Apple MacBook Air M5 vs MacBook Air M4: Worth Upgrading in 2026?
Apple just pulled the wraps off the new MacBook Air with M5, and the internet is buzzing. But if you're sitting at home, perfectly happy with your M4 MacBook Air from last year, you're probably asking the same question everyone else is: Is this actually worth it?
We've dug into everything Apple has announced and laid it all out in a clean, honest comparison. Whether you're a current M4 owner weighing an upgrade, or a first-time buyer deciding between the two, this guide has you covered.
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What's New in the MacBook Air M5?
Let's start with what Apple is actually bringing to the table with the M5 chip generation in the MacBook Air lineup.
The Apple M5 chip is built on TSMC's second-generation 3nm process, delivering meaningful improvements in both CPU and GPU performance over its predecessor. Apple has officially confirmed the new MacBook Air with M5, announcing it as the thinnest and lightest laptop with this level of performance in its class.
Here are the headline upgrades the M5 MacBook Air brings:
- Faster CPU and GPU cores — Apple claims significant generational leaps in both single-core and multi-core performance
- Improved Neural Engine — More powerful on-device AI processing, which matters increasingly for Apple Intelligence features
- Enhanced media engine — Better ProRes video playback and encoding capabilities
- Wi-Fi 7 support — The M5 MacBook Air is expected to include Wi-Fi 7 for dramatically faster wireless speeds
- Upgraded memory bandwidth — More throughput for demanding creative tasks and multitasking
- Starting storage bump — Apple has been pushing base storage configurations higher, a trend continuing with M5 models
The design itself remains Apple's iconic fanless wedge — slim, silent, and elegant. Don't expect a radical redesign here.
MacBook Air M5 vs M4: Head-to-Head Comparison
Performance
The M4 chip was already a monster for everyday computing. Tasks like web browsing, email, document editing, light photo work, and even some video editing ran effortlessly. So what does the M5 add?
For most everyday users, the performance difference will be hard to notice in real-world use. Where the M5 shines is in:
- Sustained workloads — Running large language models locally, compiling code, or rendering 3D assets
- AI-intensive tasks — Apple Intelligence features will run more fluidly and with greater capability
- Pro-level creative work — 4K/8K video editing timelines will be smoother
If you're a developer, video editor, or someone who pushes their machine hard, the M5 upgrade is more meaningful. For casual users, you'd be hard-pressed to feel the difference day-to-day.
Memory and Storage
Both the M4 and M5 MacBook Air lines start at 16GB of unified memory (Apple wisely stopped selling 8GB configs). The M5 models are expected to push the ceiling higher with more accessible higher-tier configurations.
Storage-wise, Apple has been gradually improving its base offering. The M5 lineup reportedly starts at 256GB, though many buyers should seriously consider stepping up to 512GB given how quickly storage fills up with apps, photos, and local AI model caching.
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Display and Design
Here's where both machines are essentially equal. The MacBook Air continues to feature Apple's stunning Liquid Retina display — 13.6-inch on the smaller model and 15.3-inch on the larger variant — with:
- 2560 x 1664 resolution (13-inch) / 2880 x 1864 (15-inch)
- 500 nits brightness
- True Tone technology
- P3 wide color gamut
The M5 does not bring a ProMotion 120Hz display to the MacBook Air line. That remains exclusive to the MacBook Pro lineup, which is a notable distinction for power users who care about display refresh rates.
Design and weight are identical between the two generations. Both come in Midnight, Starlight, Sky Blue, and Space Gray.
Battery Life
The M4 MacBook Air already achieved remarkable battery life — Apple quoted up to 18 hours of battery life on both the 13-inch and 15-inch models, which proved fairly accurate in real-world testing.
The M5's efficiency improvements should maintain or slightly extend that battery life. However, if you're regularly hitting 15–16 hours on your M4, don't expect the M5 to feel dramatically different in this department.
Connectivity
The M5 MacBook Air is expected to bring Wi-Fi 7 — a genuine upgrade over the M4's Wi-Fi 6E. If you have a Wi-Fi 7 router at home or work, this translates to faster transfers, lower latency, and more reliable connections in crowded environments.
