Apple’s latest MacBook Air, powered by the M5 chip, is now available for preorder, launching officially on March 11. The new model boasts enhanced performance and expanded AI capabilities, building on the popularity of its predecessor. Though, for those not needing the latest technology, significant savings are currently available on the still-excellent M4 MacBook Air, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
The M5 MacBook Air starts at $1,099 for the 13-inch model and $1,299 for the 15-inch version, according to Apple’s announcement on March 3rd. The new chip features a faster CPU and a next-generation GPU with a Neural Accelerator in each core, promising improved performance for creative tasks and AI applications [Apple Newsroom]. Base models now include 512GB of storage, doubling the capacity of the previous generation, and feature Apple’s N1 wireless chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 connectivity.
Several retailers are offering preorder options and deals on both the new M5 and the existing M4 MacBook Air. Here’s a breakdown of current offers:
M5 MacBook Air Preorder Deals
Apple is accepting preorders for the M5 MacBook Air directly through its website. The 13-inch model begins at $1,099, and the 15-inch at $1,299. Customers can capture advantage of trade-in programs to lower the cost, and those with an Apple Card receive 3% cash back. Students and educators are also eligible for discounts through ID.me [Apple Newsroom].
- Amazon: Preorders are available, but currently without any discounts, starting at $1,099 with free shipping.
- Expercom: Offering $100 off the 13-inch MacBook Air with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, effectively bringing the price back to the base $1,099.
- B&H: No direct discounts, but trade-ins are accepted. The 13-inch M5 MacBook Air starts at $1,099, and the 15-inch at $1,299.
- Best Buy: Preorders are open with a free $50 Best Buy gift card and free trial subscriptions to Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple TV, and Apple iCloud. The 13-inch model starts at $1,099, and the 15-inch at $1,299.
- Adorama: Currently no direct discounts, but customers with an Adorama Edge card can save 5%.
Savings on the M4 MacBook Air
The arrival of the M5 MacBook Air is driving down prices on the M4 model. Amazon currently has the 13-inch model available in select colors for as low as $899, a $100 discount from its regular price of $999 [CNET].
- Expercom: Offers the 15-inch M4 MacBook Air with a trade-in program.
- B&H: All colors of the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air are $50 off, except the Starlight color. Customers with a B&H Payboo credit card may also be able to save on sales tax.
- Best Buy: Offers trade-in value of up to $550 for eligible laptops, along with three free months of Apple Music and Apple Arcade, and two free months of Apple TV and iCloud Plus.
- Adorama: Taking 5% off purchases made with an Adorama Edge Credit Card.
The M5 MacBook Air represents a performance upgrade, but the M4 model remains a compelling choice, particularly with the current discounts. The M5 chip includes a 10-core CPU with four performance cores and six efficiency cores, alongside an 8- or 10-core GPU with a Neural Accelerator for improved AI and ray-tracing performance [CNET]. Both models are available in midnight, starlight, silver, and sky blue.
As Apple continues to innovate, the MacBook Air line offers a range of options to suit different needs and budgets. The availability of both the M4 and M5 models, coupled with various retailer promotions, provides consumers with ample opportunity to uncover the perfect laptop for their requirements.
What are your thoughts on the new M5 MacBook Air? Let us recognize in the comments below!
