MacBook Air M5 vs M4: Which MacBook Air to Buy in 2026

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You’re shopping for a MacBook Air in 2026 and facing a rare choice: Apple’s still selling the M4 alongside the newer M5. At first glance the M5 costs $100 more, but it ships with double the base storage and Wi-Fi 7. With retailers already discounting the M5 below its launch price, the decision’s trickier than it looks. Here’s how the specs, street pricing, and real-world use cases break down so you can pick the right one without overpaying.

Price: From $1,099
Where to Buy: Apple MacBook Air M5 15-inch, 16GB / 512GB Starlight | Amazon

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Why Apple Still Sells the M4 Alongside the M5

The M4 MacBook Air arrived in March 2025. The M5 followed exactly one year later on March 11, 2026. Apple set the new model at $1,099 for the 13-inch base configuration, $100 above the M4’s original $999 launch price.

Despite the refresh, Apple didn’t retire the M4. The 13-inch M4 is still listed on apple.com, with configurations spotted in the $859 to $999 range depending on storage and memory. The pattern is familiar: keeping the previous generation in the lineup gives education buyers and budget-conscious shoppers a lower entry point without forcing Apple to officially discount its newer hardware. Apple also runs its standard education discount on the M5 itself, bringing the 13-inch to $999 and the 15-inch to $1,199 for qualifying students and staff. That program tightens the price gap further if you can claim it.

That overlap is precisely why this comparison matters right now. For roughly two months after launch, the M5 sat at a clean $100 premium. May 2026 changed that.