Apple’s M4 MacBook Air was released in March 2024, about a year after the M3 version was released. Apple seems to be on an annual cycle of MacBook Air and the next generation could be released next spring. This article will keep track of what is reported, as well as offer a perspective based on Apple’s current lineup.
M4 MacBook Air: Specifications
Before we enter the M5 MacBook Air, here are the prices for the current standard configurations of the M4 MacBook Air, for reference.
| MacBook Air Model | US | Uk | Canada | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13in, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD | $ 999 | £ 999 | $ 1,399 | $ 1,699 |
| 13in, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD | $ 1,199 | £ 1,199 | $ 1,699 | $ 1,999 |
| 13in, 24 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD | $ 1,399 | £ 1,399 | $ 1,999 | $ 2,299 |
| 15in, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD | $ 1,199 | £ 1,199 | $ 1,699 | $ 2,099 |
| 15in, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD | $ 1,399 | £ 1,399 | $ 1,999 | $ 2,399 |
| 15in, 24 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD | $ 1,599 | £ 1,599 | $ 2,299 | $ 2,699 |
M5 MacBook Air: Release Date
- Expected in the first half of 2026
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported in March 2025 that Apple is working on the M5 MacBook Air but did not mention when it would be ready. But we can guess based on the availability of the M5 series of chips. A recent report stated that the M5 iPad Pro and M5 MacBook Pro could send in the second half of 2025, which means the air would send three to six months later.
If the M5 iPad Pro and MacBook Pro are released in October or November this year, we will probably see the M5 MacBook Air in the first half of 2026.
M5 MacBook Air: Design and Features
- M5 -chip upgrade and little else
With the M4 MacBook Air upgraded the Apple chip from M3 to M4, the built-in camera to a 12MP-middle stage camera and gates from Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 4 and introduced a sky blue color to replace room gray. The new M5 models also had the same higher 16GB of RAM configuration that Apple introduced midway through the M4 cycle.
With all the recent changes in mind, the M5 MacBook Air doesn’t have much else that clearly needs an upgrade. So the next MacBook Air will probably be a little more than a processor update.
The one specification that we would like to see changes is the basic configuration of SSD. It is set to 256 GB, which we think is on the small side. Given how long it took for Apple to get rid of the 8GB of RAM configuration, Apple may stick to the 256 GB SSD base model for a few more generations.
Apple introduced Sky Blue as a color setting with M4 MacBook Air.
Eugen Wegmann
The current design for MacBook Air was introduced in 2022. Since it is only a few years old, we do not expect it to change with the M5 release.
The rumor mill has reported plans for the company to implement OLED screens in its MacBooks, where MacBook Pro gets the new screen first, but it probably won’t happen until 2026. The MacBook Air could follow in 2027, but it is also possible that Apple will continue to offer standard Liquid Retina display to keep the lines separately.
M5 MacBook Air: Price
As it launched the M4 MacBook Air, Apple also cut the price of all models by $ 100, which brought the entry level down to $ 999.
We have not read any reports on the pricing for the M5 MacBook Air. Apple is likely to offer similar configurations to the M4, but it is left to see if the new lower prices will remain. The threat of customs duty from the US government is a threatening question that could affect prices. Apple could also hold the M4 around $ 999 and start the M5 Airs at $ 1,099 as before.