El MacBook Air makes the leap to the M5 generation And it does so without changing its appearance, but rather its power. Apple maintains the ultra-thin and quiet design that has made this model its best-selling laptop, and concentrates all the new features inside: more power for artificial intelligence tasks, expanded base storage, and next-generation wireless connectivity.
Far from being a simple minor revision, this update puts the MacBook Air with M5 in a much more competitive position For users in Spain and Europe who need a lightweight computer capable of handling light video editing, creative projects, and hybrid work without breaking a sweat. The changes aren't immediately obvious, but they are noticeable in everyday use.
An M5 focused on AI and everyday performance
The heart of the new model is the Apple's M5 chip, with a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPUThe company boasts that one of those CPU cores is the fastest in the world in a laptop of this type, and complements the graphics with a Neural Accelerator in each GPU core, designed to accelerate everything related to artificial intelligence.
According to official data, the MacBook Air with M5 quadruples AI task performance Compared to the M4 model, it achieves up to 9,5 times the speed of the MacBook Air with the M1 in the same area. This isn't just limited to lab results: it affects tasks such as generating images using local models, analyzing large photo collections, and advanced audio transcription.
Unified memory also gets a boost. The laptop reaches a bandwidth of 153 GB/s, 28% more than the M4 generationThis helps the CPU, GPU, and neural accelerators access data faster. In practice, this translates to smoother multitasking and less waiting when switching between resource-intensive apps.
In professional software, Apple provides some specific examples: the AI-powered video processing in Topaz Video It can be up to 6,9 times faster than the MacBook Air with M1 and almost twice as fast as the M4; ray-traced 3D rendering in Blender scales up to 6,5 times faster than the M1 and 50% faster than the M4; and image processing in Affinity is accelerated up to 2,7 times compared to the first-generation Apple Silicon in the Air. In practice, this translates to smoother multitasking and less waiting when switching between demanding apps, and Take advantage of tricks to be more productive.
Web browsing is also on par. Apple compares the new Air with PC laptops equipped with Intel Core Ultra X7 And it claims that page loading can be up to 50% faster, something relevant for those who spend their day between browser tabs, project managers and web applications.
Storage and memory: goodbye to the 256 GB base
One of the most frequent complaints in previous generations was the limited storage space. With this new generation, Apple finally abandons 256 GB as a starting point and sets the minimum SSD capacity of the MacBook Air with M5 at 512 GB in all its 13 and 15-inch configurations.
In addition to more space, the firm promises a completely revamped SSD, capable of doubling read and write speeds compared to the previous model. For the user, this translates to shorter boot times, faster copies of large projects, and less waiting when moving photo libraries or 4K video footage.
For the first time in this range, it is possible Configure the MacBook Air with up to 4 TB of storageThis is a leap forward designed for photographers, videographers, content creators, or technical professionals who don't want to constantly rely on external drives. If you need to reinstall or format a MacBook AirThere are guides on how to do it safely and keep your data safe.
Regarding unified memory, in addition to the increased bandwidth, the focus remains on offering a shared architecture between the CPU, GPU, and neural accelerators. This helps AI-intensive and graphics-intensive apps make better use of system resources without requiring separate RAM modules. This expansion brings the Air much closer to the options we previously only saw in the Pro family.
Continuity design: slim, quiet and available in four colors
Externally, Apple opts for continuity. The aluminum chassis remains ultra-thin, lightweight, and fanless.With that distinctive profile that many users recognize at a glance, there are no changes to dimensions or ports, which will be good news for some and a missed opportunity for others. If you want to protect it, consider put a case on the MacBook Air that protects the casing without adding unnecessary thickness.
The screen is still a Liquid Retina with 500 nits of brightnessAvailable in 13,6-inch and 15,3-inch versions, this screen supports one billion colors and maintains the sharpness that has made it a benchmark in its segment, especially for text and multimedia content. While there's no leap to more advanced technologies, it retains an already high standard.
In the multimedia section, the laptop integrates a 12-megapixel camera with Center Stage and Top ViewDesigned to enhance both personal and professional video calls, this headset features three microphones for clearer voice capture and a surround sound system compatible with spatial audio and Dolby Atmos.
