Apple has introduced a new generation of MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops powered by its latest M5 chip lineup, another step in its plan to optimise devices for artificial intelligence.
The announcement includes updated 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models, alongside 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. At the centre of the upgrade is the M5 family of chips, including the M5 Pro and M5 Max, which Apple says significantly improves AI processing performance across devices.
A Stronger Focus on AI Performance
According to Apple, the new M5-powered laptops can handle AI-related tasks up to four times faster than their M4 predecessors. For developers building AI agents, training custom models, or running computationally intensive creative workflows, that improvement is significant.
The MacBook Pro models, equipped with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, are designed with advanced users in mind. Apple says these configurations deliver substantial gains in LLM prompt processing and AI image generation, making them suitable for researchers, engineers, and creators working with 3D rendering, high-resolution video editing, and complex music production.
While regular users may not immediately notice the AI-specific enhancements, the performance gains extend into everyday usage, improving responsiveness and efficiency across tasks.
MacBook Air: More Storage, All-Day Battery
The new MacBook Air, available in 13-inch and 15-inch models, now starts with 512GB of storage, doubling the previous base configuration. It offers up to 18 hours of battery life, a 12MP Centre Stage camera, improved audio support with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity alongside MagSafe charging
The Air models are available in 13-inch and 15-inch sizes and come in sky blue, midnight, starlight, and silver.
MacBook Pro: Built for Heavy Workloads
Equipped with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the 14-inch and 16-inch models are designed for developers, researchers, and creative professionals handling advanced workloads. The M5 Pro models start with 1TB of storage, while M5 Max configurations begin at 2TB. Apple also boasts of up to 24 hours of battery life and faster read/write speeds compared to the previous generation.
The Pro models support Thunderbolt 5 connectivity and feature a six-speaker sound system. With a 96W or higher USB-C adapter, users can charge up to 50% battery in approximately 30 minutes.
Pricing starts at $2,199 for the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and scales upward depending on chip configuration and storage.
The Bigger Picture: On-Device AI
The bigger picture isn’t storage or battery life, it’s the design.
As AI becomes embedded into productivity software, design tools, and operating systems, hardware must evolve accordingly. Apple’s emphasis on AI performance suggests a future where more processing happens locally, improving speed, privacy, and efficiency.
In an industry racing toward AI integration, Apple appears focused on strengthening the Mac as a primary AI workstation, not just a lifestyle laptop.
Preorders for the new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro begin March 4, with availability starting March 11.
The question now isn’t whether laptops will be AI-ready. It’s whether performance gains like these are enough to define the next upgrade cycle in 2026.
