Double storage makes the M5 MacBook Air a smarter buy

The Essentials

• The new MacBook Air features the M5 chip and doubles the base storage to 512GB with faster SSD performance.
• The 13-inch model is available in India for ₹119,900, while the 15-inch version starts at ₹144,900.
• Faster processing and Wi-Fi 7 support make this a reliable choice for long-term productivity and creative work.

The Pulse

The MacBook Air with M5 chip is now available in India with a starting price of ₹119,900. This update brings a significant increase in speed to the world’s most popular laptop, doubling the base storage to 512GB with significantly faster SSD technology. For those wondering, the M5 MacBook Air price in India starts at ₹119,900 for the 13-inch model and ₹144,900 for the 15-inch version.

The new chip focuses heavily on local processing for AI tasks, making it much faster than the older M1 and M4 models. It features a 10-core CPU and a dedicated Neural Accelerator in every core for smarter workflows and app responsiveness. Connectivity also sees an upgrade with the Apple-designed N1 chip, which brings Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 to the Air for the first time.

Battery life remains impressive at up to 18 hours, ensuring you can work through a full day without searching for a charger. The design stays thin and light in four colours, including sky blue and midnight. With a 12MP Centre Stage camera and support for two external displays, it serves as a versatile centre for both students and professionals.

The Snapshot

The Big Picture

Apple is positioning the MacBook Air as the primary choice for AI-driven productivity in a competitive Indian market. While Windows alternatives like the Dell XPS or Microsoft Surface Pro try to capture the premium segment, the Air remains the benchmark for portable performance. The move to double base storage to 512GB addresses a long-standing request from Indian consumers who found 256GB restrictive for creative work. As local demand for high-end laptops for education and freelance work grows, this update solidifies Apple’s lead in the thin-and-light category.

The Inside Intel

The new N1 wireless chip is Apple’s own custom design, moving away from off-the-shelf components to ensure Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 work in perfect harmony with the M5 silicon. This transition mirrors how Apple moved from Intel processors to its own M-series chips, giving the company even tighter control over how the MacBook Air handles wireless data and battery efficiency.

The UDHQ. Take

At Unbox Daily HQ., the verdict is clear: this is the most sensible MacBook Air update in years. By finally moving the base storage to 512GB, Apple has removed the biggest hurdle for buyers who plan to keep their laptops for five years or more. The M5 chip provides plenty of headroom for future software updates, especially as AI features become standard in macOS Tahoe.

While the 15-inch model offers more screen space, the 13-inch remains the sweet spot for portability and value for money. The education discount makes it particularly attractive for college students who need a machine that lasts through an entire degree. If you are still on an Intel-based Mac or the original M1, the jump in speed and display quality justifies the investment. It is a refined, reliable tool that balances performance with the best battery life in its class.

Best for: Indian creative professionals and students who need a portable machine that handles heavy files without needing a charger.

Who Is This For: Perfect for 18–35 university students and remote workers in urban India who value long-term reliability over raw gaming power.

The Checkout

MacBook Air

The Source

Apple India