Apple unveils the M5: AI-leaning performance for the iPad Pro, Vision Pro, and MacBook Pro
Apple is pushing its silicon forward again, unveiling the M5 as the latest generation of the company’s custom chips. The M5 arrives just over a year after the M4, keeping Apple’s cadence brisk while placing a strong emphasis on AI capabilities, graphics performance, and memory bandwidth. The 3-nanometer process remains, but Apple says the M5 is optimized to accelerate AI-driven workflows while delivering snappier graphics, faster rendering, and smoother overall operation across devices.
The heart of the M5 lies in its 10-core GPU with a dedicated Neural Accelerator for each core, aimed at boosting AI tasks and graphically intense workloads. The chip also adds a 16-core Neural Engine and improved memory bandwidth, all of which work together to improve performance in creative apps, gaming, and AI-assisted applications. In short: more horsepower for both professional software and AI-enabled workflows.
While the AI and graphics talk can sound technical, the practical impact is clear: faster previews, quicker renders, and smarter on-device AI features that can speed up your daily tasks. For developers and power users, the M5 promises a smoother bridge between machine learning tools and high-fidelity graphics for real-time results.
iPad Pro with M5: more power, better external display support
The standout is the M5 iPad Pro, which retains the slim, premium design and OLED display that users love. The 11-inch and 13-inch models gain the new M5 chip, delivering improved performance for games, creative apps, and AI-powered tasks. Apple also expands wireless capabilities by integrating cellular models with the latest 5G modem variants and introducing Bluetooth 6, Wi‑Fi 7, and Thread support through a new N1 radio stack. The result is faster wireless data, snappier connectivity, and smarter smart-home integration where supported.
Notably, the iPad Pro lineup gains improved external display support, including 120Hz behavior when connected to compatible monitors. Storage options remain robust at 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB, with the more premium 2TB tier offering a nano-textured glass option for those seeking a distinctive look and feel on their screen.
Pricing for the new iPad Pro starts in the mid-to-high range, reflecting its premium status. In Australia, the 11-inch model with Wi‑Fi begins around AUD 1,699, with the Wi‑Fi/5G variant bringing the price higher. New Zealand pricing sits around NZD 1,999 for the Wi‑Fi model and NZD 2,399 for the Wi‑Fi/5G option. The 13-inch version carries a higher starting price. Availability across regions begins October 22, aligning with the rest of Apple’s product refresh schedule.
MacBook Pro 14-inch with M5: faster rendering and development
Apple’s 14-inch MacBook Pro also receives an M5 upgrade, serving as a practical step between the M4 MacBook Air and higher-end M5 Pro/Max configurations. The M5 MacBook Pro 14-inch promises a notable jump in rendering performance, with claims of nearly seven times faster Blender Pro rendering versus a first-gen M1 MacBook Pro. Developers using Xcode will see improved build times—up to twice as fast on the M1-based model and around 1.2x faster compared with the prior M4 generation.
For those upgrading from older Macs or seeking a capable portable workstation, the M5 MacBook Pro 14-inch is positioned as a compelling option that balances power with the familiar, portable form factor. Australia pricing starts at around AUD 2,499, with New Zealand pricing near NZD 2,999 and availability slated for October 22, alongside the new iPad Pro.
Vision Pro with M5: comfort and performance combined
Apple doesn’t skip the high-end headset market, as the Vision Pro gets the M5’s processing power for improved performance, while keeping the landmark passthrough visuals and spatial audio that define the experience. A redesigned Dual Knit Band enhances comfort and skin-friendly wear, especially during long sessions. The Vision Pro remains a premium headset with a price tag around AUD 5,999 in Australia, with the new M5 hardware and improved comfort features included in the package.
For Vision Pro owners, a Dual Knit Band option is available at AUD 169, while the bundled package with M5 and Dual Knit Band will be released on October 22 in Australia along with the rest of Apple’s lineup. The M5 Vision Pro exemplifies Apple’s strategy: bring the latest silicon to its most premium devices first, then broaden down to mid-range laptops and tablets.
Bottom line: a modern trio fueled by M5 silicon
Apple’s M5 introduces a unifying thread across iPad Pro, Vision Pro, and the 14-inch MacBook Pro. The combination of a refined 3nm process, expanded Neural Engine, higher memory bandwidth, and dedicated AI accelerators translates into tangible gains in graphics, simulation, and on-device AI workloads. With release dates aligned for October 22 in multiple regions, users can expect a simultaneous wave of performance enhancements across Apple’s flagship devices, making this fall a meaningful upgrade season for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
