APPLE has introduced two new laptops — an updated MacBook Air powered by its M5 chip and a new entry-level model called MacBook Neo — expanding its Mac lineup with improved performance and a lower-priced option.
The company announced the devices this week, with both scheduled to be available starting Wednesday, March 11, following preorders beginning March 4.
The new MacBook Air runs on Apple’s M5 processor, which includes a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU designed to improve computing performance and support artificial intelligence workloads. The chip also features a neural accelerator in each core for on-device AI processing.
Apple said the laptop delivers faster performance for tasks such as video processing, image editing and 3D rendering compared with earlier MacBook Air models. The device now comes with 512 gigabytes of base storage — double that of the previous generation — and can be configured up to 4 terabytes.
The MacBook Air supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 through Apple’s N1 wireless chip. It retains a thin aluminum design and includes a Liquid Retina display, a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera, two Thunderbolt 4 ports and support for up to two external displays. Battery life is rated at up to 18 hours.
Apple also introduced the MacBook Neo, positioned as its lowest-priced Mac laptop with a starting price of $599 and $499 for education buyers.
The MacBook Neo features a 13-inch Liquid Retina display and runs on the A18 Pro processor, enabling tasks such as web browsing, document editing and photo processing. The system also supports Apple’s AI features integrated into macOS.
The laptop weighs about 2.7 pounds and uses a fanless aluminum design. It includes a Magic Keyboard, a Multi-Touch trackpad, a 1080p camera and dual microphones. Connectivity options include two USB-C ports, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6.
Battery life on the MacBook Neo is rated at up to 16 hours, according to Apple.
Both laptops run macOS Tahoe, Apple’s latest operating system, which includes features such as live translation, automation tools and other AI-powered capabilities across applications.
