Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) vs Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4, 2025): specs comparison
How the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) (2026 laptop) and the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4, 2025) (2025 laptop) differ, worked out only from the values on each maker’s official spec page. No prices, ratings or benchmark scores.
Key differences
- Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) is the newer model: it launched in 2026, Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4, 2025) in 2025.
- Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) uses a newer chip from the same family: M5 vs M4.
- Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4, 2025) has the larger battery: 66.5 Wh vs 53.8 Wh for Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5).
- Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4, 2025) has the bigger screen: 15.3-inch vs 13.6-inch on Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5).
- Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) offers more storage: up to 4 TB vs up to 2 TB.
- Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) is lighter: 1.23 kg vs 1.51 kg for Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4, 2025), 280 g less.
Who should pick which
- Pick the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) if you want the newer model (2026), the newer M5, more storage (up to 4 TB) and the lighter build (1.23 kg).
- Pick the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4, 2025) if you want the larger 66.5 Wh battery and the bigger 15.3-inch screen.
Full specifications side by side
| Spec | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) | Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Launched | 2026 | 2025 |
| Processor (CPU) | Apple M5 chip, 10-core CPU (4 super cores, 6 efficiency cores) | Apple M4 chip, 10-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores |
| Graphics (GPU) | 8-core GPU or 10-core GPU | 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB / 24 GB / 32 GB unified memory | 16GB unified memory, configurable to 24GB or 32GB |
| Storage | 512 GB / 1 TB / 2 TB / 4 TB SSD | 256GB SSD, configurable to 512GB, 1TB or 2TB |
| Display | 13.6-inch (34.46 cm) Liquid Retina, LED-backlit IPS, 2560 x 1664 at 224 ppi, 500 nits | 15.3-inch (diagonal) Liquid Retina display with IPS technology, 500 nits brightness, 1 billion colours |
| Battery | 53.8 Wh; up to 18 hours video streaming, up to 15 hours wireless web | Built-in 66.5-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery, up to 18 hours video streaming, up to 15 hours wireless web |
| Ports | MagSafe 3 charging port, two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, 3.5 mm headphone jack | MagSafe 3 charging port, 3.5mm headphone jack, two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports |
| Weight | 1.23 kg | 1.51 kg (3.3 pounds) |
| Operating system | macOS | macOS |
| Dimensions | 1.13 x 30.41 x 21.5 cm | Height: 1.15 cm (0.45 inches), Width: 34.04 cm (13.40 inches), Depth: 23.76 cm (9.35 inches) |
| Source | Official specs · checked 2026-10-27 | Official specs · checked 2026-10-28 |
Questions
What is the difference between Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) and Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4, 2025)?
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) is the newer model: it launched in 2026, Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4, 2025) in 2025. Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) uses a newer chip from the same family: M5 vs M4. Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4, 2025) has the larger battery: 66.5 Wh vs 53.8 Wh for Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5).
Which is lighter, Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) or Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4, 2025)?
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) is lighter: 1.23 kg vs 1.51 kg for Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4, 2025), 280 g less.
Which is newer, Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) or Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4, 2025)?
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) is the newer model: it launched in 2026, Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4, 2025) in 2025.
Every difference above is calculated from the two spec tables, which are copied from Apple’s official pages. A spec that only one page states is not compared. Variants and options differ by region, so confirm on the official page before you buy. Spotted a difference? Report a correction.