The MacBook Air M5 is a worthwhile step up for new buyers who want more base storage, newer wireless standards, or faster performance in certain demanding creative and AI workloads. For most people who already own an M4 Air and use it for everyday tasks, the upgrade is hard to justify. Both generations retain the same 13-inch and 15-inch size choices and much of the same core feature set.
What changed between the MacBook Air M5 and M4?
The M5, announced in 2026, updates the chip, memory bandwidth, SSD, and wireless connectivity. The M4 is the 2025 generation. Apple’s specifications show that both are available in 13-inch and 15-inch models, with a Liquid Retina display, 12MP Center Stage camera, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and an up-to-18-hour video-streaming claim.
| Feature | MacBook Air M4 (2025) | MacBook Air M5 (2026) | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU and GPU | 10-core CPU; 8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on configuration | 10-core CPU; up to 10-core GPU, with Neural Accelerators in GPU cores | The M5’s added acceleration is most relevant to supported AI and graphics tasks. |
| Memory bandwidth | 120GB/s | 153GB/s; Apple describes this as 28% higher than M4 | More bandwidth can help demanding workloads, but does not mean every task runs 28% faster. |
| Starting and maximum SSD | 256GB starting capacity; configurable up to 2TB | 512GB starting capacity; configurable up to 4TB | M5 offers more room before you need to pay for a storage upgrade. |
| SSD performance | Previous-generation SSD | Apple says read and write performance is 2x the previous generation | The claimed improvement is most relevant to large transfers and storage-heavy work. |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 | You need compatible routers and accessories to benefit from the newer standards. |
| Display sizes | 13-inch and 15-inch | 13-inch and 15-inch | Choose based on portability and workspace, not generation. |
Apple’s current M5 specifications are on its MacBook Air technical specifications page. Apple’s announcement and M4 specifications provide the generation-to-generation details: M5 announcement, 13-inch M4 technical specifications, and 15-inch M4 technical specifications.
How much faster is the M5 in real use?
Apple reports substantial gains in selected workloads, not a universal speed increase. Its comparisons used preproduction M5 systems, and the software, configurations, and methods differ by benchmark. Treat these figures as Apple’s workload-specific results rather than a promise about every app or everyday task.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Up to 4x faster AI task performance than MacBook Air with M4.
- Up to 1.9x faster AI video enhancement in Topaz Video.
- Up to 1.5x faster ray-traced 3D rendering in Blender.
- Up to 1.5x faster image processing in Affinity.
- 153GB/s memory bandwidth, which Apple describes as a 28% improvement over M4.
- 2x faster SSD read/write performance than the previous generation.
These are Apple’s reported comparisons in its March 2026 announcement. They matter most if you use the named apps or similar supported workloads. For browsing, documents, video calls, streaming, and basic editing, the difference is unlikely to feel as dramatic as the headline multipliers suggest. MacRumors’ May 2026 buyer’s guide likewise sees little general-purpose reason for most M4 owners to upgrade, while identifying local LLMs, diffusion models, video enhancement, and ray-traced production as more meaningful M5 use cases: M4 vs. M5 MacBook Air Buyer’s Guide.
Should you upgrade from an M4 Air to an M5?
Keep the M4 if it already handles your work
If your M4 is comfortable for browsing, office work, video calls, streaming, and ordinary photo editing—and you are not running short on storage—the M5 is unlikely to make enough difference to warrant replacing it. The same applies if you rely on the M4’s current connectivity and do not run the demanding AI or graphics workloads where Apple reports its largest gains.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Consider the M5 for specific performance or storage needs
The upgrade case is stronger if you regularly run local AI models, diffusion workflows, AI video enhancement, ray-traced 3D rendering, or storage-heavy projects. The doubled base SSD capacity may also solve a practical problem if 256GB has felt cramped. Check whether the app or workflow you use supports the relevant acceleration; a faster chip alone does not guarantee a large improvement in every application.
Which MacBook Air should a new buyer choose?
The M5 is the more capable default if you are buying new at a similar price: it starts with 512GB rather than 256GB, supports newer wireless standards, and offers Apple’s newer chip. An M4 may still be the better value if it is discounted enough and its memory and storage configuration meets your needs. No regional street-price comparison is established here, so check current local pricing and availability rather than assuming the older model is always cheaper.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Compare like-for-like configurations before deciding. Both generations can be configured with up to 32GB of unified memory, and memory is a purchase-time choice. Match the screen size, memory, and SSD capacity first, then weigh the price difference against the work you do. Official M5 and M4 specs are available from Apple’s M5 announcement and Apple’s pages for the 13-inch M4 and 15-inch M4.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to identify which MacBook Air you have
If you are unsure whether your current laptop is an M4 model, check Apple’s model-identification guide before comparing or trading it in: Identify your MacBook Air model. The M4 generation is listed as the 2025 model; the M5 announcement identifies the newer generation as 2026.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
