MacBook Air M5 Drops to $899 in Memorial Day Sale

Key Takeaways

• The 13-inch MacBook Air M5 is $899 ($200 off), its lowest price ever
• Both 13-inch and 15-inch models now include 512GB storage and 16GB RAM as standard
• The M5 chip offers 4x GPU compute performance over M4 for AI tasks

Apple's M5 MacBook Air just hit its lowest price ever. Amazon is selling the 13-inch model with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for $899, a $200 discount from the standard $1,099 price. The 15-inch version is also $200 off at $1,099 on Amazon, or $1,149 at Best Buy.

The deal runs through Memorial Day weekend. If you've been waiting for a reason to upgrade your laptop, this is it.

Why the M5 Air Is Worth It

The M5 MacBook Air, released in March 2026, is The Verge's top laptop recommendation for most people. It handles everyday tasks with ease, from juggling dozens of browser tabs to light video editing. The machine lasts around 13 hours on a single charge, more than enough for a full workday.

This year's model comes with a meaningful upgrade. Apple doubled the base storage to 512GB and made 16GB of RAM standard. Both changes address longtime complaints about the Air's entry-level specs.

“Finally, Apple has listened to consumer feedback by standardizing 16GB of RAM as the entry point, effectively future-proofing the Air for the next four years.”

— David Chen, Gadget Editor at The Verge

Storage performance is also faster. Read and write speeds now rival the M5 MacBook Pro, which makes file transfers and multitasking feel snappier.

The AI Angle

The M5 chip brings a significant boost to AI workloads. Technical reviewers report 4x the GPU compute performance compared to the M4, particularly for local AI tasks.

“The M5 chip effectively turns the Air into a powerhouse for local LLM inference, making it the most capable ultraportable we've ever tested for AI-driven workflows.”

— Sarah Jenkins, Lead Analyst at TechMetrics Research

For users running local language models or AI-assisted creative tools, the M5 Air now competes with machines that cost hundreds more.

M5 Air vs MacBook Neo

Apple also released the MacBook Neo this year, a more affordable option priced between $599 and $899. The Neo targets budget-conscious buyers, but the M5 Air outperforms it in every benchmark.

The Air has a better display, faster storage, and the M5 chip's full performance. At $899 with the current discount, the gap between the Air and the Neo shrinks to nothing. You're getting the premium machine for the budget price.

Discussion on Reddit and Hacker News reflects this math. The consensus among tech-focused users is that the $200 discount makes the M5 Air the obvious choice for anyone who wants a machine that'll last four or five years.

What You're Getting

• M5 chip with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU
• 16GB unified memory (standard)
• 512GB SSD storage (doubled from previous base)
• 13.6-inch or 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display
• 12-megapixel Center Stage webcam
• Up to 13 hours of battery life
• MagSafe charging, two Thunderbolt ports, headphone jack

The design is the same slim, light aluminum chassis Apple has refined over the years. The 13-inch model weighs 2.7 pounds. The 15-inch is 3.3 pounds. Both fit easily in a backpack.

Who Should Skip This

The M5 Air isn't for everyone. If you do intensive 3D modeling, professional video editing, or serious gaming, you'll want the MacBook Pro or a dedicated gaming laptop. The Air's fanless design means it throttles under sustained heavy loads.

But for the vast majority of users, from students to professionals, the Air handles everything you'll throw at it.

Where to Buy

• 13-inch MacBook Air M5: $899 at Amazon (was $1,099)
• 15-inch MacBook Air M5: $1,099 at Amazon, $1,149 at Best Buy (was $1,299)

The Amazon deal is available in all colors. Best Buy's discount is slightly smaller but still worth checking if you prefer in-store pickup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the MacBook Air Memorial Day deal last?

The $200 discount is running through Memorial Day weekend 2026. Amazon and Best Buy typically end holiday sales on the holiday itself or the following Tuesday.

Is the M5 MacBook Air good for programming?

Yes. The M5 chip handles code compilation, Docker containers, and multiple IDE instances without issue. The 16GB RAM and fast SSD make development workflows smooth.

Should I buy the 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air?

The 15-inch model is better for productivity and media consumption, with more screen space for multitasking. The 13-inch is lighter and more portable. Both have identical performance.

Can the M5 MacBook Air run local AI models?

Yes. The M5 chip's neural engine and unified memory architecture make it capable of running smaller local LLMs. Reviewers report it's the most capable ultraportable for AI workflows.

How does the M5 Air compare to the MacBook Pro?

The M5 MacBook Pro has active cooling and sustained performance for heavy workloads. The Air throttles under prolonged stress but matches the Pro for typical everyday tasks.