Apple updates MacBook lineup: Air gets M5 chip, Pro gets M5 Pro and M5 Max

The MacBook Air now runs on the M5 chip. Additionally, the base configuration now comes with double the memory — 512 GB. The 256 GB version has been discontinued, and the maximum storage capacity is 4 TB. The bandwidth has been increased to 135 GB/s.

The laptops are available with screen sizes of 13 and 15 inches. There are four colors to choose from: blue, silver, gold, and black. The base 13-inch version (16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD) will cost $1100, while the top model (32 GB RAM, 4 TB SSD) is priced at $2700.

The updated MacBook Pro has received the M5 Pro chip (15/18 CPU cores, 16/20 GPU cores, and 16 NPU cores) and M5 Pro Max chip (18 CPU cores, 32/40 GPU cores, and 16 NPU cores). Apple notes that the processor runs 30% faster than the previous generation, and the graphics accelerator is 20% more powerful.

The M5 Pro chip supports up to 64 GB of RAM, while the M5 Max supports up to 128 GB. Memory bandwidth is up to 307 GB/s and 614 GB/s, respectively. Additionally, the read and write speed of the updated MacBook Pro is now 14.5 GB/s, which is twice as fast as the previous generation.

The base 14-inch version (M5 Pro, 24 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD) costs $2200, while the top model (M5 Max, 128 GB RAM, 8 TB SSD) is priced at $6900. The updated MacBook Air and Pro will be available for sale on March 11.

In early March, Apple introduced the budget-friendly iPhone 17e and iPad Air with the M4 chip. Additionally, on March 4, the company will hold a presentation to showcase products from the new lineup. It is expected that Apple will unveil a budget MacBook powered by a mobile processor.