Apple has unveiled updated MacBook Pro models powered by the new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. The refresh focuses mainly on performance improvements rather than a major design change. Apple continues its regular MacBook upgrade cycle while expanding the power of its in-house processors.
The new chips first appeared in limited devices in 2025. However, Apple has now added the M5 Pro and M5 Max to the higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. While performance increases significantly, the overall design and pricing remain mostly unchanged.
More Power With Advanced M5 Chips
The M5 Pro and M5 Max processors introduce higher performance and expanded configuration options. According to early estimates, the M5 Pro starts with a 15-core CPU and 16-core GPU. Users can configure it up to an 18-core CPU, 20-core GPU, 64GB of RAM, and 4TB storage.
Meanwhile, the M5 Max model offers even stronger performance. It begins with an 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU and can scale to 128GB of memory and up to 8TB of storage in the 16-inch model.
Apple has also redesigned the chip structure. Instead of the usual efficiency cores, the architecture now uses “super cores” and performance cores. Early benchmark estimates suggest strong computing results, although full testing will arrive after reviewers receive the devices.
Stronger AI and Faster Performance
Artificial intelligence plays a central role in the new update. Apple says the upgraded Neural Engine and GPU-based Neural Accelerators deliver up to four times more AI performance than the M4 generation. The company also claims the new chips perform up to eight times faster than older M1-based systems in certain AI tasks.
Memory bandwidth has also improved. The M5 Pro supports 307GB per second, while the M5 Max reaches 460GB or even 614GB per second, depending on configuration. Storage speeds also increase, with read and write rates reaching around 14.5GB per second.
Additionally, Apple introduces an N1 connectivity chip, which enables Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support for faster wireless connections.
Familiar Design With Premium Display
Although performance improves, the MacBook Pro design remains largely unchanged. The laptops still feature 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR displays, offering up to 1,600 nits brightness, ProMotion refresh rates, and wide color support.
Apple also keeps the six-speaker sound system, the 12MP Center Stage camera, and a three-microphone array for high-quality audio and video. Battery life stays similar as well, delivering 14 hours on the 14-inch model and 16 hours on the 16-inch version.
Pricing and Availability
The new MacBook Pro lineup starts at $2,199 for the 14-inch M5 Pro model and $2,699 for the 16-inch version. Models equipped with the M5 Max begin at $3,599 for the 14-inch model and $3,899 for the 16-inch variant.
Customers can pre-order the laptops starting March 4, with shipments beginning March 11.
Overall, Apple’s latest MacBook Pro update prioritizes raw performance and AI capability while maintaining the familiar design that professionals already know.
