Apple's latest MacBook Air M5 delivers incremental upgrades with its new chip, maintaining the beloved design that's been largely unchanged since 2022. The $1,099 ultraportable now features Apple's M5 processor, offering modest performance gains over last year's M4 model. While the MacBook Air remains our favorite ultraportable laptop, its position in Apple's lineup has shifted with the introduction of the more affordable $599 MacBook Neo.

Despite being physically unchanged, the Air continues to impress with its 13.6-inch display, excellent keyboard and trackpad, and surprisingly good speakers and webcam. The 60Hz refresh rate might disappoint some users, but for most people doing everyday tasks, it's hardly noticeable. At just 2.7 pounds, the aluminum unibody feels solid without being the lightest option available. The M5 chip provides meaningful improvements for those upgrading from older models, with benchmark tests showing 11 percent faster single-core performance and 31 percent better GPU performance compared to the M4.

The MacBook Air M5 proves that refinement beats revolution when the foundation is already solid. While gaming enthusiasts might prefer more powerful machines, the Air handles popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077 surprisingly well, maintaining smooth 30fps gameplay. With battery life matching Apple's 18-hour promise in testing, this laptop remains the best choice for most users who want reliable performance without breaking the bank.