Apple introduced refreshed 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models powered by its new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, promising major gains in AI processing, graphics performance, storage speeds, and battery life.
The update also brings next-generation wireless connectivity and higher base storage configurations.
The reveal came as part of Apple's event week, with the main day set for March 4 from 9 a.m. Eastern Time onwards.
This year's event breaks from its traditional keynote-style livestream. Instead of hosting a single broadcast event, the company is organizing what it calls a “special Apple Experience” for invited media across New York, London, and Shanghai.
Meanwhile, the general public can follow along digitally as Apple publishes announcements throughout the day via its Newsroom and official social media channels.
TL;DR
- New MacBook Pro models feature M5 Pro and M5 Max chips built on Fusion Architecture.
- Up to 4x faster AI performance versus the previous generation and up to 8x versus M1 models.
- Introduces Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thunderbolt 5, and up to 24 hours of battery life.
- Starts at $2,199 for the 14-inch M5 Pro, with pre-orders beginning March 4.
MacBook Pro's Colors, Availability, And Pricing
The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max are available in space black and silver.
Pre-orders begin March 4 through Apple’s website and Apple Store app in 33 countries and regions, including the U.S., with retail availability starting March 11.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro starts at $2,199 in the U.S., while the 16-inch model starts at $2,699. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Max begins at $3,599, and the 16-inch M5 Max configuration starts at $3,899. Education pricing is also available.
Additionally, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 starts at $1,699 and now comes standard with 1TB of storage.
“MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max redefines what’s possible on a pro laptop, now up to 4x faster than the previous generation,” said John Ternus, Apple’s SVP of Hardware Engineering, adding, “With Neural Accelerators in the GPU, the new MacBook Pro enables professionals to run advanced LLMs on device and unlock capabilities that no other laptop can do — all while maintaining exceptional battery life.”
“Combined with even faster unified memory and storage, it empowers users to take their work even further, unleashing new possibilities and pushing the boundaries of what they can do,” he added.
MacBook Pro's M5 Pro And M5 Max Deliver Major AI And Graphics Performance Gains
At the center of the new lineup are Apple’s M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, engineered using a new Apple-designed Fusion Architecture that combines two dies into a single system on a chip.
The architecture is designed to handle AI-driven and multithreaded professional workloads more efficiently.
Both chips feature up to an 18-core CPU, including six super cores and 12 performance cores. Apple says this configuration delivers up to 30 percent faster performance compared to prior-generation chips.
The GPU now includes a Neural Accelerator in each core, aimed at improving large language model processing and AI-powered creative tools.
According to Apple, the new MacBook Pro delivers up to four times faster LLM prompt processing compared to M4 Pro and M4 Max systems, and up to eight times faster AI image generation compared to M1 Pro and M1 Max models. Graphics performance improves by up to 50 percent over M4 Pro and M4 Max configurations.
For professional applications, Apple highlights up to 5.2x faster 3D rendering compared to M1 Pro systems and up to 1.6x faster gaming performance with ray tracing compared to M4 Pro models.
M5 Pro supports up to 64GB of unified memory with up to 307GB/s of memory bandwidth, while M5 Max scales up to 128GB and 614GB/s, enabling more complex AI training and video production workflows to run locally.
MacBook Pro Brings Faster Storage, Expanded Connectivity, And macOS Tahoe Enhancements
The new MacBook Pro also delivers up to 2x faster SSD read and write performance than the previous generation, reaching speeds of up to 14.5GB/s.
This is expected to accelerate workflows involving 4K and 8K video editing, large datasets, and AI model development.
Base storage has been increased, with the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro starting at 1TB, while M5 Max configurations begin at 2TB. Apple has also integrated its N1 wireless chip, enabling support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 for improved wireless performance and reliability.
Connectivity includes three Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI with support for up to 8K resolution, an SDXC card slot, and MagSafe 3 with fast-charge capability.
Users can fast-charge up to 50 percent in 30 minutes using a 96W or higher USB-C power adapter.
Running macOS Tahoe, the new models introduce enhanced Spotlight capabilities, expanded Apple Intelligence features with privacy safeguards, Live Translation within Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, and updated personalization options through a redesigned Control Center.
Topics For More Insights
- Apple Event Week: Apple Unveils An Improved iPhone 17e At The Same Price Ahead Of Its March 4 Event
- Apple Event Week: Apple Launches New M4-Powered iPad Air With Faster Performance Just Before Its Event
- Apple Event Week: Apple Unveils New MacBook Air With M5 With Double Base Storage
- Apple Event Week: Apple Debuts M5 Pro & M5 Max To Power Next-Gen Pro Workflows
- Apple Event Week: New Studio Display & Studio Display XDR Come With Thunderbolt 5 & 5K Retina XDR
MacBook Pro's Battery Life, Display, And Sustainability Focus
Apple claims the new MacBook Pro delivers up to 24 hours of battery life. Intel-based upgraders could see up to 13 additional hours, while users moving from M1 models may gain up to three more hours.
Performance remains consistent whether the system is plugged in or operating on battery power.
The Liquid Retina XDR display supports up to 1600 nits peak HDR brightness and up to 1000 nits for SDR content, with a nano-texture option available.
Hardware features include a 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View support, studio-quality microphones, and a six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio.
Apple says the device is built with 45 percent recycled content, including 100 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure and recycled cobalt in the battery, aligning with its carbon neutrality goals for 2030.
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