The M5 MacBook Air is the next-version of Apple’s ultra-light laptop line, updated with the new Apple M5 chip. According to several reliable leaks, we should expect it in spring 2026, most likely around March or April.
The strong consensus is that a launch in late 2025 (November/December) is very unlikely.
Sorry to disappoint, but I was expecting apple to release bunch of macs in October. But they stopped any press release after announcing M5 iPad Pro and M5 Macbook Pro 14″ model.
People are waiting for the all new M5 Macbook Air to upgrade from M1, M2 chipsets. Especially people still using 2017 or 2019 Macbook Air are eagerly waiting for M5 Macbook Air to make a big jump.
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Why is Apple waiting until early 2026?
Here are the key reasons:
Apple released the base MacBook Pro models with the M5 chip first (e.g., the 14-inch Pro announced October 2025).
Historically, the MacBook Air refresh follows the Pro by several months. Leaks suggest the Air’s model identifiers (J813 for 13″, J815 for 15″) are tied to macOS versions expected in early 2026 (macOS Tahoe 26.2).
Apple seems focused on a “chip upgrade” rather than a major design overhaul for the Air. That tends to take less disruptive logistics, so they can slot it when the production and supply chain are ready.
What will change with the M5 MacBook Air?
According to leaks:
The core upgrade is the M5 chip: built with TSMC’s 3 nm tech, boosting performance and efficiency.
No major redesign expected with M5 Macbook Air models. The chassis, display tech and sizes (13″ and 15″) appear set to carry over from the M4 Air.
Display improvements will be minor: same Liquid Retina LCD, likely no OLED or 120Hz ProMotion support yet. Apple wants to keep the 14″ Macbook Pro stand out with its 120Hz ProMotion Display for one more year.
Specs may include base unified memory increased, faster SSD and possibly new wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi 7 / Bluetooth 6) though those are more speculative at this stage.
What it means to Creators and Video Editors?
If you’re using an older MacBook (M2 or earlier), the upcoming M5 Air is a worthwhile refresh to get better performance, especially for video exports, multitasking, AI/ML workflows.
If you already have the M4 MacBook Air, the leap to M5 may feel incremental because the design isn’t changing and the Air’s form-factor limits the maximal performance gains. You may choose to wait for a larger redesign.
You may check our recent iPhone 17 Pro Max Unboxing Video:
Should you Wait for M5 Macbook Air?
If you need a machine now, the M4 Air still handles most creative workflows excellently. The faster M5 chip will certainly help, but waiting a few months may be sensible if your workflow allows it.
For workflow integration: watch thermals and sustained performance (Air’s fanless design can constrain heavy rendering tasks). Even with a chip uplift, the chassis thermal budget matters.
The next MacBook Air with the M5 chip is very likely to arrive in spring 2026.
Apple is sticking to its pattern of a delayed Air refresh after the Pro, and the focus appears to be on internal upgrades rather than radical design change. If you’re planning to upgrade, you can wait for the M5 model with confidence.
But if you need a laptop right now, the current M4 Macbook Air remains a strong performer.
Do share your thoughts in the comments. Have a productive day.
