New laptops promise up to 4× faster AI workloads, longer battery life, and upgraded cameras as Apple doubles down on on-device AI
Apple has unveiled its latest MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lineup, powered by the new M5 family of chips.
The launch introduces updated laptops designed to handle AI-heavy workloads, reflecting Apple’s growing focus on on-device artificial intelligence.
According to the company, both the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro can process AI tasks up to four times faster than their respective M4-based predecessors.
Preorders opened March 4, with devices shipping March 11.
Apple Pushes AI Performance in New M5 Chips
The new laptops run on Apple’s M5 architecture, including the M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max chips.
Apple says the new silicon is built specifically to handle AI-driven workflows, such as:
- Running networks of AI agents
- 3D rendering and generative image creation
- Processing large language model prompts
The MacBook Pro models benefit the most from the upgrades.
Apple claims:
- Up to 4× faster LLM prompt processing compared with M4 Pro/Max
- Up to 8× faster AI image generation compared with M1 Pro/Max
These improvements allow developers and researchers to train or run custom AI models locally without relying entirely on cloud infrastructure.
MacBook Air Gets Major Everyday Upgrades
While the MacBook Air remains aimed at mainstream users, it still inherits several hardware improvements.
Key features include:
- Up to 18 hours of battery life
- 12MP Center Stage camera for video calls
- Three-microphone array
- Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos support
Connectivity options remain familiar but practical:
- Two Thunderbolt 4 ports
- MagSafe charging
- 3.5mm headphone jack
Apple also doubled the starting storage.
The base model now ships with 512GB, replacing the previous 256GB base configuration.
Two Sizes and Four Colors
The new MacBook Air lineup includes two sizes:
- 13-inch model starting at $1,099
- 15-inch model starting at $1,299
Color options include:
- Sky Blue
- Midnight
- Starlight
- Silver
These models maintain Apple’s lightweight design while gaining better AI performance and upgraded video features.
MacBook Pro Targets Developers and Creators
The MacBook Pro lineup remains Apple’s performance powerhouse.
The laptops run either M5 Pro or M5 Max chips, which significantly increase compute power for professional workloads.
Apple says these machines enable faster workflows in:
- AI development
- 3D rendering
- Video editing
- Music production
Storage has also been expanded.
Base configurations include:
- 1TB storage for M5 Pro models
- 2TB storage for M5 Max models
The laptops also offer up to 2× faster read/write speeds compared with the previous generation.
Longer Battery Life and Faster Charging
Apple says the new MacBook Pro models deliver up to 24 hours of battery life, one of the longest runtimes in the lineup.
Charging performance also improves.
Using a 96W or higher USB-C adapter, users can reach 50% battery in about 30 minutes.
The laptops include:
- Thunderbolt 5 connectivity
- Six-speaker sound system
Pricing and Availability
The MacBook Pro lineup comes in two display sizes.
M5 Pro models
- 14-inch: starting at $2,199
- 16-inch: starting at $2,699
M5 Max models
- 14-inch: starting at $3,599
- 16-inch: starting at $3,899
Color options include black and silver.
All models are available for preorder starting March 4 and will begin shipping March 11.
Apple’s message with this release is clear: the next generation of personal computing is increasingly AI-first.
And Apple wants those workloads running directly on your laptop—not just in the cloud.
TL;DR:
Apple introduced new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops powered by M5 chips, promising up to 4× faster AI performance. The Air starts at $1,099 with 512GB storage, while the Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max target developers and creators with faster AI processing, Thunderbolt 5, and up to 24 hours of battery life.
AI summary
- Apple launches M5 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
- AI workloads run up to 4× faster than M4 models
- MacBook Air starts at $1,099 with 512GB storage
- MacBook Pro supports M5 Pro and M5 Max chips
- Devices ship March 11