The color catalog continues to consist of sky blue, midnight, star white and silverApple seems comfortable with this palette, which allows it to differentiate itself from more classic laptops without resorting to combinations that are too flashy for more formal work environments.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and two Thunderbolt 4 ports
Another major innovation comes in the area of ​​connectivity. The new Apple-designed N1 wireless chipThe MacBook Air debuts Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 standards, which until now were more associated with high-end or desktop computers.
The jump to Wi-Fi 7 brings notable improvements in speed and stabilityEspecially in environments with many networks and connected devices, which is very common in offices, universities, or homes with smart home systems. Bluetooth 6, meanwhile, aims for more efficient connections with accessories such as headphones, mice, keyboards, or graphics tablets.
In terms of physical ports, the MacBook Air continues to rely on two Thunderbolt 4 ports on the sideThese ports allow you to connect high-speed accessories, workstations, and up to two external monitors simultaneously. It's an evolutionary configuration, without a card reader or integrated HDMI, but sufficient for most of this device's target audience.
The cargo is the responsibility of MagSafe, Apple's own magnetic connectorThis frees up the USB-C ports for other uses while the laptop is plugged in. This reduces the risk of accidentally pulling the cable and provides some extra convenience on your desk.
Autonomy, macOS Tahoe, and Apple Intelligence
The battery continues to be one of the key features of this model. Apple talks about up to 18 hours of autonomy in video playback, a figure that, according to the company itself, represents about six hours more than the old MacBook Air with Intel processorIn mixed use with browsing, office applications and some editing, it is reasonable to expect a full day without needing to plug it in.
The MacBook Air with M5 comes standard with macOS TahoeTahoe, the new version of Apple's desktop operating system, debuts a design called Liquid Glass, which introduces more customization options for folders, application icons, and widgets, with a more visual and flexible approach than previous versions.
In parallel, the functions grouped under the umbrella of Apple IntelligenceThese include Real-Time Translation in Messages, improvements to Reminders that automatically classify the most relevant tasks, and new shortcuts capable of automating actions such as extracting data from a PDF or transferring information to a spreadsheet.
Continuity features remain a strong point. New Phone app on Mac It allows you to manage calls using a nearby iPhone without having to touch it, while effects like Light Frame in video calls automatically adjust the lighting of the face to compensate for the room conditions, which is useful for those who often work remotely.
Environmental focus and reparability
As is now typical of the company's recent releases, the new MacBook Air with M5 has been designed with a focus on sustainability. Apple states that the laptop It uses 55% recycled materials, including 100% recycled aluminum in the casing and recycled cobalt in the battery, aligning with its goal of achieving carbon neutrality across its entire supply chain by 2030.
The firm also claims that 50% of the electricity used in production comes from renewable sourcessuch as solar and wind energy. The packaging is made entirely of paper fiber and is designed to be easily recyclable, in line with the standards Apple is applying to the rest of its catalog.
Regarding the lifespan of the device, the company emphasizes that the MacBook Air has been designed to be durable and repairableHowever, as in previous generations, many of the interventions will likely be carried out by authorized services. It does, however, maintain strict internal requirements for energy efficiency and the responsible use of chemicals.
Prices and availability in Spain and Europe
The launch of the MacBook Air with M5 is structured around two key dates. Reservations begin on Wednesday, March 4th at 15:15 PM (Spanish time), both on Apple's official website and in the Apple Store app, and in about thirty European countries and regions.
Beginning On Wednesday, March 11, the laptop will be available in Apple Stores. physical stores and authorized distributors, as well as for online shipments in Spain and the rest of the European markets included in the first wave.
In the Spanish market, the Starting prices are €1.199 for the 13-inch model and €1.499 for the 15-inch version. For the education sector, the prices are reduced to €1.089 and €1.379 respectively, provided that the purchase conditions for students and teaching staff are met.
Apple is keeping the program going TradeInThis program allows you to trade in a Mac or other compatible device for a discount on the purchase of a new computer. From Spain, you can check the approximate value of your current device on the official website, although the final valuation is done after the product has been physically inspected.
For those looking to extend their protection, the company offers its support plans. AppleCare +These plans include coverage against accidental damage such as drops or spills, battery replacement when capacity decreases, and access to specialized technical support. While some specific plans are only available in certain countries, the Spanish market offers several options designed for heavy users and businesses.
With all these changes, the MacBook Air with M5 is established as a proposition aimed at those who value portability and battery life, but do not want to give up a clear leap in power, AI capabilities and storage space, especially in a European context where teleworking and studies in hybrid environments are still very present.
