MacBook Air Gets M5, Doubled Storage, and Wi-Fi 7
Published 3 March 2026
The world's best-selling laptop just got its annual upgrade — and this one has more substance than the spec bump might suggest.
Apple announced the MacBook Air with M5 on March 3, bringing a new chip, doubled base storage, Wi-Fi 7, and a few other changes that collectively make the 2026 model the most meaningful Air refresh since the M2 redesign.
The M5 Chip
The M5 features a 10-core CPU split between 4 super-performance cores and 6 high-efficiency cores, paired with a next-generation GPU that includes what Apple calls a Neural Accelerator, dedicated silicon for on-device AI workloads beyond the Neural Engine.
Apple's efficiency story continues to be the headline. The M5 is built on TSMC's latest process, and while Apple hasn't published detailed benchmark comparisons, the architectural jump from M4 suggests meaningful gains in sustained performance, the kind that shows up when you're running multiple apps, not just a single benchmark.
Storage: Finally, 512GB Base
The most practical upgrade: base storage doubles from 256GB to 512GB across all configurations. This has been the single most common complaint about the MacBook Air for years, and Apple has finally addressed it. Configurations now go up to 4TB, which is overkill for most Air buyers, but the option is there for those who need it.
Memory
Unified memory options are 24GB and 32GB. The 24GB base is generous (most ultrabook competitors still ship with 16GB at this price point), and 32GB provides headroom for heavier workloads without stepping up to a MacBook Pro.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6
The MacBook Air picks up Wi-Fi 7 support via Apple's N1 wireless chip, along with Bluetooth 6. Wi-Fi 7 matters most for users on compatible networks: faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in congested environments. If your router doesn't support Wi-Fi 7 yet, you won't notice a difference today, but you're future-proofed.
Everything Else
The 12MP Center Stage camera carries over, as does the 18-hour battery life claim. The Liquid Retina display, MagSafe charging, and the overall chassis design remain unchanged from the M4 model. This isn't a redesign year. It's a "make what works even better" year.
The Bigger Picture
The MacBook Air's job has always been clear: be the laptop most people should buy. The M5 model doesn't change that equation; it reinforces it. Doubled storage removes the biggest compromise, M5 provides a performance cushion that should last years, and Wi-Fi 7 keeps the hardware current.
The more interesting story is how the Air now sits relative to Apple's own lineup. With the MacBook Neo at $599 below it and the M5 Pro MacBook Pro above, the Air's $1,099 starting price needs to clearly justify itself in both directions. Doubled storage and 24GB base memory do that work.
For most people considering a new laptop in 2026, the answer hasn't changed — it's just gotten better.
Pricing and specifications sourced from Apple's March 3, 2026 announcement. Pricing and availability may vary by region and are subject to change.