Apple announces new M5 MacBook Air, now with 512GB of starting storage for $1,099

Apple continued its "big week" of product launches on Tuesday by announcing new M5 MacBook Air laptops alongside upgraded MacBook Pros. They're set for release on Wednesday, March 11, and preorders open March 4.

The $1,099 starting price does make us wonder if Apple is about to announce an even cheaper MacBook during its March 4 "special experience" tomorrow, as rumors suggest. For weeks, Apple forecasters have been predicting a low-priced touchscreen MacBook that could compete with cheap Windows laptops.

For now, let's dive into what we know about the new M5 MacBook Air.

Apple introduces the M5 MacBook Air

The new 13- and 15-inch MacBook Airs will come with the M5 chip and start with 512GB of storage. (Last fall's speedy 14-inch MacBook Pro had the same processor.) They're configurable with up to 4TB of storage for the first time.

The 512GB base models will retail for $1,099 and $1,299, respectively, which is the biggest news here. Those prices represent $100 discounts compared to the M4 MacBook Airs with the same amount of storage. They started with 256GB at $999, but that configuration option is no longer available.

The M5 MacBook Airs have also added Apple's N1 wireless chip, which brings support for WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6.

Beyond that, this is a very iterative update. The M5 MacBook Airs have the same designs as their predecessors, retaining their aluminum builds, 60Hz Liquid Retina displays, 12MP Center Stage webcams, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, and 18-hour battery life ratings. They still come in sky blue, midnight, starlight, and silver.

Apple kicked off the week by announcing the iPhone 17e and M4 iPad Air on Monday. It's expected to reveal a new budget MacBook on Wednesday as part of a "special experience" in New York, London, and Shanghai.

Apple M5 MacBook Air: The specs

• Processor: M5 with 10-core CPU

• Display: Liquid Retina displays (60Hz)

• Storage: 512GB to 4TB

• Connectivity: N1 wireless chip delivers Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6

• Size: 13- and 15-inch models

• Battery life: 18 hours

• Webcam: 12MP Center Stage camera

• Ports: Two Thunderbolt 4 ports

• Colors: Sky blue, midnight, starlight, and silver

• Starting price: $1,099