- Apple Debuts M5 Chip: Apple introduced its new M5 chip (built on third-generation 3-nanometer tech), claiming over 4× higher peak GPU compute performance for AI tasks than the M4 chip, plus a 15% faster CPU, thanks to a next-gen 10-core GPU with Neural Accelerators in every core [1] [2]. Apple’s chip chief Johny Srouji said “M5 ushers in the next big leap in AI performance for Apple silicon” [3].
- MacBook Pro Supercharged: A new 14-inch MacBook Pro now runs on the M5 chip, delivering up to 3.5× faster AI performance and 1.6× better graphics than its M4-based predecessor [4]. It retains its 24-hour battery life and starts at $1,599, the same price as before [5]. Pre-orders began Oct. 15, with availability from Oct. 22 [6].
- iPad Pro Upgraded: The 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models get the M5 chip too, giving a 3.5× boost to on‑device AI tasks vs. the M4 iPad Pro [7]. They’re otherwise similar to the previous generation, but gain Wi-Fi 7 (up from Wi-Fi 6E), Bluetooth 6, and a new C1X cellular modem for 50% faster 5G data speeds [8] [9]. The M5 iPad Pro starts at $999 (11″) and $1,299 (13″), with first shipments on Oct. 22 [10].
- Vision Pro 2nd Gen: Apple’s Vision Pro mixed-reality headset gets a second-generation update with the M5 chip and a new cushioned Dual Knit Band for comfort [11]. The M5 boosts performance – the headset now renders 10% more pixels on its micro‑OLED displays and can ramp up to a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals [12] – while also extending battery life to about 2.5 hours (3 hours for video playback) on a charge [13]. The upgraded Vision Pro still costs $3,499 and is available to pre-order (now in multiple countries) for Oct. 22 delivery [14] [15].
- AI Focus & Rivalry: With these launches, Apple is doubling down on on-device AI. The M5 chip is optimized to run advanced machine learning models locally – Apple says even large language models can now run on a MacBook Pro or iPad Pro without cloud help [16] [17]. This strategy positions Apple to counter rival chipmakers like Qualcomm and Intel, who are also touting AI boosts in their latest chips [18]. Notably, Apple’s press materials heavily emphasize “AI” throughout, signaling a new marketing focus on Apple’s so-called Apple Intelligence features [19].
Apple Unleashes the M5 – Built for the AI Era
Apple’s latest silicon, the M5, is at the heart of this fall’s product refresh. Announced on October 15, 2025, the M5 is described as a faster, more efficient, and more capable system-on-chip built specifically to excel at AI and graphics tasks [20]. It’s manufactured on an improved 3 nm process and features an advanced 10-core GPU where each core integrates a Neural Accelerator – a design that dramatically speeds up machine learning computations. Apple says the M5 delivers “over 4× the peak GPU compute performance for AI compared to M4”, and up to 45% higher overall graphics performance than the last generation [21] [22].
The CPU side also sees gains: M5 uses what Apple touts as “the world’s fastest performance core,” part of a CPU with up to 10 cores (4 performance + 6 efficiency). The result is roughly a 15% jump in multithreaded CPU speed versus M4 [23]. Memory bandwidth gets a nearly 30% bump to 153 GB/s, helping feed data-hungry workloads [24]. Apple is clearly aiming this power at AI-driven software – from creative tools to personal assistants – that can run privately on your device. “Every compute block of the chip is optimized for AI,” the company noted [25]. The M5’s beefed-up 16-core Neural Engine and those new GPU Neural Accelerators work together to speed up tasks like image generation, video editing with AI effects, and even on-the-fly natural language processing in apps [26] [27].
Crucially, all that extra horsepower doesn’t come at the cost of battery life or device size. Apple’s focus on power-efficient design means devices using M5 maintain (or even improve) their longevity. And by keeping the pricing for M5-based products the same as the prior M4 models, Apple is enticing users with more performance per dollar [28] [29].
