New MacBook Airs come with M5, double the storage, and higher starting prices

Apple has rolled out significant updates to its laptop lineup, introducing the latest MacBook Air models equipped with the powerful M5 chip. Alongside the processing boost, the base storage has notably increased from 256GB to 512GB, promising speeds that are reportedly double those of the previous M4 MacBook Air. However, this upgrade comes with a price hike. The starting price for the 13-inch MacBook Air rises from $999 to $1,099, while the 15-inch variant sees an increase from $1,199 to $1,299. While some may view this as a necessary investment for enhanced specifications, others seeking the most affordable option will find the entry-level model now $100 more expensive than before. The new MacBook Airs offer two configurations of the M5 chip: one with 8 GPU cores activated and another with all 10 cores enabled. Opting for the fully unlocked chip will add an extra $100 to the price. Additionally, users will need this upgraded chip to access higher RAM options of 24GB or 32GB, as well as increased storage capacities of 1TB, 2TB, or even 4TB. Each M5 variant comes equipped with four high-performance cores, termed “super cores,” and six efficiency cores, supported by the Apple N1 chip for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The new MacBook Airs will be available for pre-order starting March 4, with official sales commencing on March 11. This launch is part of a broader series of announcements from Apple, which also includes the introduction of the new iPhone 17e, an updated iPad Air with an M4 chip, and refreshed MacBook Pros, all leading up to a special event scheduled for Wednesday morning.