M5 MacBook Air Maintains Crown as Best Laptop for Most Users Despite Price Increase
Key Takeaways
- ▸M5 MacBook Air base price increases to $1,099 (13-inch) and $1,299 (15-inch), but now includes 512GB storage as standard, matching previous $200 upgrade value
- ▸Over five years, the MacBook Air has received four processor generations, one major redesign, a 15-inch option, doubled performance improvements, and expanded RAM/storage maximums, significantly closing the feature gap with MacBook Pro
- ▸The M5 Air now sits as a powerful mid-range option with features like dual 6K external display support, ProRes encoding, and up to 32GB RAM, reducing the need for Pro-level models for most users
Summary
Apple's newly released M5 MacBook Air solidifies its position as the best all-around laptop option for the majority of users, even as the entry price rises from $999 to $1,099. The M5 iteration brings the welcome addition of 512GB base storage (up from 256GB), effectively offsetting the price increase through better value. Over the past five years, the MacBook Air has accumulated substantial performance and feature improvements—including four processor generations, a redesign, a 15-inch variant, increased RAM and storage options, and enhanced external display support—that have narrowed the gap between it and the MacBook Pro lineup.
Despite lacking the embargo of Apple's more heavily promoted M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models, the M5 MacBook Air proves compelling for everyday users. The 15-inch M5 Air starts at $1,299 with a 10-core GPU, while the 13-inch base model features an 8-core GPU. The broader ecosystem of features—including MagSafe charging, ProRes encoding, and dual external display support—demonstrates how the Air has evolved into a genuinely capable machine that no longer requires substantial upgrades to meet professional-grade needs.
- Apple's lack of embargo on the Air review suggests the company views it as a mature, well-established product category compared to the newly refreshed Pro lineup
Editorial Opinion
The M5 MacBook Air represents Apple's mastery of product segmentation and gradual capability elevation. By systematically moving features downmarket and increasing base specifications without proportional price hikes, Apple has created a laptop that genuinely serves the broadest possible audience. The $100 price increase is justified by the doubled base storage, making this arguably the most practical entry point to the MacBook ecosystem in years—though one can't help but notice the absence of a true $999 option leaves a small gap for budget-conscious buyers.
