentioned parameters for the upcoming Air M5 model.
| Parameter | Expected values |
| Chip | Apple M5 (3 nm) |
| CPU performance | 15% compared to M4 |
| GPU performance | 30 to 45% compared to M4 |
| RAM | 16 GB (base) | 24 GB |
| Storage (SSD) | 256 GB | 512 GB | 1 TB | 2 TB |
| Sizes | 13″ version | 15″ version |
| Display | Liquid Retina LCD |
| Connectivity | Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe, Wi-Fi 6E |
| Battery life | Similar to or better than M4 |
| Cooling | Passive – no fans |
Release date and price
According to the latest reports and leaks, the new MacBook Air M5 will appear in the first half of 2026. Several sources suggest that Apple is planning a launch during the spring, with March to early April being the most frequently mentioned dates. This is a typical time frame in which Apple regularly releases new Air models and other updates to its notebooks. This period also targets students, creative users, and everyday customers who are the most frequent buyers of the Air model.
The price should remain close to the current level. Apple maintains a stable pricing policy for the Air model, so the basic configuration should be around 1 300 $.Higher configurations with more RAM or SSD will be more expensive, but no significant price increase is expected compared to the previous generation.
MacBook Air M5 in the eyes of users
Discussions on Reddit and other forums show that the new MacBook Air M5 is generating a lot of interest even before its release. Many users believe that the M5 will bring the most noticeable performance improvement in recent years, especially for everyday work, AI tasks, and long-term efficiency. Therefore, they recommend waiting if you don’t need to buy a new laptop right away.
On the other hand, there are also opinions that the current M4 models are still fast and reliable, so there is no need to wait for people who need a new laptop right away.
Comparisons with gaming PCs are also often mentioned in the debates. Users generally agree that even with the new M5, the MacBook Air will remain more of a work and creative tool than a gaming device. Dedicated graphics cards in gaming computers offer higher performance for demanding titles, and Windows still has significantly better gaming support. However, the Air M5 may be an interesting choice for those looking for a fast and lightweight laptop with long battery life without needing gaming performance.
So is it worth the wait?
The MacBook Air M5 looks like the biggest shift in this series in recent years. Apple is not changing its philosophy of a light and quiet laptop, but it is adding the performance of the M5 generation, which brings the Air closer to the performance we have seen before in Pro models. The design remains elegant, the display is proven, and overall efficiency is increasing thanks to the new chip, so the Air is still suitable for everyday work and creative tasks. If you are planning to buy a new laptop, it is worth waiting for this version.
Apple hasn’t forgotten about its other models either. According to leaks, new versions of the MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are expected in 2026, which should bring higher performance for professionals. There are also the first mentions of early preparations for the M6 generation, which is expected to appear first in Pro models. The spring season may thus bring a broader renewal of Apple’s portfolio, with the MacBook Air M5 among the most important new products.
MacBook Air is one of the most widely used notebooks from Apple. It offers a slim design, long battery life, and is available in both 13″ and 15″ versions.