Apple presents the MacBook Air with M5, bringing noticeable performance and equipment upgrades to its most popular notebook series. In addition to a faster CPU and GPU, the focus is primarily on AI performance. There is also 512 GB of memory in the standard configuration, a faster SSD, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. The new model is again available in 13 and 15 inch versions – with familiar strengths such as a fanless design, Liquid Retina display and long battery life.
- New M5 with 10-core CPU, up to 10-core GPU and improved Neural Accelerator
- 512 GB SSD as standard, optionally up to 4 TB, higher read/write rates
- WLAN 7 and Bluetooth 6 thanks to new N1 radio chip
- Up to 18 hours of battery life, two Thunderbolt 4 ports and support for two external displays
MacBook Air with M5: Significantly more performance for AI and creative workflows
The new Apple M5 takes center stage. Apple combines a 10-core CPU with a next-generation GPU and integrated Neural Accelerator in each core. The goal is clear: higher reaction speed in everyday life and more throughput for AI workloads. According to the manufacturer, the MacBook Air with M5 performs AI tasks up to four times faster than a MacBook Air with M4 and up to 9.5 times faster than a model with M1 – values that are particularly relevant for on-device models and local LLM applications.
Classic creative scenarios also benefit. Improved shader cores and a third-generation ray tracing engine accelerate 3D rendering in tools such as Blender or image editing in Affinity. Added to this is a memory bandwidth of 153 GB/s – around 28 percent more than the M4 – which should noticeably speed up multitasking and the launch of memory-intensive apps.
Another practical step is the new standard configuration with 512 GB SSD. That’s twice as much memory as before. For the first time, the MacBook Air can be optionally configured with up to 4 TB. The new SSD generation should also offer significantly higher read and write speeds, which will save time when importing large photo libraries or video projects, for example.
Modernized connectivity, display and macOS integration
With the specially developed N1 chip for wireless networks, Apple is introducing WLAN 7 and Bluetooth 6 in the MacBook Air. This promises higher data rates, lower latency and more stable connections – especially in crowded Wi-Fi environments. Two Thunderbolt 4 ports enable the connection of accessories and support up to two external displays. The setup is complemented by MagSafe for safe charging.
The Liquid Retina Display remains a central argument with 13.6 inches or 15.3 inches, 500 nits brightness and support for one billion colors. A 12 MP center-stage camera improves video calls, while a three-microphone array and speakers with 3D audio and Dolby Atmos ensure a high-quality multimedia experience. Despite the increase in performance, the design remains fanless, thin and light.
On the software side, the notebook works with macOS Tahoe. In combination with Apple Intelligence, AI functions are to be integrated system-wide – for example for live translations, reminders or shortcuts. For users in the Apple ecosystem, integration features such as call forwarding from the iPhone or synchronized live activities are added.
Conclusion: More memory, more wireless, more AI
The MacBook Air with M5 brings useful upgrades in the areas of performance, memory and connectivity. In particular, the doubling of the standard memory to 512 GB and the introduction of Wi-Fi 7 make the device more future-proof. Pre-orders start on March 4 and the notebook will be available from March 11. The 13-inch model starts at 1,199 euros, the 15-inch version at 1,499 euros (RRP incl. VAT in both cases).
