Apple has unveiled the M5 MacBook Air, raising the starting price to $1099 but doubling base storage to 512GB. The new model features Apple's M5 chip with enhanced CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine performance, plus Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 connectivity. The 13- and 15-inch laptops maintain the same 18-hour battery life while offering up to 4TB of storage for the first time.

While the $100 price increase from the previous M4 model might seem steep, Apple has significantly upgraded the base configuration. The M5 MacBook Air now ships with 16GB of RAM standard across all configurations, up from 8GB in earlier $1099 models. The top-tier storage option doubles to 4TB, matching the capabilities of higher-end MacBook Pro models. The included power adapter has also been upgraded to a 40W Dynamic Power Adapter.

Available in sky blue, midnight, starlight, and silver, the M5 MacBook Air will be available for pre-order on March 4 and ship on March 11. Apple will continue selling the M4 MacBook Air through other retailers while supplies last for those seeking the lower $999 price point. The new model combines enhanced performance with expanded AI capabilities, positioning it as a versatile option for students, creative professionals, and business users.