Apple is widely expected to release an updated MacBook Air powered by the M5 chip in the spring of . This follows a pattern of spring refreshes for the MacBook Air line, with updates arriving in March 2024 (M4) and March 2025 (M3). Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports Apple aims for a first-quarter release, suggesting a timeframe is most likely, barring any unforeseen delays.
The primary upgrade in the new MacBook Air will be performance, driven by the M5 chip. This chip is expected to be manufactured using TSMC’s advanced 3-nanometer process technology, offering improvements in both speed and efficiency. While Apple opted not to utilize TSMC’s more advanced 2nm process for the M5, reportedly due to cost considerations, the 3nm process still represents a significant step forward.
Early benchmark data, reportedly from an iPad Pro running the M5 chip, indicates a performance boost of roughly 12-15% in both single-core and multi-core CPU performance compared to the current M4 iPad Pro. Graphics performance is also expected to see a substantial increase, with the M5 chip showing up to a 36% faster GPU compared to its predecessor. Apple has also touted that the M5 offers “4x the peak GPU compute performance for AI compared to M4,” featuring a next-generation GPU with a Neural Accelerator in each core, a more powerful CPU, a faster Neural Engine, and higher unified memory bandwidth.
The M5 chip is being positioned as a significant leap forward for Apple Silicon’s AI capabilities, specifically designed to power on-device Apple Intelligence features. The chip also boasts a nearly 30% improvement in unified memory bandwidth, reaching 153GB/s compared to the M4’s 120GB/s. This increased bandwidth is crucial for handling demanding tasks and improving overall system responsiveness.
Despite the performance gains, Apple is expected to maintain the MacBook Air’s signature fanless design. This presents a thermal challenge, as the more powerful M5 chip will generate more heat. While the fanless design contributes to the Air’s quiet operation and portability, it may limit sustained peak performance compared to the fan-cooled MacBook Pro models.
In terms of design, the MacBook Air M5 is not expected to deviate significantly from the current generation. Apple is likely to retain the aluminum unibody construction, available in 13-inch and 15-inch sizes, and the existing display technology. This means users likely won’t see an immediate transition to OLED displays in the Air lineup, despite ongoing speculation. The current Liquid Retina display offers good color accuracy and brightness, but OLED would provide even deeper blacks and improved contrast.
Beyond the core processor upgrade, potential improvements to the MacBook Air M5 could include an upgraded front-facing camera, adoption of new wireless connectivity standards, and the introduction of new color options. These enhancements, while not as substantial as the chip upgrade, would contribute to an overall improved user experience.
Pricing is expected to remain stable, with the base model starting at $999. However, potential U.S. Tariffs could impact future costs. The consistent pricing strategy suggests Apple aims to maintain the MacBook Air’s position as an accessible entry point into the Apple ecosystem.
The MacBook Air’s consistent release cycle and incremental upgrades demonstrate Apple’s strategy of continuous improvement within its product lines. Since adopting Apple Silicon in 2020, Apple has consistently updated its Mac models, a capability that was limited during its reliance on Intel processors. The M5 MacBook Air represents the latest iteration of this strategy, offering a compelling combination of performance, portability, and value.
The arrival of the M5 MacBook Air will likely coincide with, or shortly follow, the release of MacBook Pro models featuring M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. Apple is reportedly planning to launch these higher-end models to coincide with the launch of Apple’s Creator Studio, suggesting a focus on professional workflows and content creation.
