MacBook Air Updated again, this time it’s not just a routine upgrade, but one that improves performance, AI capabilities, and storage space all at once. brand new M5 With the addition of the chip, everything from daily paperwork and multi-tasking to advanced creation and on-premises AI tasks will show a sharper response speed. 512GB storage space has become standard, and wireless connectivity has also evolved simultaneously.
MacBook Air M5 is finally here! Performance soars, 512GB storage comes standard
The core highlight of MacBook Air this time is the replacement of the new M5 chip. M5 uses a 10-core CPU design, including high-performance and high-efficiency core configurations, which makes it more responsive when handling daily tasks, and opens large files or multi-tab browsing more smoothly. The GPU can have up to 10 cores and incorporates a new generation of neural network acceleration architecture to significantly improve device-side AI computing capabilities.
In terms of practical application scenarios, such as image de-backing, photo batch color grading, automatic subtitle generation for videos, and even the execution of large-scale language models locally, can be completed faster than the previous generation. Official data points out that AI task processing speed is up to 4 times faster than M4, and up to 9.5 times faster than M1. This means that in the future, more and more functions that are integrated with Apple Intelligence on macOS will run more smoothly on MacBook Air.
In addition, the M5’s unified memory bandwidth reaches 153GB per second, which is 28% higher than the previous generation. In multi-tasking situations, design software, browsers and video streaming are opened at the same time. It is not easy to get stuck when switching, and the overall experience is closer to the smoothness of the previous Pro series.
512GB becomes standard, greatly reducing storage anxiety
Another key upgrade this time is that the starting storage space is doubled to 512GB. For many users, 256GB will often be insufficient within a few years, especially as photo and video files continue to grow in size. Now the standard configuration is 512GB, whether it is for students to store reports and teaching materials, or for creators to store materials, there is more room.
More importantly, the SSD speed has also been upgraded simultaneously, with read and write performance increased by 2 times compared to the previous generation. Significantly shorten the wait time when importing large libraries, editing 4K videos, and moving project files. Up to 4TB is optional. For professional imaging workers, the thin and light model can also become the main work platform.
The thin and light design remains unchanged, but the details are better
The appearance continues with the one-piece aluminum metal body, still maintaining a slim, lightweight, fanless and silent design. The 13-inch model is designed to be extremely portable, while the 15-inch model gives you a wider display space, suitable for long-term document processing or split-window multitasking. The colors are available in sky blue, midnight, starlight and silver, and the overall texture is mature and attractive.
In terms of display, the 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch Liquid Retina displays have a brightness of 500 nits and support 1 billion colors. Text sharpness and color saturation remain at a high level, making it quite comfortable for daily photo editing or streaming content.
Video, sound effects and battery life are all in place
The front lens is upgraded to a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera, which supports automatic centering of characters and table-top perspective functions. During remote meetings or online courses, picture stability and clarity have been improved. The three-microphone array makes the sound pickup cleaner, and paired with a speaker system that supports spatial audio and Dolby Atmos, it gives you a more enveloping feel when watching movies.
Battery life is up to 18 hours, about 6 hours longer than the older Intel model. For users who need to go out to work all day long, it is liberating to carry less chargers. Paired with the MagSafe independent charging design, the two Thunderbolt 4 ports can be dedicated to connecting external hard drives or monitors.
Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, more stable connection
This time, Apple’s own-designed N1 wireless chip is added, supporting Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. For those who have upgraded to a new-generation router at home, downloading large files or syncing to the cloud will be faster and with lower latency. Bluetooth 6 also makes the connection between headphones and accessories more stable, reducing interruptions.
At the same time, MacBook Air can support up to 2 external monitors, which is very practical for professionals who need to work on multiple screens. In the past, the thin and light series had limited expansion capabilities, but this time it is a key piece of the puzzle.
Price and positioning
The 13-inch M5 MacBook Air starts at NT$35,900, with education discounts starting at NT$32,590. The 15-inch version starts at NT$42,900, and the educational discount starts at NT$39,590. Both models start at 512GB. Compared with previous generations, with simultaneous improvements in storage space and performance, the overall CP value has indeed increased a lot.
Conclusion
Overall, the focus of this MacBook Air upgrade is quite clear, which is to complete the performance, AI capabilities and basic capacity at once. For those still using an M1 or earlier Intel model, the gap will be very noticeable. Even those who have already used M3 or M4 can feel substantial improvements in AI applications and storage space.
MacBook Air has always been Apple’s most balanced product line, taking into account price, performance and portability. When 512GB becomes standard, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 are added, coupled with 18 hours of battery life and full external monitor support, this thin and light notebook is no longer just an entry-level option, but a main model that is enough for most people to use it for a long time. Next, just wait for the day when MacBook Air M5 is released in Taiwan, and evaluate whether the old MacBook on hand is ready for retirement.
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Source: KOCPC Chinese