M4 vs M5 MacBook Air: Complete Buyer's Guide

iOS
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M5 MacBook Air vs M4 MacBook Air: What’s Actually Different?

Apple recently introduced the M5 MacBook Air, replacing the M4 model and bringing a mix of performance upgrades, connectivity improvements, and storage changes. While both laptops look similar on the surface, the differences become more meaningful depending on how you use your machine.

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:money_bag: Price and Storage Changes

The new MacBook Air starts at:

  • 13-inch M5: $1,099

  • 15-inch M5: $1,299

This is about $100 more than the previous M4 models. However, Apple doubles the base storage:

  • M4: 256GB base

  • M5: 512GB base

The M5 also features a faster Gen 4 SSD, delivering significantly improved read/write speeds compared to the M4’s Gen 3 drive. For many users, this alone makes the pricing feel more balanced.

Education discounts are still available and typically reduce the price by at least $100.

:high_voltage: Performance Improvements (M4 vs M5)

The biggest upgrade is the M5 chip, which brings noticeable gains in certain workloads:

  • Up to 15% faster CPU performance

  • Up to 30% faster GPU performance

  • Up to 45% faster ray tracing

  • Around 27% higher memory bandwidth

For AI-focused tasks, Apple highlights even larger improvements:

  • 4×+ faster AI GPU compute performance

  • 3.6× faster LLM response time (time-to-first-token)

  • 1.8× faster video AI enhancement (Topaz AI)

  • 2.9× faster AI speech enhancement in Premiere Pro

:brain: New Architecture Upgrades

The M5 chip also introduces deeper hardware changes:

  • Neural Accelerator in every GPU core

  • New Metal 4 APIs with Tensor support

  • Third-generation ray tracing engine

  • Second-generation dynamic caching

  • Built on TSMC N3P 3nm process (more efficient than M4’s N3E)

  • Upgraded unified memory bandwidth: 120 GB/s → 153 GB/s

These changes mainly benefit AI, rendering, and GPU-heavy workflows.

:globe_with_meridians: Connectivity Upgrades

The M5 MacBook Air also upgrades wireless hardware:

  • Wi-Fi 7 (M4 had Wi-Fi 6E)

  • Bluetooth 6 (M4 had Bluetooth 5.3)

  • New Apple N1 wireless chip

:electric_plug: Display and External Support

Both models support multiple external displays, but the M5 improves flexibility:

  • Better support for multiple displays over a single Thunderbolt port

  • Up to 8K at 60Hz or 5K at 120Hz on one display

:battery: Charger and Storage Options

  • M4: 30W charger

  • M5: 40W Dynamic Power Adapter (up to 60W peak)

Storage options also expand:

  • M4: up to 2TB

  • M5: up to 4TB

:vs_button: Quick Comparison Summary

Feature M4 MacBook Air M5 MacBook Air
Base storage 256GB 512GB
Chip M4 M5
CPU/GPU Strong Faster (15–30%+ boost)
Ray tracing 2nd gen 3rd gen
Memory bandwidth 120 GB/s 153 GB/s
Wi-Fi 6E Wi-Fi 7
Bluetooth 5.3 6
SSD Gen 3 Gen 4 (2× faster)
Base price $999 / $1,199 $1,099 / $1,299

:receipt: Should You Upgrade?

For everyday use—browsing, office work, streaming, and light editing—the difference between M4 and M5 will be hard to notice. The M4 is already more than powerful enough for most users.

However, the M5 is clearly aimed at:

  • AI-heavy workflows (local LLMs, generative tools)

  • 3D rendering and ray tracing

  • Video production and enhancement

  • Long-term buyers who want better future-proofing

:brain: Bottom Line

  • M4 MacBook Air: still excellent for most users and likely the better value if discounted

  • M5 MacBook Air: better long-term choice with stronger AI, GPU, storage, and connectivity upgrades

If you’re buying new in 2026, the M5 is the safer “future-ready” option—but for everyday users, the M4 remains more than capable.