Apple has introduced the new 14 inch and 16 inch MacBook Pro powered by the all new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. The update focuses on major CPU and GPU gains, significantly faster on device AI, and higher starting storage across the lineup.
With a new Fusion Architecture design, faster unified memory, and up to 2x faster SSD speeds, the latest MacBook Pro targets developers, researchers, and creative professionals who need sustained performance for demanding workflows. Apple is positioning this generation as a major leap for users upgrading from M1 or Intel based models.
“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 senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. “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.”
M5 Pro and M5 Max performance
M5 Pro and M5 Max feature a new CPU with up to 18 cores, including six super cores and 12 performance cores built for multithreaded pro workloads. Apple says the new chips deliver up to 30 percent faster overall performance compared to the previous generation.
The next generation GPU includes a Neural Accelerator in each core, enabling up to 4x faster AI performance compared to M4 Pro and M4 Max models, and up to 8x faster AI tasks compared to M1 Pro and M1 Max systems. This allows users to run advanced large language models locally, generate AI images faster, and accelerate AI enhanced video workflows.
Graphics performance also improves by up to 50 percent compared to the prior generation, supporting real time 3D rendering, complex simulations, and demanding visual effects work.
Unified memory and AI workflows
The new architecture increases unified memory bandwidth to handle heavier AI and media workloads. M5 Pro supports up to 64GB of unified memory with up to 307GB/s of bandwidth, while M5 Max supports up to 128GB with up to 614GB/s of bandwidth.
These improvements allow professionals to train custom AI models locally, process massive photo libraries, edit 8K video, and manage large datasets without relying on cloud resources.
Faster SSD and higher base storage
The new MacBook Pro delivers up to 2x faster read and write speeds, reaching up to 14.5GB/s. This speeds up 4K and 8K video editing, large project exports, and AI model loading.
Apple has also increased starting storage. MacBook Pro with M5 Pro now starts at 1TB, while M5 Max models start at 2TB. The 14 inch MacBook Pro with M5 also starts with 1TB of storage, raising the baseline for professional users.
Display, battery life, and connectivity
MacBook Pro continues to feature a Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 1600 nits peak HDR brightness and 1000 nits for SDR content. A nano texture option is available for reduced glare in bright environments.
Battery life is rated at up to 24 hours, offering significant gains for users upgrading from Intel models. The system supports fast charging up to 50 percent in around 30 minutes with a 96W or higher USB C power adapter.
Connectivity includes three Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI with support for up to 8K resolution, an SDXC card slot, and MagSafe 3. With Apple’s N1 wireless chip, the new MacBook Pro supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. M5 Pro models support up to two external displays, while M5 Max supports up to four.
macOS Tahoe and Apple Intelligence
The new MacBook Pro runs macOS Tahoe, which brings deeper Apple Intelligence integration and productivity upgrades. Spotlight improvements allow users to take action directly from search results, while Shortcuts can tap into on device AI models.
Live Translation is built into Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app for cross language communication. Continuity features include relaying cellular calls from a nearby iPhone and viewing Live Activities from iPhone on the Mac.
Pricing and availability
Customers can pre order the 14 inch and 16 inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max starting March 4, with availability beginning March 11 in 33 countries and regions.
Pricing starts at $2,199 for the 14 inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and $2,699 for the 16 inch model. The 14 inch MacBook Pro with M5 Max starts at $3,599, while the 16 inch version starts at $3,899. The 14 inch MacBook Pro with M5 starts at $1,699. All models are available in space black and silver.
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