Now that the M5 MacBook Pro is out, Apple is reportedly planning to roll out new MacBook Air models with the M5 chip in spring 2026, according to Mark Gurman. The move aligns with its recent upgrade tradition, keeping the MacBook Air lineup current while leveraging the performance gains of the M series.
The MacBook Air already got its M4 update in March 2025, so this next refresh feels timely. Unlike large redesigns, the expectation is that Apple will stick with the existing chassis and focus mostly on internal upgrades. That would keep things familiar to users while improving what’s under the hood.
In terms of specs, the M5 update is expected to bring modest gains. Early tests of M5 in iPad Pro units suggest slight improvements in processing speed and graphics relative to M4 versions. For the Air, those extra cycles could lead to snappier responsiveness in daily tasks, better energy efficiency, and more headroom for multitasking.
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Apple may also pair the M5 Air release with updates to other pro hardware. There are rumors of M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models arriving earlier in 2026. It’s all part of what looks like a cascade of Apple silicon upgrades aimed at both consumer and professional tiers.
Apple tends to keep its design updates spaced out. Since the MacBook Air’s current look was introduced in 2022, it still feels modern. That gives Apple breathing room to refine the internals without worrying about design fatigue. For now, the spotlight will be on performance, battery life, and how well the M5 chip handles heavier workloads in the Air form factor.
If you’re considering an upgrade later this year, patience may pay off. The 2026 M5 MacBook Air could offer a cleaner jump in performance—and by then more confidently priced configurations might emerge. Either way, Apple is signaling that the Air remains central to its silicon roadmap, promising gradual evolution rather than sudden pivots.