Overview: Apple shakes up its Pro lineup with the M5
On October 15, Apple introduced three pro-focused devices powered by the new M5 chip: the 14‑inch base MacBook Pro, the iPad Pro, and the Vision Pro headset. In a move that centers artificial intelligence and AI-assisted workflows, Apple asserted that the M5 delivers a substantial leap in GPU compute performance for AI tasks, while keeping pricing aligned with the previous generation. Preorders are live, with devices slated to ship starting October 22.
What makes the M5 different
The M5 sits on a 3nm process and centers a new generation 10‑core GPU architecture with a Neural Accelerator in each core. Apple claims more than four times the peak GPU compute performance for AI workloads compared with the M4, alongside a 45% uplift in ray tracing. The CPU configuration includes six efficiency cores and up to four performance cores, offering around a 15% CPU performance boost over the M4, paired with an enhanced 16‑core Neural Engine. Memory bandwidth is also improved, with unified memory bandwidth reaching about 153GB/s—nearly 30% higher than before.
In practical terms, Apple says the M5 enables faster on‑device AI tasks, from running large language models locally to deploying diffusion-based tools within apps. This should translate to more responsive AI features, smoother on-device inference, and improved performance for creative and productivity apps that rely on AI acceleration.
What this means for the 14‑inch MacBook Pro
The base 14‑inch MacBook Pro gets a refreshed M5 chip and faster storage options. Apple reports a roughly 3.5x enhancement in AI throughput and a 1.6x improvement in graphics performance versus the M4 variant. Multithreaded performance sees a notable uptick, and memory bandwidth remains robust at 153Gbps. Users can configure the base model with up to 4TB of storage while maintaining the familiar 14‑inch design, color options, ports, and battery life—all with a starting price around the same range as the prior generation.
iPad Pro meets the M5
The M5‑powered iPad Pro emphasizes AI performance on a tablet, promising faster AI‑driven workflows and improved storage speeds. The chip’s capabilities unlock more capable on‑device inference for creative apps and productivity software, bringing iPad Pro closer to laptop‑level AI tasks without sacrificing form factor. Connectivity also benefits from the ecosystem’s latest components, including upgraded Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth stacks and the likelihood of improved cellular options via newer modems.
Vision Pro upgrade: more capable, more comfortable
The Vision Pro headset receives its own M5‑driven boost, including a redesigned Dual Knit Band for a softer, more comfortable fit. The display gains about 10% more pixels on the micro‑OLEDs and can push refresh rates up to 120Hz. The headset is now reported with slightly longer endurance—about 2.5 hours of general use and up to three hours of video playback—making it marginally more practical for extended sessions. Importantly, the Vision Pro still starts at $3,500 with storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
Pricing and availability clarifications
Apple reiterates that the new M5 devices carry similar pricing to their M4‑powered predecessors. Preorders are now open, with sales commencing on October 22. This strategy suggests Apple’s intent to offer faster hardware without steep price hikes, potentially accelerating adoption among professionals who rely on AI‑accelerated workloads.
What to watch next
As reviewers begin to test the M5 across the three devices, expectations focus on real‑world AI performance—how quickly large language models run on devices, on‑device image and video processing, and the endurance of the Vision Pro under longer sessions. For power users, these devices could redefine portable AI workflows, from content creation to immersive experiences.
Bottom line
The M5 marks a meaningful step forward for Apple silicon, especially in AI capabilities. With the 14‑inch MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro all benefiting from the same base technology, Apple is underscoring a cohesive strategy: put powerful AI processing at the core of its pro devices, while keeping pricing stable and quickly expanding on‑device AI features for professionals and creators alike.
