In early March 2026, Apple updated the MacBook Air, rationalized its MacBook Pro offerings, and added a new low-end notebook, the MacBook Neo. Apple also updated its iPad Air product line.
MacBook Air joins the M5 product line
The most significant change for Apple's MacBook Air 13-inch lightweight notebook and MacBook Air 15-inch mid-weight notebook is the upgrade from the M4 processor to the M5 processor.
In addition to the headlining processor change, the M5 MacBook Air also includes Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) and Bluetooth 6 support and raises minimum storage from 256 GB to 512 GB. The case design, display choices, and external display support remain the same.
Some believed MacBook Air prices might increase with this introduction, but Apple has generally held the line or even reduced cost in the configurations Penn constituents tend to buy. The M5 MacBook Air 13-inch is represented in the Lightweight portions of the newly updated Notebook Purchasing Guide. Information Systems & Computing (ISC) expects to test this latest MacBook Air shortly.
MacBook Pro rationalizes offerings
After merely updating the MacBook 14-inch Pro non Pro in October, Apple has now filled out the upper part of the Pro line. The new M5 Pro and M5 Max processors have increased core count and a modified architecture.
In addition to the substantial processor changes, the M5 MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max processors also includes Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) and Bluetooth 6 support and raises minimum storage from 512 GB to 1 TB. The case design, display choices, and external display support remain the same. A note that the M5 MacBook 14-inch Pro non Pro is unchanged, and thus did not receive Wi-Fi or Bluetooth improvements.
The MacBook Pro 14-inch with M5 Pro is represented in the Midweight portion of the newly updated Notebook Purchasing Guide.
MacBook Neo debuts
A low-end MacBook has long been rumored, and Apple released the Neo on 3/4/2026. ISC's major concern with the MacBook Neo is its RAM—only 8 GB is included, and it is not upgradeable. Other Apple Silicon-based macOS devices with 8 GB of RAM have been problematic at Penn, having application and connectivity issues. At this point, the MacBook Neo is not approved for general use. It will be undergoing testing as soon as possible.
iPad Air updated
Amidst more notable news for Macs, Apple also updated the iPad Air, which now features an M4 chip, Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), and Bluetooth 6. At 1.03 pounds, the 11-inch M4 iPad Air remains Apple's lightest full-size iPad. ISC finds that all four iPad options ("classic," Air, mini, and Pro) fit the differing needs of various University constituents.
Published on 3/3/2026, heavily updated on 3/4/2026