Home Technology Apple’s 2026 MacBook Air: What to Expect From the Next Big Upgrade

Technology

Apple’s 2026 MacBook Air: What to Expect From the Next Big Upgrade

Apple’s MacBook Air is one of the most iconic laptops in tech history, known for its thin design, powerful performance, and accessibility. With the recent release of the M4 MacBook Air in early 2025, Apple users are already buzzing about what’s next. And while the upcoming 2026 MacBook Air might not bring the flashy design overhaul some fans are dreaming of, there are still big reasons to be excited. The focus this time is on under-the-hood power, smarter storage, and a strategic display roadmap that tells us a lot about Apple’s long-term game. This information is also featured on 9to9trends YouTube, so don’t forget to check it out.

Table of Contents

No Radical Redesign, But Subtle Touches Are Coming

Let’s start with the look of the MacBook Air. Apple fans hoping for a bold redesign—perhaps a new form factor or thinner bezels—will need to manage their expectations. The current flat-edge design with MagSafe and two Thunderbolt ports, introduced alongside the M2 chip in 2022, is here to stay… at least until 2027. Apple has a clear track record of keeping laptop designs around for four to five years, so a full visual makeover just isn’t in the cards for the 2026 model.

However, that doesn’t mean the MacBook Air will feel stale. Apple is known for refreshing its product line with small cosmetic updates that give old designs new life. The latest example? The introduction of the Sky Blue color in the M4 model. So while the chassis and build may stay the same, we can expect Apple to introduce at least one new color in 2026 to add some excitement and visual variety. It’s a simple trick, but an effective one that helps the Air stay fresh without changing the engineering.

Meet the M5 Chip: The Heart of the 2026 MacBook Air

The real story of the 2026 MacBook Air lies beneath the surface. The biggest change will be the introduction of Apple’s M5 chip, continuing Apple Silicon’s relentless performance evolution. Based on Apple’s usual 12–18 month upgrade cycle, and given the M4’s 2025 release, the M5 is expected to be ready just in time for the Air’s 2026 refresh.

From what we’ve seen with the M3 and M4 chips, Apple has settled on a stable CPU architecture: six efficiency cores and four performance cores, for a total of ten. That structure will likely stay consistent in the M5. But where things get interesting is the GPU. The M2 introduced a 10-core GPU, and both the M3 and M4 stuck with it. But the M5 could change that. There’s a strong possibility Apple will upgrade the GPU to 12 cores, especially as more users rely on the Air for creative work like photo editing, light video production, and gaming.

This GPU boost would mark the first significant graphics jump since 2022, giving the MacBook Air more headroom for heavier workloads and putting it closer to the lower-end MacBook Pro models, without the price tag.

RAM and Storage: More Future-Proof, Less Frustration

As for memory, don’t expect another jump just yet. Apple recently upgraded the base MacBook Air RAM from 8 GB to 16 GB, and that move was already a huge leap forward for performance and multitasking. It’s unlikely Apple will change that baseline again in 2026. The current configuration is more than enough for most users, and Apple typically keeps RAM upgrades around for a few years.

But storage? That’s where we could see an overdue upgrade. In 2025, it’s hard to justify a premium laptop that still ships with 256 GB of base storage. Given the recent push across Apple’s product line—including iPads—to offer more generous entry-level storage, it makes sense that the 2026 MacBook Air would come with 512 GB standard. This move would give users much-needed breathing room and bring the Air more in line with competitors. And here’s the best part: Apple is likely to keep the starting price at $999.

That’s right. Despite the performance bump, the MacBook Air’s reputation as the most value-packed Mac is safe. Apple knows this is their most popular MacBook, and keeping the price competitive is crucial. Plus, in many markets and through education discounts, the M4 MacBook Air has already been seen for as low as $850, making the 2026 model a compelling option for students, professionals, and casual users alike.

No OLED Until 2029, But the Display Still Gets Smarter

Now, let’s talk about displays. One of the hottest topics in the MacBook world right now is OLED. The MacBook Pro line is expected to introduce OLED with the M6 chip, but the MacBook Air won’t be part of that wave. In fact, according to industry sources like display analyst Ross Young, the Air won’t get OLED until 2029. That might sound disappointing, but it’s part of Apple’s long-term strategy: give premium features to the Pro line first, then gradually introduce them to the Air.

Still, there’s good news. In 2027, Apple is expected to roll out an oxide TFT display to the MacBook Air. While not OLED, this next-gen LCD technology offers smoother visuals and better energy efficiency. Even better, Apple could pair this upgrade with ProMotion support, allowing refresh rates of up to 120Hz. This would be the first major display change since the current Liquid Retina panel was introduced, and it would make the MacBook Air feel noticeably faster and more responsive, especially when scrolling or using touchpad gestures.

Timing and Release: When Will the M5 MacBook Air Arrive?

If you’re hoping to get your hands on the next MacBook Air soon, you’ll need a bit of patience. As of now, no new MacBook Air is expected before 2026. The most likely release window? Spring or early summer 2026—most likely March, which is when Apple has traditionally launched past MacBook Air models. The release will follow Apple’s usual pattern of quiet but powerful updates. There won’t be an event focused solely on the Air, but it will probably be part of a spring refresh that includes other Mac models. Expect a press release, followed by immediate online availability and a rollout to stores soon after.

Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Impact

At first glance, the 2026 MacBook Air might seem like a modest update—no flashy redesign. No OLED. But look closer, and it becomes clear: this is a smart, strategic upgrade that will make the MacBook Air more powerful, more future-proof, and even more attractive to budget-conscious users. With the M5 chip, a likely 12-core GPU, 16 GB of RAM, and potentially 512 GB of storage, this laptop could become the go-to choice for students, travelers, and creators alike.

And while we’ll have to wait until 2029 for OLED, the move to oxide TFT and ProMotion in 2027 will be a big leap forward for the Air’s display. Apple is playing the long game here—rolling out features at a pace that balances innovation with affordability. So if you’re thinking of upgrading and can wait another year, the 2026 MacBook Air is shaping up to be the smartest laptop Apple has ever made in its class. Keep your eye on it—because this one’s going to be worth it.

SaleBestseller No. 1