MacBook Pro 14″ Gets the M5 – More Power, Same Price
The MacBook Pro lineup sees a targeted refresh: the 14-inch MacBook Pro now comes with the standard M5 chip (Apple did not announce new 16-inch or “Pro/Max” M5 variants yet [30]). The move boosts the 14″ laptop’s capabilities, especially for AI and graphics tasks, while leaving its acclaimed design and other features largely unchanged [31] [32].
According to Apple, the new 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 is 3.5 times faster in AI performance than the previous M4 model [33]. This leap is thanks to the M5’s Neural Accelerator-laden GPU and upgraded Neural Engine, which together accelerate machine learning workflows on the Mac. In practical terms, this means tasks like running generative AI models (for example, image generators or local large language models) happen much quicker on the laptop. Apple even highlighted that students or creators can transcribe audio, generate images, or run complex data models locally with greater ease now [34] [35].
Graphics get a boost too: the M5 MacBook’s GPU offers about 1.6× faster graphics rendering and frame rates in games compared to the M4 version [36]. Apple also integrated its third-gen ray tracing engine into the chip, which can improve lighting and shadows in 3D apps and games. Yet, despite the extra muscle, the notebook still achieves a phenomenal 24-hour battery life on a single charge [37] – a figure Apple first hit with the M4 generation and maintains here.
Importantly, the base configuration and price remain the same. The M5 MacBook Pro starts at $1,599 with a 10‑CPU/10‑GPU M5, 16 GB of unified memory, and 512 GB SSD [38] [39]. (Notably, Apple now allows configuring this base model with up to a 4 TB SSD, whereas previously such storage was reserved for higher-end chip tiers [40].) The laptop still sports the Liquid Retina XDR display, MagSafe charging, an array of Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports (three ports since the M4 revision), HDMI, SD card slot, and the same Space Black or silver aluminum chassis as before [41]. In fact, aside from the silicon inside, one might not distinguish the 2025 model from the 2024 version at a glance – Apple did not introduce any new exterior design or features this round [42].
Apple’s Mac hardware engineering lead John Ternus underscored what the M5 means for Mac users: “M5 marks the next big leap in AI for the Mac and delivers a huge boost in graphics performance, accelerating demanding workflows for everyone from students to creatives, developers to business professionals” [43]. In short, the 14″ MacBook Pro is now an even more formidable Pro laptop for cutting-edge workloads, without upping the price. The M5 MacBook Pro is available for pre-order and ships starting October 22 [44].
(If you’re waiting for a larger MacBook Pro update: rumors suggest Apple may introduce M5 Pro and M5 Max chips later, likely alongside a 16-inch model, but those weren’t part of this announcement [45].)
iPad Pro with M5 – Faster Brain, Faster Connection
Apple also refreshed its flagship tablets by launching new iPad Pro models powered by the M5 chip. The form factors remain the same – an 11-inch and a 13-inch iPad Pro (the larger model now being referred to as 13″, essentially the successor to the 12.9″) – and externally they look almost identical to the previous M4-based generation [46]. However, under the hood, the M5 turns these iPads into the most powerful and AI-savvy tablets Apple has ever made.
Thanks to M5, the new iPad Pros deliver up to 3.5× the AI performance of their predecessors, and over 5× compared to older M1-based models [47] [48]. This means features like on‑device image editing, AI-powered photo effects, AR rendering, or productivity apps using machine learning will run significantly faster. For example, Apple says tasks like generating images from text prompts or doing AI-based video editing on iPad are much snappier now [49] [50]. The M5’s 10-core GPU (with that Neural Accelerator magic in each core) also provides a hefty graphics uplift – including support for advanced 3D rendering techniques. In fact, with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, Apple claims up to 1.5× faster 3D rendering on M5 iPad Pro versus the M4 version [51] [52], which bodes well for 3D designers and gamers on iPad.
