Apple introduces the M5 MacBook Pro, starting a new chapter for the lineup
Apple’s latest laptop release marks a notable shift in its chip strategy. The 14-inch MacBook Pro debuts the first M5-powered model this year, starting at $1,599 and maintaining the same price point as the M4 it replaces. Alongside the new laptop, Apple launched updated 11- and 13-inch iPad Pros and a refreshed Vision Pro, all powered by the M5. Unlike last year, there is no M5 Pro or M5 Max at launch, suggesting the company is pacing high-end options for later in the cycle.
What’s new under the hood: the M5 chip
The M5 sticks with a 3-nanometer fabrication process, mirroring the M4 to manage costs while delivering measurable speed gains. Apple is touting a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, complemented by a 16-core Neural Engine. In terms of performance promises, Apple claims the M5 features the “world’s fastest CPU core” with up to 20 percent faster multi-threaded performance versus the M4. On the graphics front, the GPU is said to deliver up to 1.6x faster performance in pro apps and gaming relative to the M4.
Beyond raw speed, Apple highlights AI and workflow boosts: up to 3.5x faster AI performance compared with the M4 and up to 6x faster AI performance than the M1. In practical terms, tasks like AI-assisted video work and complex rendering could feel noticeably snappier, especially for professionals juggling multiple demanding apps.
Performance benchmarks in real-world tasks
Apple provides specific comparisons to illustrate the M5’s capabilities: Topaz Video AI’s AI‑enhanced video performance reportedly climbs up to 1.8x faster, Blender 3D rendering up to 1.7x faster, and Xcode build times up to 1.2x faster. SSD bandwidth is also boosted, with claims of up to twice the speed of the prior generation, contributing to shorter file transfers and quicker project loading.
Display, design, and everyday usability
The M5 MacBook Pro retains the 14.2‑inch Liquid Retina XDR display with a resolution of 3,024 x 1,964. It can reach 1,000 nits in SDR and up to 1,600 nits for HDR, with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. The color range remains broad (DCI-P3 with a billion colors), which is ideal for video editors and color-conscious work.
Connectivity and ports follow the familiar pro layout: HDMI, SDXC card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and three USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports. Note that the model uses 40 Gbps Thunderbolt 4 lanes, not the newer 80 Gbps Thunderbolt 5 seen on higher-end M4 Pro/Max variants. The six-speaker system supports Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio, while the camera remains a 12‑MP Center Stage 1080p setup. Wi‑Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 round out the wireless stack, and macOS Tahoe is pre-installed at launch.
Pricing, availability, and what it means for buyers
The entry-level 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro is available for pre-order at $1,599 with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage, with configurations scaling up to 32GB RAM and 4TB of storage. Apple indicates shipping starts on October 22, signaling an early push to secure sales ahead of the anticipated M5 Pro and M5 Max release windows later in the year.
Bottom line
For buyers weighing the M4 vs M5, the decision hinges on whether the improved CPU/GPU performance and AI capabilities justify sticking with the older model. The 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro stands out for those who need stronger performance in a portable form factor, without stepping up to a higher-priced tier – at least for now.
