The best Apple laptop for most people is now under $950.
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Christina Buff is a Nashville-based freelance writer for who covers shopping with a splash of entertainment. If you’re ever wondering what streaming service you need to watch something (and the cheapest way to sign up for it), she’s your girl.
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Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable
SAVE $150: As of May 7, the Apple MacBook Air (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is back on sale for just $949 at Amazon. That's $150 off its list price of $1,099 and its lowest price on record.
$949
at Amazon
$1,099
Save $150
When Mashable Tech Editor Tim Beck Werth tested Apple's newest MacBook Air, he called it a "near-perfect machine" that's "too powerful for its own good." It's extremely similar to the M4 Air, but now packs Apple's M5 silicon and comes with a steeper starting price of $1,099. "For $899, or even $949, I'd find this laptop irresistible," Werth writes in his review.
I'm pleased to announce that his wish has been granted, as the 13-inch Apple M5 MacBook Air is now just $949 at Amazon. As of May 7, you'll save 14% or $150 on the base model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of solid-state storage. That's also its lowest price on record, which it's reached just once before.
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While the starting price for the M5 MacBook Air is technically higher, you're getting more storage than the previous generation. So when you do the math, you'll actually be saving even more by grabbing this deal.
Aside from the speedier processor and more base storage, the 2026 Air also comes with the N1 wireless chip, which brings support for WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6, and is configurable with up to 4TB (up from 2TB). Otherwise, the specs are largely comparable to the previous generation. It still packs a 60Hz Liquid Retina display, 12MP Center Stage webcam, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, and 18-hour battery life.
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By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
It's certainly not an essential upgrade if you already have an M3 or M4 MacBook Air. However, if you're rocking an older MacBook or you're just joining the Apple world, this is the best MacBook to get. And as Werth put it, at this price it's irresistible.
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Christina Buff is a Nashville-based freelance writer for who covers shopping with a splash of entertainment. If you’re ever wondering what streaming service you need to watch something (and the cheapest way to sign up for it), she’s your girl.
Christina received a B.S. in Business Communication (concentration in writing) from Stevenson University and began her professional journey writing and editing press releases. Since then, she’s written content for a marketing agency, blogged for celebrities, and covered local news, politics, women’s lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and just about everything in between for various publications.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably enjoying live music, studying human design, or embroidering and upcycling clothes. You can follow her on Instagram at @touchinfinity.