First look: New MacBook Air with M5 chip – performance, price, and accessories already here

This week, Apple dropped a bombshell for pros with the new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, but there's another piece of news us regular folks are eagerly waiting for: the new MacBook Air. Because while those powerhouse processors are built for people working with video and 3D models, the heart of the next generation for everyone else will be the base M5 – and we'll likely see it debut in the legendary Air. Rumours are flying, and the accessory market is already buzzing: here's what's on the horizon.

What the M5 chip means for the MacBook Air

Following the launch of its bigger brothers, it's a safe bet Apple will refresh the Air line with an M5 processor, possibly announced very soon. The M5 will bring a serious performance boost, with an even sharper focus on energy efficiency. Word on the street is there's a upgraded neural engine, crucial for the AI features that macOS is increasingly weaving into its fabric. In plain English: the new MacBook Air will be faster, more responsive, and still deliver that legendary all-day – if not better – battery life.

Design and dimensions: what the accessories tell us

When it comes to looks, Apple is unlikely to mess with a winning formula. The sizes should stick to the classic 13 and 15-inch options, but case manufacturers aren't waiting for the official nod. You can already find products like the tomtoc 360 Case for 15 Inch on the market, compatible with the M4, M3, and M2 models (codes A3241, A3114, A2941) but already geared up for the new M5. For those after the more compact size, there's the Werleo for new MacBook Air 13.6 inch, made for the 2022-2024 releases (models A2681 M2, A3113 M3). So, the accessory market is well and truly loaded – and when you spot these names on the shelves, you'll know the new Air is just around the corner.

And let's not forget those of you with older models. If you've got an 11-inch MacBook Air from way back, the jvy Transparent Screen Protector is still a top pick to keep it in mint condition. Or, if you're using a 33cm Air (the A1369 or A1466 models with a backlit UK/US keyboard), there are still plenty of solid accessories out there. But if you're reading this, your sights are probably set on the future.

The price puzzle: Apple's potential play

One of the hottest topics doing the rounds is the possible price tag for the new MacBook Air. Word around the traps is that Apple might lower the starting price, but with a bit of a catch: the base model could ship with less RAM or storage than before, nudging users to upgrade when they customise. It's a tactic we've seen before, making the new MacBook Air look more affordable on the surface, but with extra costs if you need more memory. So, make sure you compare the specs carefully when it drops.

Accessories to watch for at launch

If you're planning to snap up the new MacBook Air as soon as it lands, it pays to be ready with the right gear. On top of the cases we've already mentioned, here's a list of things to think about:

• Hard shell case or sleeve: the tomtoc 360 offers full 360-degree protection, ideal if you're always on the move.
• Screen protector: for the new sizes, it's best to look for protectors specifically made for the 13 or 15-inch models.
• Power adapter and hub: with ports kept to a minimum, a decent USB-C hub with a card reader never goes astray.
• Keyboard cover: if you're a fan of backlit keyboards, the newer models have them built-in, but for older Airs (like the 33cm ones with UK/US layouts), there are aftermarket options.

Waiting for the official word

Now, we just have to wait for the next few weeks. With the new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips already out in the wild, it's only a matter of time before Apple unveils the new MacBook Air M5. Superior performance, that timeless design, and class-leading power efficiency. We can't wait to get our hands on one. How about you? Already thinking about which colour and spec you'd choose?