Image: Apple
Finally, the wait is over! Apple has rolled out the MacBook Air with M5, MacBook Pro with M5 Pro or M5 Max, new Studio Displays and the iPad Air with M4. It also unveiled the MacBook Neo – Apple’s low-cost Chromebook challenger that has been grabbing the headlines over the past few months.
Speculation has been rife since January with suspected release dates getting pushed further and further back. But we’re relieved and excited that we can finally start stocking the new range!
One thing worth mentioning before we get into the specs: Apple will not include power adapters for any orders across the M5 chip range. It’s all part of its vision to reach carbon neutrality by 2030.
Let’s get into the details, then!
MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips
The 14-inch MacBook Pro was the first Mac to receive the M5 chip back in October, and it’s now available in M5 Pro and M5 Max too. The 16-inch has also received the M5 chip upgrade and, as is standard, you get to choose between Pro and Max chips. Essentially, if you want more screen then you have to commit to more speed and better performance!
Another notable change is that both MacBook Pro models are now available with a minimum 1TB SSD storage (max 8TB). Previously, you had the choice of 512GB if your workflow didn’t demand more. If this was you and you’re ready to upgrade, you’ll now receive a minimum of 2x faster SSD storage as standard.
Other features include:
- Up to 24 hours of battery life
- Apple silicon with support for Apple Intelligence
- 12MP Centre Stage camera, studio-quality mics and six speakers with Spatial Audio
MacBook Air with M5 chip
The MacBook Air is now available with the M5 chip in 13-inch and 15-inch. There are no Pro or Max chips available with the Air, but the standard M5 chip does come with two variants: 10-core CPU, 8-core GPU and 16-core neural engine, or 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU and 16-core neural engine. The latter provides more processing and graphics rendering speed.
Like the MacBook Pro, minimum storage has doubled. The 256GB Air model has been scrapped, lifting the minimum storage model to 512GB (max 4TB). While this lifts the entry price to get a MacBook Air, the 512GB is now cheaper than it was previously, giving you more value for more machine! It also creates more breathing space for the MacBook Neo, which we’ll get onto next.
Other features of the MacBook Air include:
- Less than two centimetres thick
- Up to 18 hours of battery life
- Apple silicon with support for Apple Intelligence
- 12MP Centre Stage camera
- Liquid Retina display
MacBook Neo
The ‘low cost’ MacBook has landed. Its highly competitive and affordable starting price gives an accessible entry point for people who want to join the Apple ecosystem but don’t require all that much power from their laptop.
It’s powered with an A18 Pro chip, which is the same as an iPhone 16 Pro, and comes with a minimum of 256GB SSD (max 512GB) and 8GB of unified memory. That makes it great for students, everyday tasks and general usage, but not so great for more demanding business use.
Other features include:
- Four playful pastel colours
- Rounded edges and durable aluminium design
- Up to 16 hours battery life
- 1080p FaceTime HD camera
Studio Display and Studio Display XDR
The new and improved Studio Display is joined by an all-new Studio Display XDR, which replaces the Pro Display XDR.
Pro Display XDR was often described as ‘out of reach’ for most Mac users due to its extremely high price point. Now, if you’re looking for an enhanced version of Studio Display that pushes brightness, contrast, and colour beyond traditional High Dynamic Range (HDR) standards, the Studio Display XDR comes in at almost half the starting price.
iPad Air
Same device, faster chip. The iPad Air has been newly upgraded from M3 to M4 across both the 11-inch and 13-inch versions.
Already capable of impressive performance, the new chip upgrade equips the iPad Air with an even more powerful neural engine. Expect advanced graphics and advanced AI capabilities across more demanding applications, such as photo and video editing.
Upgrade your Mac, protect your cash flow
At long last, the latest and greatest influx of Apple releases have injected the power of the M5 chip across the MacBook Air and Pro range. Whether you’ve been holding on for an upgrade or are ready to bring Macs in for the first time, Lease Loop is here to make the most game-changing tech accessible to you.
Our flexible leasing solutions are designed to help you keep the cash where it belongs in your business, but that’s just the beginning. Backed by Feefo’s Exceptional Service Award, we make it our mission to help develop your business and create new opportunities as part of the wider Lease Loop network. Want to know more? Let’s talk.