Despite the next MacBook Air being months away, now may be an opportune time to purchase one. The current M5 MacBook Air, starting at $1,299 but often found for $1,199 on Amazon, offers excellent value, especially with its 16GB of RAM in the base model. It outperforms other Macs in its price range and is also available at discounts through Apple's refurbished store.

Prices for the MacBook Air have already seen a $200 increase due to chip shortages, and further price hikes are anticipated with the M6 refresh. Acquiring an M5 model now could mean avoiding higher costs next year. The next 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models are not expected until early next year, likely featuring only an M6 chip upgrade without a redesign. Significant advancements like OLED displays are even further out, potentially not arriving until 2028 or 2029.

Apple's back-to-school discounts can further reduce the cost, potentially offering the lowest price before the next model's release. Moreover, the current M5 MacBook Air is more than capable for most users, handling tasks like photo editing and video work with ease. Its fanless design and long-term macOS update support ensure it will remain a capable machine for years to come. Unless an OLED display or an M6 chip is a priority, the M5 MacBook Air available today is a strong choice over waiting for a minor upgrade.