The new MacBook Air M5 arrives with the same external design as the MacBook Air M4. Apple retains the aluminum body, port setup, and display layout. The tech giant shifts focus to internal upgrades and price revisions. MacBook Neo now costs less than the Air lineup. The latter is tagged at AED 4,599 for the 13-inch model and AED 5,499 for the 15-inch model. MacBook Neo, on the other hand, costs AED 2,599 for entry-level users.
MacBook Air M5 is light and easy to carry every day. The 15-inch model weighs 1.51kg and is 11.5mm thick, with a sky blue colour that gives a soft finish look. The keyboard and trackpad remain unchanged from the previous model. The port setup includes two USB-C ports and MagSafe charging. A headphone jack is also present on the device.
The display measures 15.3 inches and uses a liquid retina panel technology. Resolution stands at 2880 x 1864 pixels, while brightness reaches up to 500-nits. The screen works well for videos and browsing, as colors appear sharp and accurate during use. The refresh rate is low at 60Hz. This makes the display feel less modern.
The M5 chip delivers stronger overall CPU performance. It also improves GPU performance over the M4 generation. Apps open faster during daily tasks, and multitasking feels smoother across different workloads.
CPU performance improves by nearly 10% - 13%, while GPU performance rises by 25%. Storage speeds are also much faster now with PCIe 4.0 support for improved file transfer speed. The fanless design offers quiet operation. However, heavy workloads reduce performance over extended use.
Air M5 model’s battery life remains strong. Apple claims up to 18 hours of usage time. Heavy use can reduce the duration to 11 - 12 hours. Wi-Fi 7 support ensures faster internet, while Bluetooth 6 improves wireless connection stability.
The laptop includes a 12MP Center Stage camera. Sound quality is strong for media consumption with a four-speaker audio system. Apple Intelligence features are built into the macOS system to help with writing and daily tasks. Everything runs directly on the device system.
MacBook Air is no longer an entry-level device. The new MacBook Neo now fills that space. Air now targets performance-focused users and is designed to support stronger multitasking needs. The pricing gap between models is wider. This changes buying decisions across Apple’s lineup.
MacBook Air M5 highlights Apple’s upgrade strategy. The company focuses on internal chip improvements alone. The upgrade is suitable for users of older Mac models. M3 and M4 users may experience a difference in efficiency.
Also Read: WWDC 2026 May See Apple Unveil Mac Mini M5 With M5 Pro Variant