Apple Launches M5 MacBook Air and Pro Updates

1. Apple Refreshes MacBook Lines

Apple has introduced updated versions of its primary laptops, the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, featuring faster processors and improved hardware. Bloomberg reports that the launch comes alongside price increases across multiple configurations, reflecting the advanced specifications of the new devices.

2. New Chips and Performance Upgrades

The updated MacBook Air now features the M5 chip, while the MacBook Pro debuts the first M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. These upgrades bring faster processing, enhanced graphics, improved storage, and better connectivity, including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Apple’s proprietary N1 wireless chip.

3. Pricing and Storage Changes

Apple has raised the base prices for the updated models. The 13-inch MacBook Air now starts at $1,099 (up from $999), and the 15-inch model starts at $1,299 (up from $1,199). To offset the increase, Apple has doubled the base storage to 512GB on these models, providing more value for the higher price.

4. MacBook Pro Price Hikes

The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro now starts at $2,199, up from $1,999, while the 16-inch M5 Pro variant is $2,699, up from $2,499. Models with the M5 Max chip start at $3,599 (14-inch) and $3,899 (16-inch), marking a significant price adjustment from previous versions. The standard M5 MacBook Pro also saw a modest hike to $1,699 from $1,599.

5. New Monitors and Discontinued Models

Apple also refreshed its external monitor lineup. The standard monitor now begins at $1,599, and the new XDR model starts at $3,299. The older 32-inch Pro Display XDR priced at $4,999 has been discontinued. Customization options remain available, including nano-texture or matte screens and adjustable stands.

6. Design and Color Options

Despite the internal upgrades, the new MacBooks retain the same external design and color options. The MacBook Air continues in sky blue, starlight, midnight, and silver, while the MacBook Pro is offered in silver or space black. These updates follow the release of the M4 MacBook Air last year and represent the first major Pro refresh since late 2024.

7. Part of Apple’s Multi-Product Week

The MacBook update is part of Apple’s broader product wave this week. On Monday, the company launched the iPhone 17e and a faster iPad Air, signaling Apple’s continued strategy of rolling out hardware improvements across multiple product lines in quick succession.