Apple may refresh the MacBook Air in early 2027. The next version is expected to keep a familiar exterior design, with the Apple M6 chip serving as its main update.

The model is also expected to retain a non-OLED display. Apple is reportedly preparing OLED displays and touch support for its higher-end MacBook Pro lineup, while the MacBook Air may have to wait for those changes.

Expected MacBook Air Release Timing

A MacBook Air refresh in early 2027 would place the new model roughly one year after the current M5 version. That timing would be consistent with Apple’s recent MacBook Air update cycle.

The current MacBook Air was updated in March with Apple’s M5 chip. Alongside the processor change, Apple doubled the base storage capacity to 512GB and added Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 through its N1 wireless chip.

MacBook Air M6 Could Be the Primary Upgrade

The 2027 MacBook Air is expected to use Apple’s M6 chip, which has already debuted in the Mac mini.

Apple’s first 2-nanometer chip includes a new 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU. It is designed to improve performance and power efficiency. The same chip is also expected to power the entry-level MacBook Pro and a refreshed 24-inch iMac.

For the MacBook Air, that suggests a processor-focused refresh rather than a major change to the laptop’s physical design or display technology.

OLED MacBook Air May Not Arrive Yet

The expected early 2027 MacBook Air refresh is not expected to introduce an OLED display. Instead, the model may continue with a non-OLED panel while Apple moves its higher-end MacBook Pro models toward OLED and touch support.

That would leave the MacBook Air with the Liquid Retina display used by the current model.

Current MacBook Air Features Expected to Remain Familiar

Apple kept the physical design largely unchanged when it updated the MacBook Air with the M5 chip. The current model remains fanless, thin, and lightweight.

Its listed features include:

  • A Liquid Retina display
  • A fanless design
  • Thin and lightweight construction
  • Up to 18 hours of battery life
  • Starting storage of 512GB
  • Wi-Fi 7
  • Bluetooth 6 through Apple’s N1 wireless chip

Based on current expectations, the next MacBook Air may follow the same general formula, pairing a familiar design with the M6 chip.