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In a significant stride toward the future of personal computing, Apple has unveiled the M5 chip, its most powerful silicon yet, setting a new benchmark in AI performance and graphics capability. As AI-driven applications become increasingly integral to creative workflows, productivity, and immersive experiences, Apple’s latest innovation promises to redefine how users interact with their devices across multiple categories.
The M5 chip’s advanced architecture, built on third-generation 3-nanometer technology, fuels a trio of Apple’s flagship products: the iPad Pro, 14-inch MacBook Pro, and the spatial computing visionary, Apple Vision Pro. By embedding Neural Accelerators within the GPU cores and boosting CPU performance, the M5 delivers unprecedented speed, efficiency, and intelligence, empowering professionals, creators, and consumers alike. This comprehensive upgrade solidifies Apple’s leadership in blending raw power with intelligent computing, paving the way for a new generation of applications and experiences previously unimaginable on mobile and desktop platforms, Apple newsroom report conveyed.
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Apple officially announced M5, the next big leap in AI and performance for Apple silicon, delivering substantial advances to nearly every aspect of the chip’s architecture. Built using third-generation 3-nanometer technology, M5 introduces a next-generation 10-core GPU architecture that features a Neural Accelerator in each core, a first for Apple, enabling GPU-based AI workloads to run dramatically faster.
This innovation results in over 4x the peak GPU compute performance compared to the previous M4 generation.
Beyond raw compute power, the GPU also offers enhanced graphics capabilities, including third-generation ray tracing technology. This enables more realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows in graphics-intensive applications and games. According to Apple, the graphics performance on M5 is up to 45 per cent higher than M4. These enhancements allow developers and creatives to push the boundaries of immersive visuals and AI-based rendering.
At the heart of M5 is the world’s fastest CPU core, integrated into a 10-core CPU consisting of six efficiency cores and up to four performance cores. Together, these deliver up to 15 per cent faster multithreaded performance than M4. The M5 also features an improved 16-core Neural Engine, a powerful media engine, and a nearly 30 per cent increase in unified memory bandwidth, now reaching 153GB/s, all of which contribute to smoother multitasking and more complex AI workloads running on device.
Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Technologies, highlighted the significance of the upgrade: “M5 ushers in the next big leap in AI performance for Apple silicon. With the introduction of Neural Accelerators in the GPU, M5 delivers a huge boost to AI workloads. Combined with a big increase in graphics performance, the world’s fastest CPU core, a faster Neural Engine, and even higher unified memory bandwidth, M5 brings far more performance and capabilities to MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Apple Vision Pro.”
iPad Pro with M5: Redefining power in an ultraportable package
Apple’s new iPad Pro, powered by the M5 chip, represents the pinnacle of tablet performance, bringing an unprecedented level of power and AI capability into a highly portable form factor. Designed for professionals, creatives, and everyday users seeking a versatile device, the new iPad Pro delivers up to 3.5x the AI performance of the previous M4.1 chip and up to 5.6x faster AI performance than the M1-powered iPad Pro.
M5’s next-generation GPU includes a Neural Accelerator in every core, boosting performance dramatically for demanding AI and graphics tasks. The chip also integrates the new N1 wireless networking chip, supporting the latest generation Wi-Fi 7 technology, which ensures faster and more reliable wireless connectivity. Cellular models now feature the C1X modem, delivering up to 50% faster cellular data speeds with improved power efficiency, critical for users who rely on fast and stable connections while on the go.
The iPad Pro is offered in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes with a stunning Ultra Retina XDR display that offers unparalleled color accuracy and brightness, ideal for creative professionals and media consumption. Available in space black and silver, the device also runs the new iPadOS 26, which introduces game-changing features to supercharge creativity and productivity.
John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, emphasized the leap in performance: “Powered by the next generation of Apple silicon, the new iPad Pro delivers our most advanced and versatile iPad experience yet. iPad Pro with M5 unlocks endless possibilities for creativity and productivity, with a huge leap in AI performance and a big boost in graphics, superfast wireless connectivity, and game-changing iPadOS 26 features, it pushes the boundaries of what iPad can do yet again.”
The performance benchmarks of the iPad Pro with M5 include:
- Up to 6.7x faster 3D rendering with ray tracing in Octane X compared to the M1 iPad Pro
- Up to 6x faster video transcode in Final Cut Pro
- Up to 4x faster AI image generation in Draw Things
- Up to 3.7x faster AI video upscaling in DaVinci Resolve
This combination makes the iPad Pro with M5 an exceptional tool for graphic designers working with complex vector graphics in apps like Adobe Illustrator, architects multitasking across apps such as SketchUp and Morpholio Trace, and business users handling large files across multiple apps.
