Apple’s M4 MacBook Air was launched in March 2024, a couple of yr after the M3 model was launched. Apple seems to be on a yearly cycle with the MacBook Air, and the subsequent technology might be launched subsequent spring. This text will preserve observe of what’s being reported, in addition to provide a perspective primarily based on Apple’s present lineup.
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 primarily based on the supply of the M5 collection of chips. A current report acknowledged that the M5 iPad Professional and M5 MacBook Professional might 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 yr, then we’ll most likely see the M5 MacBook Air within the first half of 2026.
AppleInsider reported on July 3 that Apple will “doubtless” launch the M5 MacBook Air in early 2026. The code names for the brand new laptops are J813 (13-inch Air) and J815 (15-inch Air).
On September 28, 2025, Gurman reported that the M5 MacBook Air is “nearing mass manufacturing” for the M5 MacBook Air, with a launch occurring someday between the tip of this yr and the primary quarter of 2026.
M4 MacBook Air: Specs
Earlier than we get into the M5 MacBook Air, listed below are the costs for the present commonplace 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: 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 digicam to a 12MP Middle Stage digicam, and the ports from Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 4, and launched a Sky Blue shade to switch House Grey. The brand new M5 fashions additionally had the identical increased 16GB RAM configuration that Apple launched halfway via the M4 cycle.
With all these current modifications in thoughts, the M5 MacBook Air doesn’t have a lot else that clearly wants an improve. So, the subsequent MacBook Air will doubtless be little greater than a processor refresh.
The one specification that we’d wish to see change is the bottom configuration for the SSD. It’s set at 256GB, which we predict is on the small aspect. Nevertheless, contemplating how lengthy it took for Apple to do away with the 8GB RAM configuration, Apple could stick to the 256GB SSD base mannequin for a pair extra generations.
Apple launched Sky Blue as a shade possibility with the M4 MacBook Air.
Eugen Wegmann
The present design for the MacBook Air was launched in 2022. Because it’s only some years outdated, we don’t anticipate 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 most likely gained’t occur till 2026. The MacBook Air might comply with in 2027, nevertheless it’s additionally potential Apple will proceed to supply the usual Liquid Retina show to maintain the strains separate, as with the iPhone and iPad.
M5 MacBook Air: Value
When it launched the M4 MacBook Air, Apple additionally reduce the value of all fashions by $100, bringing the entry-level mannequin all the way down to $999.
We haven’t learn any experiences concerning the pricing for the M5 MacBook Air. Apple will doubtless provide related configurations to the M4, nevertheless it stays to be seen if the brand new decrease costs will stay. The specter of tariffs by the U.S. authorities is a looming problem, which might have an effect on costs. Apple might additionally preserve the M4 round at $999 and begin the M5 Airs at $1,099 like earlier than.
