Apple has announced refreshed MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models powered by its latest M5 generation processors. Alongside the speed upgrades, Apple has raised prices across the lineup, with the MacBook Pro seeing the sharper jump. Apple also updated its Studio Display range, adding a refreshed Studio Display and a new Studio Display XDR aimed at creators who want higher brightness and a faster refresh rate.
MacBook Air With M5: More Storage and New Connectivity
The 2026 MacBook Air moves to the M5 chip, which Apple previously introduced on higher-end devices. Apple says the M5 keeps the same core layout as the prior generation—10-core CPU with 8-core or 10-core GPU—but uses faster cores. Apple also notes that each GPU core now includes a neural accelerator, suggesting more on-device AI compute capability inside graphics workloads.
The most practical upgrade for many buyers is storage. Base storage rises from 256GB to 512GB, and Apple now offers configurations up to 4TB. Base memory remains 16GB, with options up to 32GB.
Apple also upgrades wireless connectivity to Wi‑Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Charging is changed too: Apple replaces the previous 30W and 35W adapters with a 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with up to 60W output.
Prices increase by $100. The 13-inch MacBook Air now starts at $1,099, while the 15-inch model starts at $1,299.
MacBook Pro With M5 Pro and M5 Max: Bigger Memory and Higher Starting Price
On the MacBook Pro side, Apple introduces the new M5 Pro and M5 Max processors. The 14-inch MacBook Pro can be configured with M5, M5 Pro, or M5 Max, while the 16-inch model is offered only with M5 Pro and M5 Max.
Apple says the M5 Pro and M5 Max use a Fusion Architecture approach, combining two dies into a single system-on-chip to raise core counts. Apple describes the CPU as up to six high-performance “super cores” plus up to twelve performance cores, with GPU options ranging from 16 to 40 cores depending on configuration.
For buyers comparing options, Apple lists several tiers. On the 14-inch MacBook Pro, the M5 Pro can be configured with a 15-core CPU and 18-core GPU. Both 14-inch and 16-inch models also offer an 18-core CPU with a 20-core GPU. For the M5 Max, Apple offers an 18-core CPU paired with either a 32-core GPU or a 40-core GPU.
Memory starts at 24GB for M5 Pro models and can be configured up to 128GB with M5 Max. Storage now starts at 1TB and goes up to 8TB. Like the Air, the new Pros include Wi‑Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.
Pricing rises by $200. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro starts at $2,199, and the 16-inch model starts at $2,699.
Studio Display Updates: New XDR Model Replaces Pro Display XDR
Apple also refreshed its Studio Display lineup. The updated Studio Display adds a 12MP webcam, a three-microphone array, a six-speaker system with spatial audio, and Thunderbolt 5, while keeping the same 27-inch 5K 60Hz IPS panel. Apple keeps the price at $1,599.
The bigger change is the new Studio Display XDR. Apple describes it as a 27-inch 5K IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a mini‑LED backlight featuring 2,304 local dimming zones. Apple lists peak brightness at 1,000 nits in SDR and 2,000 nits in HDR, compared to the standard Studio Display’s 600 nits peak brightness. It also adds more reference color modes, including Adobe RGB.
Hardware design differs as well: the Studio Display XDR includes a tilt-and-height-adjustable stand, while the standard Studio Display offers tilt adjustment only. Apple prices the Studio Display XDR at $3,299 and says it replaces the discontinued Pro Display XDR.
For customers, the 2026 refresh is a clear trade-off: faster M5 performance and better connectivity, but higher entry prices for Apple’s most popular laptops, especially the MacBook Pro.
