Apple has officially unveiled a new generation of the MacBook Air powered by its latest M5 chip, introducing upgraded performance and expanded base storage to its most popular laptop line.
The new MacBook Air comes equipped with Apple’s M5 processor, delivering improved CPU and GPU performance over the previous generation. The company confirmed that the device maintains its fanless design while offering enhanced efficiency and extended battery life of up to 18 hours, depending on usage. Apple has also increased the base storage configuration to 512GB, doubling the previous entry-level capacity.
The laptop retains its slim aluminum build and Liquid Retina display and will be available in both 13-inch and 15-inch models. Pre-orders begin shortly after the announcement, with retail availability following days later in select markets.
During promotional materials and launch visuals tied to the unveiling, Apple featured “Let’s Start,” the 1971 Afrobeat track by Fela Kuti. The song was originally performed by Fela and his band Africa ’70 and appeared on the live album Live! released in 1971. The track is widely regarded as one of the early recordings that helped define the Afrobeat genre.
“Let’s Start” is known for its extended instrumental structure and rhythmic arrangement, characteristic of Fela’s early 1970s sound. Its inclusion in the MacBook Air M5 launch marks a notable intersection between global technology branding and African musical heritage.
The inclusion of a foundational Nigerian record in a global product unveiling comes at a time when Nigeria’s digital and cultural markets are expanding their international footprint.
Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest smartphone markets, with recent rebounds in device shipments and sustained demand in the premium segment despite broader price sensitivity. While mass-market brands dominate by volume, premium devices including Apple products maintain strong aspirational appeal among urban and affluent consumers. At the same time, Nigeria’s youthful population and mobile-first economy continue to drive high levels of app usage, digital content creation, and online engagement.
Culturally, Nigerian music and film have become major global exports. Afrobeat, once niche, is now mainstream worldwide. Featuring “Let’s Start” in the MacBook Air campaign situates the product within that broader cultural momentum.
Apple has not issued a specific statement explaining the selection of the song. However, the timing aligns with Nigeria’s growing relevance in global technology consumption and its expanding influence across music, media, and digital culture.