Apple has refreshed its Mac lineup once again, introducing updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models powered by the new M5 family of chips. Alongside the notebooks, the company also unveiled two additions to its external monitor lineup — the updated Studio Display and the all-new Studio Display XDR.
MacBook Air (2026): M5 and More Storage
The 2026 MacBook Air now runs on Apple’s M5 chip, first introduced last year in the 14-inch MacBook Pro and iPad Pro. While it retains the same 10-core CPU and 8- or 10-core GPU configuration as the M4, Apple says all cores are now faster. The GPU also integrates a neural accelerator in each core, further boosting AI-related workloads.
One welcome upgrade is storage. Base capacity has been doubled from 256GB to 512GB, with configurable options now reaching up to 4TB. Memory remains at 16GB as standard, maxing out at 32GB.
Connectivity gets a bump too, with support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Apple is also bundling a new “40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max,” replacing the older 30W and 35W chargers.
Pricing in Malaysia starts at RM4,699 for the 13-inch MacBook Air, while the 15-inch variant begins at RM5,499.
MacBook Pro: M5 Pro and M5 Max Take Center Stage
The MacBook Pro lineup gets the brand-new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. The 14-inch model can be configured with M5, M5 Pro, or M5 Max, while the 16-inch variant is limited to Pro and Max options.
Apple’s new M5 Pro and M5 Max are built using what it calls Fusion Architecture — combining two dies into a single SoC to deliver higher core counts and performance. These chips feature up to six high-performance “super cores” and up to 12 additional performance cores. GPU configurations range from 16 to 40 cores, depending on the model.
On the 14-inch MacBook Pro, the M5 Pro can be configured with either a 15-core CPU and 18-core GPU, or an 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU. The M5 Max steps things up with options for an 18-core CPU paired with either a 32-core or 40-core GPU.
Memory now starts at 24GB for M5 Pro models and goes all the way up to 128GB on the M5 Max. Storage begins at 1TB and can be configured up to 8TB. Like the Air, the Pro models also benefit from Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.
In Malaysia, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro starts at RM6,999, while the 16-inch model begins at RM10,999.
Studio Display and Studio Display XDR
Apple has also refreshed its external monitor lineup. The updated Studio Display retains its 27-inch 5K 60Hz IPS panel but gains a new 12MP webcam, upgraded three-microphone array, a six-speaker system with spatial audio, and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity.
The bigger news is the new Studio Display XDR, which effectively replaces the Pro Display XDR. It features a 27-inch 5K IPS panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and mini-LED backlighting with 2,304 local dimming zones. Brightness is significantly improved — up to 1,000 nits in SDR and 2,000 nits in HDR, compared to 600 nits on the standard Studio Display.
It also supports a broader range of reference color modes, including Adobe RGB. Unlike the standard Studio Display, which includes only a tilt-adjustable stand, the Studio Display XDR comes with a tilt- and height-adjustable stand as standard.
The Studio Display starts at RM6,499, while the Studio Display XDR replaces Pro Display XDR and starts at RM13,499. Pre-orders for both new monitors begin on March 9.
About Post Author
