New MacBook Air with M5 Brings Faster AI and Wi-Fi 7
TL;DR: Apple has unveiled the new MacBook Air powered by the M5 chip, bringing faster CPU and GPU performance, stronger AI capabilities, and double the base storage at 512GB. Pricing in Malaysia starts at RM4,699 for the 13-inch model.
Apple has officially introduced the new MacBook Air powered by its latest M5 chip, upgrading what it calls the world’s most popular laptop with stronger performance, expanded AI capabilities, and improved connectivity.
The refreshed MacBook Air comes in both 13-inch and 15-inch variants, retaining its thin and lightweight aluminium design while adding meaningful internal upgrades.
M5: Faster CPU, Stronger AI
At the heart of the new model is the M5 chip, featuring a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU. Each core now includes a Neural Accelerator, aimed at improving AI-related workloads across apps and system features.
Apple claims up to four times faster AI task performance compared to the M4-powered MacBook Air, and up to 9.5 times faster than the M1 version. The chip also includes enhanced shader cores and a third-generation ray-tracing engine, improving gaming and 3D rendering performance.
Unified memory bandwidth has increased to 153GB/s, which Apple says is a 28 per cent improvement over M4. That should translate to smoother multitasking and faster app launches.
In real-world creative apps, Apple highlights:
- Up to 6.9 times faster AI video enhancement in Topaz Video versus M1
- Up to 6.5 times faster 3D rendering in Blender compared to M1
- Up to 2.7 times faster image processing in Affinity versus M1
Web browsing is also claimed to be up to 50 per cent faster compared to a PC laptop powered by an Intel Core Ultra X7 processor.
Double the Storage, Faster SSD
One of the most noticeable changes is storage. The MacBook Air with M5 now starts at 512GB, doubling the base capacity from the previous generation.
It can be configured up to 4TB for the first time. Apple also says the new SSD delivers up to twice the read and write speeds of the prior model, which should help when handling large photo libraries, video projects, or AI workloads.
Connectivity and Everyday Features
Apple has introduced its new N1 wireless chip, enabling Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support. The MacBook Air also includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports with support for up to two external displays, along with MagSafe charging.
Battery life remains a strong point, with Apple claiming up to 18 hours of usage. Compared to Intel-based MacBook Air models, that’s up to six additional hours.
Other features include:
- 13.6-inch or 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display with 500 nits brightness
- 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View
- Three-mic array and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos
- Fanless, silent design
Colour options include sky blue, midnight, starlight, and silver.
macOS Tahoe and Apple Intelligence
The new MacBook Air runs macOS Tahoe, bringing interface refinements and deeper Apple Intelligence integration. Features include Live Translation in Messages, improved Reminders categorisation, enhanced Shortcuts automation, and tighter integration with iPhone through Continuity features such as the Phone app and iPhone Mirroring.
Apple says many AI models can also run directly on device, catering to both consumers and enterprise users.
Pricing and Availability in Malaysia
The 13-inch MacBook Air with M5 starts at RM4,699, or RM4,299 for education customers.
The 15-inch model starts at RM5,499, or RM5,099 for education.
Orders will be available through Apple’s Malaysia online store, the Apple Store app, retail locations, and authorised resellers. Apple Trade In and AppleCare+ options are also available locally.
