Apple refreshed its MacBook Air with the M5 chip (same design, 512GB base storage, $100 price increase to $1,099+), and launched the iPad Air M4 — 30% faster than M3 models at the same price. Both include Apple's N1 wireless chip. Simultaneously, tariff pressures are creating urgency: these current prices may be the last before significant increases hit Apple's product lineup.
MacBook Air M5 — What Changed
The MacBook Air M5 looks identical to the M4 — same four color options, same 13-inch and 15-inch sizes. The meaningful changes: M5 chip delivers better AI processing for Apple Intelligence features (privacy-preserving on-device AI), base storage doubles from 256GB to 512GB, Apple's N1 wireless chip improves Wi-Fi and Bluetooth performance, and a 40-watt power adapter is now included in the box. The price increased by $100 to $1,099 for the base 13-inch model.
| Spec | MacBook Air M4 (old) | MacBook Air M5 (new) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M4 | Apple M5 |
| Base Storage | 256GB | 512GB |
| Wireless | Standard Wi-Fi 6E | N1 chip (faster) |
| Charger | 35W adapter | 40W adapter |
| Price (base) | $999 | $1,099 (+$100) |
| Battery life | 18 hours | 18+ hours |
iPad Air M4 — 30% Faster
Apple launched the iPad Air M4 — an upgrade from the M3 model. Key change: M4 chip delivers up to 30% faster performance, more RAM for better multitasking, the N1X modem in cellular models, and the N1 wireless chip. Same design, same price as previous M3 iPad Air. This makes the iPad Air M4 a genuine value upgrade at the same price — especially compelling for students and creative professionals who use iPad as their primary computing device.
Buy Now or Wait? The Tariff Timing Problem
This is the key question for Apple buyers in April 2026. Current MacBook Air M5 at $1,099 is manufactured primarily in China, which now faces 54% US import tariffs. Current retail inventory was imported before the Liberation Day tariff announcement. When this existing inventory depletes and new tariff-affected shipments arrive: prices will rise. Analyst estimates suggest MacBook Air prices could increase $100-200 when new tariff-impacted inventory becomes the primary stock.
Apple is accelerating its India manufacturing shift (some MacBook production moving there), but the transition is not complete. If you are planning a MacBook purchase in 2026: doing it in April or May from existing inventory is likely cheaper than Q3-Q4 when new inventory arrives. The $1,099 MacBook Air M5 today may effectively become a $1,199-$1,299 product by year-end.
Apple Studio Display and MacBook Pro M5 Also Launched
Apple also refreshed its MacBook Pro lineup with M5 Pro and Max chips, and launched two new Studio Display monitors — the refreshed Studio Display (27-inch, upgraded camera and speakers, Thunderbolt 5) and the new Studio Display XDR replacing the Pro Display XDR. Both at the premium end, both relevant primarily for professional video and photo workflows that need color-accurate large displays.
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MacBook Air M5 and iPad questions