Apple just unleashed a stack of new hardware: the MacBook Neo, iPhone 17e, and an iPad Air running the M4 chip. The new MacBook Air now packs an M5 chip, next-gen GPU, and starts at 512GB storage-double the previous base. The MacBook Pro gets the M5 Pro and M5 Max, with Apple citing up to 4x higher AI performance versus the previous generation and up to 8x versus M1 models. Both laptops now support Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, and start with more storage: 1TB for M5 Pro, 2TB for M5 Max.
The iPad Air jumps to the M4 chip, unlocking faster CPU/GPU performance for gaming, editing, and AI-heavy tasks. It comes in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, four finishes, and keeps the same starting price as last gen. iPadOS 26, Apple Pencil Pro, and Magic Keyboard support round out the package.
Why it matters for gamers and power users
For anyone running demanding games or creative workflows, the new MacBooks and iPad Air bring serious upgrades. The M5 chips in the Air and Pro mean faster load times, smoother multitasking, and a bigger runway for AI-driven apps. The Pro’s next-gen GPU and Neural Accelerator in every core are built for heavy lifting-think AAA games, 3D rendering, or streaming while editing. The jump to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 means lower latency and more stable connections, which is a win for online play and wireless peripherals.
Storage bumps are a practical upgrade: 512GB is now the MacBook Air’s entry point, while the Pro starts at 1TB or 2TB, depending on chip. No more juggling external drives just to keep your Steam library or video projects local.
iPad Air: More muscle, same price
The M4-powered iPad Air is a sleeper hit for portable gaming and creative work. With a faster CPU and GPU, it can handle heavier games and pro apps without breaking a sweat. The 13-inch model gives you more screen for multitasking or immersive play, while the 11-inch keeps things ultra-portable. iPadOS 26 and support for Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard turn it into a flexible tool for both play and productivity.
Despite the performance leap, the iPad Air keeps its previous starting price. That’s a rare win for buyers used to yearly price creep.
Deals, trade-ins, and buying options
Apple’s trade-in deals let you knock up to $599 off a new iPhone 17e if you’re swapping in an iPhone 13, or up to $400 for an iPhone 11. No device to trade? There are still offers, but the biggest savings are for upgraders. Apple Card users get 3% Daily Cash back and can split payments monthly at 0% APR. For those who want to tweak their setup, configure-to-order options are available for the new MacBooks and Studio Display models-pick your chip, memory, storage, and display height.
Need help setting up? Apple’s online and in-store specialists offer personal setup support, and free Today at Apple sessions cover everything from gaming to art and coding.
The bottom line
- MacBook Air and Pro get faster chips, more storage, and better wireless-ideal for gaming and creative pros.
- iPad Air with M4 brings desktop-class power to a portable form, with no price hike.
- Trade-in and payment deals sweeten the upgrade for existing Apple users.