Beyond the chip, Apple made a few future-proofing upgrades to iPad Pro’s specs. Wireless connectivity jumps to the latest standards: Wi-Fi 7 (the newest Wi-Fi standard, improving speeds and capacity) instead of Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 is updated to Bluetooth 6 [53] [54]. Cellular models now come with Apple’s new C1X modem – first seen in the iPhone 17 – which delivers 50% faster cellular data throughput than the previous modem [55] [56]. For users, that means speedier downloads and more robust network performance when you’re away from Wi-Fi. Apple also quietly added a faster charging capability: with a high-wattage adapter, the new iPad Pro can charge up to 50% in just 30 minutes, a boon for power users on the go [57].
Despite these advancements, the iPad Pro pricing is unchanged. The 11″ M5 iPad Pro starts at $999, while the 13″ starts at $1,299 (for Wi-Fi models with base storage) [58]. Both sizes are offered in the familiar silver and space black finishes, with display tech remaining Liquid Retina XDR (on the 13″) and ProMotion 120Hz support. They ship with iPadOS 26, which itself brings new features to exploit the M5’s AI might (Apple’s demo included using on-device AI in apps and new Apple Pencil capabilities, etc.). Apple’s hardware engineering SVP John Ternus pitched the device as “our most advanced and versatile iPad experience yet,” saying the M5 iPad Pro “unlocks endless possibilities for creativity and productivity” by pushing the boundaries of what an iPad can do [59].
For creative professionals, students, and anyone who relies on an iPad for heavy-duty work or content creation, this update means a more future-proof tablet that can handle cutting-edge apps – from 3D design software to AI-driven photo editing – with ease. And with the addition of Wi-Fi 7 and a faster modem, the new iPad Pro is built to stay relevant as wireless networks advance.
Vision Pro Gets M5 – Smoother Spatial Computing (and a Comfier Fit)
In a move that underscores Apple’s commitment to its nascent spatial computing platform, the company also updated the Apple Vision Pro AR/VR headset with the M5 chip. This second-generation Vision Pro doesn’t change the device’s core concept – it’s still the ambitious $3,499 headset that wowed early reviewers with its stunning display and interface – but the M5 upgrade addresses performance and comfort, two critical aspects for early adopters of this technology.
The M5 chip in Vision Pro means the headset can now handle even more intensive graphics and AI workloads on-device. Apple says the new Vision Pro can render 10% more pixels on its dual 4K micro‑OLED displays compared to the original (M2-based) model [60]. In practice, that could translate to slightly higher resolution imagery or better visual fidelity, making text and details crisper when you’re wearing the device [61]. Additionally, M5 allows the Vision Pro to boost its refresh rate up to 120 Hz when needed [62], which helps reduce motion blur and improves the realism of AR/VR experiences – especially when you’re panning your head to look around or when using the Mac Virtual Display feature to view your Mac’s screen in the headset [63] [64]. Together, these enhancements aim to make the mixed reality experience even more immersive and comfortable on the eyes.
The M5’s beefier Neural Engine (16 cores) also accelerates the headset’s AI-driven features. Apple notes that tasks like capturing your Persona (the digital avatar) or converting 2D photos into 3D “spatial” scenes now run up to 50% faster on system apps, and third-party AR apps can see up to 2× faster AI processing [65]. This could mean smoother performance in apps that involve hand/eye tracking, object recognition, or real-time scene understanding in the VisionOS environment [66].
Beyond raw performance, Apple tackled one of the original Vision Pro’s pain points: comfort. The updated model introduces a new Dual Knit Band, which is a redesigned head strap that uses a 3D-knitted dual-rib structure for better cushioning, breathability, and stretch [67] [68]. In essence, it distributes weight more evenly and feels softer on the user’s head, addressing complaints that the first Vision Pro could feel heavy after prolonged use. In fact, Apple will even let existing Vision Pro owners purchase the Dual Knit Band separately for $99 to retrofit their device [69]. This shows Apple’s awareness of feedback from the early users and its effort to improve wearability.
Battery life also sees a modest uptick: the M5’s efficiency, combined with perhaps a slightly refined battery, now yields about 2.5 hours of general use per charge (versus ~2 hours before) and up to 3 hours of continuous video viewing [70]. While still far from all-day endurance, it’s an improvement that users will welcome. And, of course, you can still keep the device plugged into a power source for longer sessions at home or work [71].
