Apple MacBook Air M5: Key Upgrades, Pricing, and Discounts in India

Apple released the new MacBook Air with the M5 chipset just over a month ago. The 2026 MacBook Air maintains the previous design but introduces significant internal upgrades. It targets office workers and students seeking performance improvements. The laptop's starting price is Rs 1,19,900, but buyers can access discounts up to Rs 16,100 through select retailers.

Key Highlights

• Apple MacBook Air M5 launched with upgraded M5 chipset and improved internal hardware
• Base model with 512GB storage and 16GB RAM starts at Rs 1,19,900 in India
• Vijay Sales offers up to Rs 16,100 total discount through direct and bank offers
• M5 chip delivers up to four times faster AI performance compared to the M4 model
• New model features Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and up to 18 hours battery life

Pricing and Discount Details

The official Apple website does not offer the discounted price. Instead, the deal is available on the Vijay Sales website. The base model of the MacBook Air M5, which includes 512GB storage and 16GB RAM, is listed at Rs 1,19,900. Vijay Sales provides a direct 8% discount, reducing the price to Rs 1,10,290. Additionally, customers can save Rs 7,000 through available bank offers. This brings the total potential savings to approximately Rs 16,100. Interested buyers should check Vijay Sales for the latest details on discounts and availability.

MacBook Air M5 vs M4: Key Upgrades

The MacBook Air M5 retains the compact, thin, and light aluminium body seen in previous models. It continues to offer 13-inch and 15-inch display options, focusing on portability. The main difference lies in its internal hardware.

The M5 chip is the most notable upgrade. It features a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU. Apple claims the M5 delivers up to four times faster AI performance than the M4 MacBook Air. Compared to the M1 model, the M5 is up to 9.5 times faster in AI tasks. This improvement benefits users who rely on AI tools, on-device large language models, or Apple Intelligence features in macOS Tahoe.

Graphics performance also improves with enhanced shader cores and a third-generation ray tracing engine. Apple states the M5 offers up to 1.5 times faster 3D rendering than the M4 model. This may help users working with applications like Blender or image processing software.

The memory bandwidth in the M5 model has increased to 153GB per second, about 28% higher than the M4. Storage options have changed as well. The 256GB variant is no longer available; the base model now comes with 512GB storage, configurable up to 4TB. Apple claims the SSD is twice as fast as before, allowing quicker file transfers and reduced loading times.

Connectivity and Display Features

The MacBook Air M5 introduces Apple’s N1 wireless chip, supporting Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. This replaces the older wireless standard found in the M4 model. The laptop still includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, MagSafe charging, support for up to two external displays, and up to 18 hours of battery life. Display options remain the same, with 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch Liquid Retina screens offering 500 nits brightness.