Apple Launches New MacBook Air And MacBook Pro With M5 Chips And Higher Base Storage

Apple has launched updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, equipped with its latest M5-series processors and higher base storage. The move is aimed at enticing buyers in a softening PC market challenged by rising memory costs.

The 13-inch MacBook Air now features the new M5 chip and comes with 512GB of storage as standard, effectively reducing the starting price to $1,099 for the same storage tier compared with the previous $1,199 requirement for 512GB.

Apple says the M5 chip delivers notable gains in performance and enhanced on-device AI capabilities.

Apple upgraded its 14-inch MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, boosting processing power for professional users.

The company doubled the base storage to 1TB while keeping the starting price at $2,199 for the M5 Pro configuration.

Apple’s strategy mirrors its approach with the MacBook Air: increasing standard storage while maintaining accessible entry prices, helping differentiate its products from Windows-based PCs.

The broader PC market has seen uneven demand in recent years, as consumers and businesses delayed upgrades after the pandemic surge in laptop purchases.

DRAM and NAND flash chips remain vital for laptop performance, with prices rising as makers prioritise AI production.

Since moving from Intel to its M-series chips in 2020, Apple has emphasised better performance, efficiency, and battery life.

The company also launched the iPhone 17e at $599 with 256GB storage, continuing its strategy of higher storage at competitive prices.

This refresh positions Apple to attract both individual and professional users seeking higher performance and storage, even amid global supply pressures and rising component costs.

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