The Vision Pro with M5 is available for pre-order in the U.S. and several additional countries (including UK, Canada, Germany, France, Japan, and more) as Apple expands availability beyond the initial limited release [72]. It remains priced at $3,499 – no price break for the new model – and ships starting October 22 [73]. Apple’s VP of Product Marketing Bob Borchers said the upgrade “sets a new standard for what’s possible in spatial computing,” highlighting that the combination of M5’s performance, the new band, and VisionOS 26 software makes the experience “even more capable, entertaining, and magical” [74].
The Vision Pro is still a first-generation platform in many ways, and its hefty price keeps it aimed at developers and enthusiasts for now. But these iterative improvements show Apple’s commitment to pushing the technology forward. The inclusion of the M5 also aligns the headset with the rest of Apple’s ecosystem in terms of chip architecture, which could make it easier for developers to create AI-rich apps that run across Mac, iPad, and Vision Pro seamlessly.
Big Picture: Apple Bets on On-Device AI and Consistency
This suite of product updates – spanning the MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro – arrives just in time for the holiday season, and it solidifies a few key trends for Apple. First, Apple is betting that on-device AI performance will be a major selling point. By branding M5 as an AI powerhouse and showcasing practical AI workflows (transcribing lectures, editing media, running ML models locally), Apple is addressing the current tech zeitgeist where AI features are highly sought after [75]. Unlike cloud-based AI services, Apple’s approach emphasizes privacy and offline capabilities – your Mac or iPad can do complex AI tasks without sending data to a server. This could appeal to professionals and consumers who value both speed and privacy in AI-driven tasks.
Second, Apple’s strategy of putting its latest chips in the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro simultaneously underscores how these devices complement each other in the lineup. In the past, the iPad often lagged behind Macs in chip upgrades, but here the iPad Pro gets M5 at the same time as the Mac. It shows Apple sees the iPad Pro as equally part of the “pro computing” family, not just a tablet sideshow. Developers and pro users can now expect both platforms to handle similar cutting-edge apps, which is important as Apple pushes features like Universal Apps and workflows that span macOS, iPadOS, and even VisionOS.
Finally, by keeping prices static while delivering performance gains, Apple is adding value without rocking the boat on cost. The M5-based devices all start at the same price points as the M4 generation they replace [76] [77]. That effectively gives customers a free upgrade in capabilities and may entice those who skipped the last cycle to now take the leap. It also suggests that Apple’s costs in developing M-series chips are stable enough to maintain margins without price hikes – a sign of a maturing silicon program.
Industry observers note that these moves help Apple fend off growing competition. Rival chipmakers like Qualcomm are marketing AI-centric features in their processors (e.g. for next-gen Windows laptops or Android devices), and Intel is integrating AI acceleration in its PC chips as well [78]. By leapfrogging with M5, Apple aims to keep the performance crown, particularly in the kinds of creative and productivity tasks its core user base cares about. “The introduction of M5-powered devices positions Apple to counter performance gains from rivals,” Reuters noted in its report on the launch [79]. In other words, Apple is ensuring that MacBooks and iPads remain the machines to beat when it comes to the new AI-driven era of personal computing.
As these M5 devices hit shelves on October 22, users and reviewers will soon test Apple’s claims. Will the everyday experience match the promised “next big leap” in speed and AI smarts? Early indications are promising, given the solid track record of Apple’s silicon team. What’s clear is that Apple is all-in on integrating custom silicon advancements across its product line, creating a more seamless and powerful ecosystem. From a laptop on your desk, to a tablet in your hands, to a visor on your face, Apple’s message is that M5 and the technologies it enables will be elevating how you work, create, and play – all while keeping you within Apple’s walled (but well-optimized) garden.
Sources: Apple Newsroom [80] [81] [82] [83] [84] [85] [86] [87] [88] [89], Macworld [90] [91], The Verge [92] [93], Reuters [94] [95].
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