The 13-inch MacBook Air with M5 replaced the M4 model in Apple's line-up, and refurbished or discounted M4 units remain common. Apple's compare page shows how little changed outside the chip and storage.
Values come from Apple's MacBook Air compare page, re-read on 2026-11-02, where columns are matched to models by position.
Key differences at a glance
- Chip: M5 against M4, both with a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU.
- Base storage: 512GB (up to 4TB) on the M5 against 256GB (up to 2TB) on the M4.
- Same display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina, 2560×1664, 500 nits.
- Same memory options (16, 24 or 32GB) and the same up-to-18-hour battery claim.
- Weight: 1.23 kg against 1.24 kg.
Specification comparison
| Feature | MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) | MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | M5 | M4 |
| CPU / GPU | 10-core (4 super + 6 efficiency) / up to 10-core | 10-core (4P + 6E) / up to 10-core |
| Memory options | 16/24/32GB | 16/24/32GB |
| Base storage | 512GB | 256GB |
| Display | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina, 2560×1664, 500 nits | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina, 2560×1664, 500 nits |
| Battery claim | Up to 18 hrs | Up to 18 hrs |
| Weight | 2.7 lb (1.23 kg) | 2.7 lb (1.24 kg) |
Shaded cells mean the cited sources did not state the value. We do not fill gaps from memory.
What the M5 changes
Apple lists a newer chip with the same core counts and the same memory options. Without measurements we cannot quantify the performance difference, but a newer generation typically brings efficiency and media-engine improvements and a longer runway of macOS feature support. The other concrete change is storage: the M5 model starts at 512GB and can be configured up to 4TB, against 256GB and 2TB for the M4.
What stays the same
Display, memory options, battery claim, dimensions and nearly identical weight are all listed the same. Day-to-day use (documents, browsing, video calls, light photo editing) should feel similar, and accessories, sleeves and docks carry over.
Which to buy
If a discounted M4 has the storage you need, it keeps the same screen, memory options and battery claim. If you would otherwise pay to upgrade an M4 to 512GB, the M5's standard 512GB makes it the better value on paper. Prices were not verified for this page.
Strengths and limitations
MacBook Air 13-inch (M5)
Strengths
- Newer chip and 512GB entry storage.
Limitations
- Little else differs on the page.
MacBook Air 13-inch (M4)
Strengths
- Same display and battery claim; likely lower price now (unverified).
Limitations
- 256GB entry storage and older chip.
Pricing not verified
Prices were not available in the cited pages. Check the manufacturer or a retailer.
Which should you choose?
- Longer ownership: M5 Air — newer chip and 512GB base
- Save money: M4 Air — same display and battery claim
Our verdict
The listed display, memory and battery claims match, so the M5's value is its newer chip and larger base storage.
Frequently asked questions
Is the M5 MacBook Air worth it over the M4?
The listed differences are the newer chip and doubled base storage (512GB against 256GB). Display, memory options, battery claim and size are the same.
Do they have the same battery life?
Apple claims up to 18 hours for both.
What is the maximum storage?
Up to 4TB for the M5 model and up to 2TB for the M4, per Apple's compare page.
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How this was checked
Specifications compiled on 2026-11-02 from the sources below. The cited sources were re-opened and the key table values re-checked on 2026-11-02.
Apple MacBook Air compare page re-read on 2026-11-02; values matched (position-matched).
Disclosure: AYORAHUB did not hands-on test these products or services. Nothing on this page is a lab measurement, benchmark or review score; analysis explains what the cited specifications mean in practice.
- Apple's compare pages are flattened lists without column headers; values were matched to models by position (an inference). Ports, camera and wireless sections were not captured. Prices were not rendered.
Sources
- MacBook Air – Compare models — Apple (manufacturer/official)