Key Points
- Apple is expected to unveil a refreshed MacBook Air alongside its low-cost MacBook next week.
- The new model will adopt the M5 chip, already used in the latest iPad Pro and MacBook Pro.
- Performance boosts include 15% faster CPU speeds and 30% faster GPU performance compared to the M4.
- Design remains unchanged, with 13-inch and 15-inch options continuing in aluminum unibody form.
- Pricing is expected to start at $1,099, though memory upgrades may cost more due to DRAM shortages.
M5 Chip Brings Major Performance Gains
The upcoming MacBook Air will be powered by Apple’s M5 chip, built on third-generation 3-nanometer technology. The processor features up to a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, delivering 3.5x faster performance than the M4.
Apple has added a Neural Accelerator to each GPU core, enhancing AI-driven workloads. Unified memory bandwidth has been increased to 153GB/s, a nearly 30% improvement over the M4. RAM options will remain at 16GB, 24GB, and 32GB, while storage tiers continue at 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
Gaming and system-intensive tasks will benefit from third-generation ray tracing, second-generation dynamic caching, and improved shader cores. A more efficient 16-core Neural Engine could also extend battery life.
Design and Display
Apple redesigned the MacBook Air in 2022, and no chassis changes are expected for the 2026 refresh. The laptop will continue to be offered in 13-inch and 15-inch sizes, featuring the same aluminum unibody design, fanless thermal system, and Retina LCD display.
Rumors suggest Apple may introduce OLED displays in future MacBook Air models, likely after OLED technology debuts in MacBook Pro later in 2026.
Connectivity remains unchanged, with two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, along with the same speaker, microphone, and camera setup.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing is expected to remain consistent, starting at $1,099. However, industry reports warn that memory upgrades may become more expensive due to global DRAM shortages.
Apple CEO Tim Cook recently teased new product announcements beginning Monday, meaning the refreshed MacBook Air could debut as early as next week.
What Happens Next?
If Apple unveils the M5-powered MacBook Air next week, it will mark the company’s first major laptop refresh of 2026. With performance gains focused on AI workloads and gaming improvements, the device is positioned as a versatile option for both everyday users and power-driven tasks.
