Apple today launched the new MacBook Air powered by the M5 chip, featuring enhanced CPU and GPU performance, with a neural accelerator embedded in each core to boost on-device AI processing capabilities. The base storage has been doubled to 512GB, with a maximum capacity of 4TB, and the custom N1 chip supports Wi-Fi 7. Battery life remains at 18 hours, with official sales beginning on March 11.
Apple officially released the new generation MacBook Air, integrating the latest M5 chip, doubled base storage, and an upgraded wireless connectivity solution into the thin aluminum body, further solidifying its position as the best-selling laptop globally.
The new MacBook Air is powered by the M5 chip, which comes with a faster CPU and next-gen GPU. Each GPU core contains a neural accelerator for efficient processing of AI-related workloads. Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, John Ternus, stated that the M5 chip significantly speeds up daily productivity, creative work, and AI tasks, calling it “the ideal choice for users who prioritize a balance of performance and portability.”
The new MacBook Air will begin preorders on March 4, with official sales launching on March 11. It will be available in 13-inch and 15-inch sizes, as well as four colors: Sky Blue, Midnight, Starlight, and Silver.
Double the Storage, Wi-Fi 7 Support, and 18-Hour Battery Life
In this update, Apple has doubled the base storage of the MacBook Air from 256GB to 512GB, with a maximum configuration of up to 4TB, and has incorporated faster SSD technology. Regarding wireless connectivity, Apple’s custom N1 wireless chip brings support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, offering significant improvements in data transfer speed and connection stability compared to the previous generation.
Other hardware specifications remain consistent with the previous model, including the Liquid Retina display, a 12MP Center Stage camera, an audio system supporting spatial audio, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports capable of connecting up to two external displays. The battery life remains impressive, lasting up to 18 hours.
Enhanced AI Capabilities: Deep Integration with Apple Intelligence
Apple positions the M5 chip as the core driver of AI acceleration. The neural accelerator embedded in each GPU core enables the MacBook Air to run AI models and inference tasks more efficiently on-device. Together with macOS Tahoe and the Apple Intelligence platform, Apple aims to offer on-device AI capabilities for college students, creative professionals, and business users, further expanding its presence in the smart device ecosystem.
In its statement, Apple emphasized that the MacBook Air is currently the most popular laptop among business users, and the updated specifications aim to strengthen its competitive edge in this core user group while also enhancing its appeal to creative professionals and students.