Upcoming MacBook Air: What to Expect from the Next Generation
December 31, 2025
The MacBook Air remains Apple's best-selling laptop—an ultra-slim, silent machine powered by Apple silicon. While the current M4 model isn't very old, industry insiders and leak sources indicate that Apple's next iteration is already in development.
Release Schedule and Pricing
Apple appears to follow a consistent annual refresh cycle for the MacBook Air. After the M2 model's debut in 2022 with a complete redesign, Apple skipped 2023. The company then released successive M3 and M4 versions in March 2024 and March 2025, respectively. Based on Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the next model—the M5—should launch in the first quarter of 2026, most likely around March, unless Apple deviates from its usual pattern.
In terms pricing, the base model is expected to remain at the current entry point of $999.
Processor Enhancements
The upcoming M5 chip is anticipated to utilize an improved ARM architecture, manufactured using TSMC's advanced 3nm process technology. However, it is unlikely to adopt TSMC's 2nm process, potentially due to cost considerations.
Leaked benchmarks, purportedly from a next-generation iPad Pro equipped with the M5 chip, show a roughly 12-15% performance boost over the M4. The single-core score is around 4,133, while the multi-core score reaches approximately 15,437. Graphics performance, meanwhile, is claimed to be up to 36% faster, with the GPU showing notable improvements.
The M5 is expected to deliver modest clock speed increases and enhanced efficiency rather than a complete architectural overhaul. Consequently, users can anticipate about a 10-15% speed boost in CPU performance, a slightly more powerful GPU, and better energy efficiency—potentially extending battery life and improving responsiveness during daily tasks.
Design and Display
Apple tends to preserve its MacBook Air design across multiple generations. The current chassis, introduced with the M2 model, remains sleek and modern three years later. Expect the same 13- and 15-inch sizes, unibody aluminum construction, and LCD technology—not OLED, which is anticipated to feature first in future MacBook Pro models.
Physical changes to the next generation are likely to be subtle, perhaps involving a better webcam or communication modules supporting Wi-Fi 7 or Bluetooth LE Audio. Apple might also introduce new color options, as seen earlier this year with the M4.
Looking Ahead: 2027 and Beyond
In a report originating from Korea, plans for a major display upgrade in the 2027 MacBook Air have emerged. The model might switch to Oxide TFT technology for its LCD screens, replacing the current amorphous silicon panels.
This transition promises significant benefits, including:
- Better power efficiency
- Sharper images
- Smoother scrolling
- Enhanced battery life
- Faster pixel response times
- More uniform brightness and reduced motion blur
Summary
The next MacBook Air is poised to deliver incremental hardware improvements, with a focus on performance, efficiency, and possibly subtle design tweaks. As Apple continues to refine its silicon and display technology, users can look forward to a more responsive and longer-lasting machine, while the core design elements remain familiar.
Note: This overview is based on the latest rumors, leaks, and industry reports and is subject to change upon official Apple announcements.