Apple Inc. has expanded its Mac lineup with the launch of the new MacBook Air M5, introducing upgraded performance, higher base storage, and updated pricing for buyers in India and global markets. The latest MacBook Air arrives alongside other Mac announcements this week, but the Air variant continues to attract the most attention due to its widespread popularity among students, professionals and everyday users.
MacBook Air M5 Price in India
The MacBook Air M5 comes in two display sizes — 13-inch and 15-inch — and both models have seen a price revision this year.
In India, the 13-inch MacBook Air M5 now starts at Rs 1,19,900. Notably, Apple has increased the base storage to 512GB, which partially offsets the higher price tag. The larger 15-inch model begins at Rs 1,44,900 and can go up to Rs 3,04,900 depending on configuration. Buyers are effectively paying around Rs 20,000 more compared to previous-generation models in similar variants.
The price hike appears linked not only to the new M5 chipset but also to changes in global memory and component pricing, which are impacting device costs across markets.
Design and Display
In terms of design, Apple has retained the familiar and slim MacBook Air profile. There are no major aesthetic changes this year. The 13-inch model features a 13.6-inch LED display, while the 15-inch variant offers a larger 15.3-inch LED panel. Both displays deliver up to 500 nits of brightness, ensuring clear visibility indoors and outdoors.
However, Apple continues to offer a standard refresh rate panel, meaning high refresh rate support is still absent from the Air lineup. The overall build remains lightweight and portable, maintaining the Air’s reputation for mobility and minimalism.
M5 Chipset and Performance
The biggest upgrade in the MacBook Air M5 is the new M5 chipset. Apple claims that users will experience a noticeable performance boost compared to both M4 and M3-powered models. The M5 chip is designed to enhance multitasking, productivity workflows, and AI-driven tasks.
Users can configure the laptop with up to 32GB of RAM and up to 4TB of storage, making it suitable for heavy workloads such as video editing, coding, graphic design and content creation. The shift to 512GB as the base storage is a welcome move, as earlier generations started with 256GB.
The device runs on the latest macOS 26 version, bringing support for Apple’s growing ecosystem of AI-powered tools and system-wide smart features. Apple suggests that AI-related tasks, including on-device processing, will see improved performance thanks to the enhanced neural engine capabilities of the M5 chip.
Camera, Audio and Connectivity
For video conferencing and virtual meetings, the MacBook Air M5 includes a 12MP Centre Stage camera, designed to automatically keep users centered in the frame during FaceTime and video calls.
Audio has also been given strong attention. The laptop features a six-speaker sound system with support for spatial audio, delivering an immersive listening experience. A three-microphone array ensures clearer voice capture during calls and recordings.
On the connectivity front, the MacBook Air M5 offers a MagSafe 3 charging port, dual Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. These options provide flexibility for charging, high-speed data transfers, and connecting external displays or accessories.
Final Thoughts
With the M5 chip, higher base storage, and enhanced AI capabilities, the MacBook Air M5 continues Apple’s strategy of incremental yet meaningful upgrades. While the price increase may concern some buyers, the improved specifications and long-term performance gains could justify the premium for many users.
The MacBook Air remains one of Apple’s most sought-after laptops, and the M5-powered version strengthens its position in the ultra-portable premium laptop segment.
