If the MacBook Air were a KPop idol, it would be the dependable center who never misses a beat — and somehow still levels up every comeback. With the new MacBook Air with M5, Apple gives its thinnest crowd favorite a serious stat boost, led by the new Apple M5 chip, double the starting storage, and upgraded wireless connectivity.

Announced in Cupertino, the latest MacBook Air brings faster CPU and GPU performance alongside expanded AI capabilities. M5 features a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU, each with a Neural Accelerator, pushing AI tasks up to four times faster than M4 and as much as 9.5 times faster than M1. Whether you’re batch-editing photos, rendering 3D models, or running on-device LLMs, this Air has more than enough headroom.

Paired with macOS Tahoe, the new MacBook Air leans deeper into Apple Intelligence features, from smarter automations to system-wide tools that tap directly into on-device AI models.

Faster, smarter, and finally 512GB standard

One of the biggest quality-of-life upgrades is storage. The MacBook Air with M5 now starts at 512GB — double the previous base configuration — and goes up to 4TB for the first time. The new SSD delivers up to 2x faster read and write speeds, making large file transfers, media imports, and heavy project loads noticeably quicker.

For creatives, Apple cites up to 6.5x faster 3D rendering in Blender compared to M1, and up to 2.7x faster image processing in Affinity. AI video enhancement in Topaz Video can be up to 6.9x faster versus M1. Even everyday tasks see gains, with web browsing up to 50 percent faster than a PC laptop powered by an Intel Core Ultra X7 processor.

M5 also boosts unified memory bandwidth to 153GB/s — a 28 percent improvement over M4 — which translates to smoother multitasking and faster app launches. It’s the kind of upgrade you may not flex in a spec sheet argument, but you’ll appreciate when you’re juggling Chrome tabs, Lightroom, and a Zoom call.

Thin, light, and still fanless

Apple keeps the design formula intact. The MacBook Air remains thin, light, and completely silent thanks to its fanless aluminum build. It comes in 13-inch and 15-inch options, offering a balance between portability and extra screen space.

The Liquid Retina display reaches up to 500 nits of brightness and supports one billion colors. Battery life stretches up to 18 hours — up to six hours longer than Intel-based MacBook Air models — with fast charging included.

You also get a 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View support, a three-mic array, and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. Two Thunderbolt 4 ports support up to two external displays, while MagSafe handles charging.

Connectivity sees an upgrade as well, with Apple’s N1 wireless chip enabling Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 for faster and more reliable connections.

Built with AI — and the environment — in mind

With macOS Tahoe, users gain access to new personalization tools and deeper Apple Intelligence integration. Features like Live Translation in Messages, smarter Reminders categorization, and more powerful Shortcuts actions aim to make the MacBook Air not just faster, but more context-aware.

On sustainability, the MacBook Air with M5 uses 55 percent recycled content, including 100 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery. Apple says manufacturing now runs on 50 percent renewable electricity across its supply chain, and packaging is 100 percent fiber-based.

Pricing and availability

In the U.S., the 13-inch MacBook Air with M5 starts at US$1,099, or US$999 for education. The 15-inch model starts at US$1,299, or US$1,199 for education. Pre-orders begin March 4, with availability starting March 11.

In Singapore, customers can pre-order the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air with M5 starting Wednesday, March 4, via apple.com/sg/store and the Apple Store app. Availability begins Wednesday, March 11, at Apple Store locations and Apple Authorised Resellers.

The 13-inch model starts at S$1,599, or S$1,449 for education. The 15-inch model starts at S$1,899, or S$1,749 for education. Both are available in sky blue, midnight, starlight, and silver.

Apple Trade In is available in Singapore, allowing customers to trade in their current computer for credit toward a new Mac. AppleCare+ offers extended coverage including protection against accidental damage, battery service, and 24/7 support from Apple Experts. Buyers who purchase directly from Apple Retail also get access to Personal Setup sessions and Today at Apple workshops.

For students, creatives, and business users who want something light but powerful enough to handle AI-heavy workflows, this feels like the MacBook Air stepping confidently into its main-character era — quiet, capable, and very aware it’s still the one everyone recommends.

In the Philippines, customers can order the MacBook Air with M5 soon via apple.com/ph/store and Apple Authorized Resellers.

The 13-inch MacBook Air with M5 starts at ₱72,990, or ₱65,990 for education. The 15-inch model starts at ₱85,990, or ₱78,990 for education. Both models are available in sky blue, midnight, starlight, and silver.