Both models retain:
- Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports
- MagSafe 3 charging
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- No SD card slot (that remains MacBook Pro territory)
Price
Apple has historically kept the MacBook Air starting price consistent across generations. The M5 MacBook Air is expected to start at around $1,099 for the 13-inch model — the same entry point as the M4 at launch.
This means M4 MacBook Airs will likely see a price drop, making them an even better value proposition for budget-conscious buyers. If you can find an M4 model on sale, it becomes an incredibly compelling buy.
Should You Upgrade from M4 to M5?
Let's cut to the chase:
Upgrade if you:
- Are a power user running demanding AI workloads, code compilation, or video editing daily
- Want the latest Wi-Fi 7 connectivity
- Are buying your first MacBook Air and want the longest-possible support runway
- Need the absolute best on-device Apple Intelligence performance
Skip the upgrade if you:
- Are a casual user who browses the web, uses Office apps, and watches video
- Bought your M4 within the last 12 months
- Are on a tight budget (grab a discounted M4 instead)
- Are waiting for the MacBook Pro M5 lineup if you need ProMotion display and higher performance ceilings
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The Bottom Line
The MacBook Air M5 is a genuinely excellent machine — arguably the best consumer laptop Apple has ever made. The M5 chip delivers real improvements in AI processing, raw performance, and wireless connectivity over the M4.
But here's the honest truth: the M4 MacBook Air was already exceptional, and the generational gap between M4 and M5 is meaningful rather than revolutionary. Apple's silicon has reached a point where the baseline experience is so good that most users won't notice the difference in daily use.
If you're buying new in 2026, get the M5 — it's the smarter long-term investment. If you already own an M4, hold tight unless you have a specific professional reason to upgrade. And if you're budget shopping, a discounted M4 MacBook Air is one of the best laptop deals on the market right now.
Apple's MacBook Air lineup has never been stronger. Either way, you win.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of the new MacBook Air M5? The MacBook Air M5 starts at approximately $1,099 for the 13-inch model, consistent with the M4's launch price. Pricing for the 15-inch model starts higher, typically around $1,299.
Is the MacBook Air M5 worth buying over the M4 in 2026? For first-time buyers, yes — the M5 offers better AI performance, Wi-Fi 7, and a longer support runway for the same price. For existing M4 owners, the upgrade is only compelling for power users doing demanding creative or AI-heavy work.
Does the MacBook Air M5 have a 120Hz ProMotion display? No. The MacBook Air M5 retains the standard Liquid Retina display without ProMotion. If you need a 120Hz display, you'll need to step up to the MacBook Pro lineup.
How long will the MacBook Air M4 be supported with software updates? Apple typically supports Mac hardware for 7-8 years with macOS updates. The M4 MacBook Air, released in 2025, should receive software support well into the early 2030s, making it a solid long-term purchase even today.
What makes the M5 chip different from the M4? The M5 chip is built on an improved 3nm process node, featuring faster CPU and GPU cores, a more powerful Neural Engine for on-device AI tasks, and improved memory bandwidth. The M5 also enables Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, which the M4 did not support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of the new MacBook Air M5?
The MacBook Air M5 starts at approximately $1,099 for the 13-inch model, consistent with the M4's launch price. Pricing for the 15-inch model starts higher, typically around $1,299.
Is the MacBook Air M5 worth buying over the M4 in 2026?
For first-time buyers, yes — the M5 offers better AI performance, Wi-Fi 7, and a longer support runway for the same price. For existing M4 owners, the upgrade is only compelling for power users doing demanding creative or AI-heavy work.
Does the MacBook Air M5 have a 120Hz ProMotion display?
No. The MacBook Air M5 retains the standard Liquid Retina display without ProMotion. If you need a 120Hz display, you'll need to step up to the MacBook Pro lineup.
How long will the MacBook Air M4 be supported with software updates?
Apple typically supports Mac hardware for 7-8 years with macOS updates. The M4 MacBook Air, released in 2025, should receive software support well into the early 2030s, making it a solid long-term purchase even today.
What makes the M5 chip different from the M4?
The M5 chip is built on an improved 3nm process node, featuring faster CPU and GPU cores, a more powerful Neural Engine for on-device AI tasks, and improved memory bandwidth. The M5 also enables Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, which the M4 did not support.
