MacBook Air M5: What the new generation brings

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The MacBook Air is one of the most popular laptops worldwide. With the new generation, Apple is focusing on significantly more performance, more standard storage, and modern wireless technologies. The MacBook Air with M5 remains true to its concept: a thin, light, and robust aluminum enclosure offering high mobility and long battery life. The new version is aimed at students, creative professionals, and business customers who need a powerful yet portable device.

With the M5 chip, Apple is responding to the increasing demands in the areas of AI, content production, and productive work on the go. The MacBook Air is designed to handle everyday tasks quickly while also enabling demanding workflows and AI applications directly on the device. According to Apple, the model combines performance, storage, connectivity, and mobility in a well-balanced package.

M5 chip: Significantly higher performance

At its heart is the new M5 chip with a 10-core CPU and a GPU with up to 10 cores. Each GPU core features an integrated Neural Accelerator, which significantly boosts AI performance.

Compared to the MacBook Air with the M4 processor, AI tasks are up to four times faster, and compared to the M1, up to 9.5 times faster. Memory bandwidth is 153 GB per second, which is 28 percent higher than the M4. Graphics-intensive applications also benefit from improved shader cores and a third-generation ray tracing engine.

In practice, this means, among other things, faster AI video enhancement in Topaz Video, accelerated 3D rendering in Blender, and faster image editing in Affinity. When browsing the web, the device is up to 50 percent faster than a PC laptop with an Intel Core Ultra X7 processor; for more demanding tasks, performance can even be twice as high.

More storage and a faster SSD

The MacBook Air now ships with a 512GB SSD as standard, twice the capacity of the previous generation. For the first time, a configuration with up to 4TB is possible.

Additionally, the new SSD offers double the read and write speeds compared to its predecessor. This results in faster file transfers, shorter loading times, and overall smoother workflows.

Display, design and features

The MacBook Air is available in 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch models. Both versions feature a Liquid Retina display with 500 nits of brightness and support for one billion colors.

The aluminum casing is thin, light, and fanless, enabling silent operation. Available colors are sky blue, midnight, Polaris, and silver.

A 12-megapixel center-stage camera is integrated for video conferencing. Three microphones ensure clear voice recordings, and the sound system supports 3D audio and Dolby Atmos. The battery life is up to 18 hours, which is up to six hours more than a MacBook Air with an Intel processor.

Connectivity and Ports

With the new N1 chip, the MacBook Air supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 for the first time. This improves the speed and stability of wireless connections.

Two Thunderbolt 4 ports allow for the connection of accessories and support up to two external displays. The MagSafe connector ensures safe charging.

Prices and availability

Pre-orders begin on March 4th on the Apple website and in the Apple Store app in 33 countries and regions. The MacBook Air with M5 will be available in stores starting March 11th.

The 13-inch model starts at €1,199 including VAT, or €1,089 for educational institutions. The 15-inch model starts at €1,499, or €1,379 for educational institutions.

The MacBook Air as a versatile all-rounder

The MacBook Air with M5 offers a significant performance boost, twice the standard storage, a faster SSD, and modern wireless standards like Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Combined with long battery life, a high-quality display, and support for two external displays, the MacBook Air remains a versatile solution for mobile and professional work. (Image: Apple)