Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5) vs Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5): specs comparison
How the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5) (2026 laptop) and the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5) (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 15-inch (M5) is the newer model: it launched in 2026, Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5) in 2025.
- Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5) has the larger battery: 72.4 Wh vs 66.5 Wh for Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5).
- Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5) has the bigger screen: 15.3-inch vs 14.2-inch on Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5).
- Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5) offers more storage: up to 4 TB vs up to 1 TB.
- Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5) has an HDMI port; Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5)'s official port list does not include one.
- Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5) has an SD card slot; Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5)'s official port list does not include one.
- Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5) is lighter: 1.51 kg vs 1.55 kg for Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5), 40 g less.
In common: both list the M5 chip.
Who should pick which
- Pick the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5) if you want the newer model (2026), the bigger 15.3-inch screen, more storage (up to 4 TB) and the lighter build (1.51 kg).
- Pick the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5) if you want the larger 72.4 Wh battery, HDMI output and a built-in SD card slot.
Full specifications side by side
| Spec | Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5) | Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5) |
|---|---|---|
| Launched | 2026 | 2025 |
| Processor (CPU) | Apple M5 chip, 10-core CPU with 4 super cores and 6 efficiency cores | Apple M5 chip, 10-core CPU with 4 super cores and 6 efficiency cores |
| Graphics (GPU) | 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine | 10-core GPU |
| Memory (RAM) | 16GB unified memory, configurable to 24GB or 32GB | 16GB, 24GB or 32GB unified memory |
| Storage | 512GB SSD, configurable to 1TB, 2TB or 4TB | 512GB or 1TB SSD |
| Display | 15.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology, 2880x1864 native resolution at 224 pixels per inch, 500 nits | 14.2-inch (diagonal) Liquid Retina XDR display, 3024x1964 native resolution at 254 pixels per inch |
| Battery | Built-in 66.5-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery, up to 18 hours video streaming, up to 15 hours wireless web | 72.4-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery, up to 24 hours video streaming |
| Ports | MagSafe 3 charging port, 3.5mm headphone jack, two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports | Three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3 port |
| Weight | 1.51 kg (3.3 pounds) | 1.55 kg (3.4 pounds) |
| Operating system | macOS | macOS |
| Dimensions | Height: 1.15 cm (0.45 inches), Width: 34.04 cm (13.40 inches), Depth: 23.76 cm (9.35 inches) | Height: 1.55 cm (0.61 inches), Width: 31.26 cm (12.31 inches), Depth: 22.12 cm (8.71 inches) |
| Source | Official specs · checked 2026-10-28 | Official specs · checked 2026-10-28 |
Questions
What is the difference between Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5) and Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5)?
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5) is the newer model: it launched in 2026, Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5) in 2025. Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5) has the larger battery: 72.4 Wh vs 66.5 Wh for Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5). Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5) has the bigger screen: 15.3-inch vs 14.2-inch on Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5).
Which is lighter, Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5) or Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5)?
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5) is lighter: 1.51 kg vs 1.55 kg for Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5), 40 g less.
Which is newer, Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5) or Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5)?
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5) is the newer model: it launched in 2026, Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5) 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.