Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, M5) review: Steady as it goes
Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, M5) review: Steady as it goes
https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/macbooks/apple-macbook-air-13-inch-m5-review
Publish Date: 2026-03-23 12:00:00
Source Domain: www.tomshardware.com
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The MacBook Air has topped our list of the best ultrabooks and premium laptops in recent years because of its mix of premium design, battery life, and performance that make it a go-to recommendation for anyone already on a Mac or looking to make the jump from Windows. The latest incarnation, the MacBook Air with M5 ($1,099 to start, $1,299 as tested), continues the trend, capitalizing on the series of subtle tweaks in its predecessors.
Apple has ditched the $999 starting price for the 13-inch system we’re reviewing here, likely a mix of component shortages and pricing strategies related to the new budget-focused MacBook Neo. But $1,099 does get you a larger 512GB SSD over the previous 256GB base spec.
- Apple MacBook Air M5 (2026) (512GB SSD) at Amazon for $1,049
Design of the MacBook Air (13-inch, M5)
The MacBook Air with M5 sports the same design that Apple revealed back in 2022, when the M2 Air was the first Mac hardware built specifically around Apple Silicon. The design has aged well, and this one comes in the same colors as last year. Our review unit is a pale “sky” blue, the color introduced in 2025, which could be mistaken for silver in some lighting conditions.
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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
The same aluminum design remains, with rounded edges and flat surfaces. It’s handsome, if a bit familiar at this point. When you open the lid, which features Apple’s logo in reflective…