Pre-orders for the iPad Pro with M5 begin today, with availability in stores starting Wednesday, October 22.
14-inch MacBook Pro with M5: Next-level performance for professionals
Alongside the iPad Pro, Apple unveiled an updated 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by the M5 chip, delivering the next big leap in AI and graphics performance for the Mac lineup. The 14-inch MacBook Pro is tailored for professionals and creatives who demand power and portability, offering a blend of high-end performance and impressive battery life.
M5 integrates a next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators in each core, delivering up to 3.5x the AI performance and 1.6x faster graphics than the previous generation. The CPU is both faster and more efficient, with enhanced memory bandwidth accelerating workflows from app launching to running large language models (LLMs) on-device.
Battery life is also a highlight, with the MacBook Pro boasting up to 24 hours of use, allowing users to take demanding workflows anywhere without compromise. The device features the latest storage technology, improving SSD performance, particularly important for users working with RAW image files or exporting large videos.
The MacBook Pro retains many renowned features that define Apple’s pro laptops, including a gorgeous Liquid Retina XDR display with a nano-texture option, a 12MP Center Stage camera, a six-speaker sound system, and a wide array of ports. It also ships with macOS Tahoe, which leverages Apple Intelligence capabilities to enhance productivity.
John Ternus noted, “MacBook Pro continues to be the world’s best pro laptop, and today, the 14-inch MacBook Pro gets even better with the arrival of the M5 chip. 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, and more.”
Key performance metrics for the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 include:
- 7x faster AI video-enhancing performance in Topaz Video (vs. 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro)
- 8x faster 3D rendering in Blender
- 2x higher frame rates in games
- 1x faster build performance when compiling code in Xcode
The new 14-inch MacBook Pro starts at $1,599, available to pre-order now and shipping from October 22.
Apple Vision Pro with M5: Redefining spatial computing
Apple also upgraded its Vision Pro spatial computing headset with the M5 chip, significantly boosting performance, display rendering, and battery life. This leap forward brings enhanced AI-powered workflows and sharper visuals, providing a more immersive spatial computing experience.
Complementing the hardware upgrade is a new Dual Knit Band, a soft, cushioned strap designed for extended comfort, essential for longer usage sessions.
Vision Pro runs on visionOS 26, introducing innovative spatial experiences, including interactive widgets, new Personas, and an immersive Jupiter Environment. The update also brings new Apple Intelligence features with support for additional languages, further broadening the device’s accessibility and appeal.
Users can access over 1 million apps, thousands of games, and hundreds of 3D movies through the App Store and Apple TV app. Apple Immersive also offers new series, films, and a selection of live NBA games coming soon, positioning Vision Pro as a leader in entertainment and productivity.
Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, remarked, “With the breakthrough performance of M5, the latest Apple Vision Pro delivers faster performance, sharper details throughout the system, and even more battery life, setting a new standard for what’s possible in spatial computing. Paired with the comfortable Dual Knit Band, innovative features in visionOS 26, and all-new Apple Immersive experiences spanning adventure, documentary, music, and sports, spatial computing is even more capable, entertaining, and magical with the new Vision Pro.”
Vision Pro with M5 and the Dual Knit Band is available to pre-order now, with in-store demos available at Apple Stores starting today. The device will be widely available beginning October 22.
M5: One chip, infinite possibilities
With its breakthrough architecture and innovations, the M5 chip is more than just an incremental upgrade; it is a complete reimagining of Apple silicon’s potential. Across the iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro, M5 brings to life a future where AI is seamlessly integrated into everyday computing, enabling faster workflows, richer visuals, and new forms of immersive interaction.
Its 10-core GPU with Neural Accelerators, third-generation ray tracing, world’s fastest CPU core, improved Neural Engine, and expanded memory bandwidth provide the foundation for a new class of applications and experiences. Whether it’s accelerating AI image and video processing, rendering complex 3D scenes, or powering spatial computing environments, M5 sets a new industry standard.
Apple’s launch of the M5 chip and its integration into key devices signals a transformative moment for the tech giant and its users. By combining industry-leading AI performance, graphics power, and energy efficiency, Apple is not only enhancing the user experience but also expanding the boundaries of what technology can achieve.
From empowering creators with ultra-fast rendering and AI tools on iPad Pro, to enabling developers and professionals to accelerate complex workflows on MacBook Pro, and redefining immersive computing with Apple Vision Pro, the M5-powered ecosystem is poised to drive innovation across industries and consumer markets.
As these devices hit the market on October 22, the message is clear: Apple’s M5 chip isn’t just an upgrade, it’s a bold leap into the future of intelligent, AI-enhanced personal computing.
