Apple updated its two primary laptop lines, introducing faster processors for the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, while raising prices, Bloomberg reported.
The company launched the new models on Tuesday, with the Air featuring the M5 chip and the MacBook Pro debuting the first M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. It also refreshed its external monitor range, unveiling two new models targeted at either consumers or professionals.
The new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro appear identical to their previous versions but feature notably faster processors, upgraded storage options, enhanced graphics, and support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and the company’s N1 wireless chip.
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The new MacBook Air now starts at $1,099 for the 13-inch model, up from $999. The 15-inch version has a new starting price of $1,299, increased from $1,199. To ease the impact, Apple has doubled the base storage to 512 gigabytes for the first time in that lineup.
Apple has hiked the price of the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro chip to $2,199, from $1,999, and the 16-inch version with that processor to $2,699 from $2,499. The 14-inch version with M5 Max chip starts at $3,599, up from $3,199, while the 16-inch configuration starts at $3,899, up from $3,499.
The standard M5 MacBook Pro, launched in October, saw a price hike from $1,599 to $1,699. Meanwhile, the prices of other Apple computer models stay unchanged.
All MacBook Pro models now come with at least 1 terabyte of storage, with the top-tier M5 Max models featuring 2 terabytes as standard. Additionally, Apple provides several hundred-dollar discounts for customers purchasing through its education store.
The new external monitors are available in two models such as the standard Studio Display and the Studio Display XDR. Both include 27-inch screens, 12-megapixel FaceTime cameras, and speaker systems. However, the XDR model features a brighter mini-LED display with a wider dynamic range and an improved refresh rate. It is designed for photo and video editing professionals.
The new standard monitor begins at $1,599, with the XDR model starting at $3,299. The older $4,999 Pro Display XDR, featuring a 32-inch screen, has been discontinued. Apple still offers custom order options for both monitors, including nano-texture or matte screens and various adjustable stands.
The MacBook Air was released a year after the introduction of the M4 model. Meanwhile, the new MacBook Pros represent Apple’s first major update to its high-end laptop line since late 2024. All these new devices are available in their previous colour options, such as sky blue, starlight, midnight, and silver for the MacBook Air, and silver or space black for the MacBook Pro.
The latest release continues a wave of new products this week. On Monday, the company launched the iPhone 17e and a faster version of the iPad Air.
Apple is also planning to launch a new product on Wednesday. It has been preparing its first low-cost MacBook, a device that will feature an iPhone chip. A premature notice on Apple’s website suggests the device might be called the MacBook Neo.
Apple announced on its website that the new MacBook Pro, Air, and Studio Displays will be available for pre-order on Wednesday, with sales starting on 11 March.
