Apple has launched its new M5 chip alongside the latest 14-inch MacBook Pro and iPad Pro. The company calls it the "next big leap in AI for the Mac," and this time, the focus is clearly on speed, battery life, and AI integration.
The new M5 chip brings a significant performance boost compared to the M4. It features a next-generation GPU with a Neural Accelerator in every core and a faster 16-core Neural Engine built for AI and machine learning tasks. Apple claims the M5 delivers up to 3.5x faster AI performance and 1.6x faster graphics than the previous generation, making it ideal for users who rely on AI tools, creative apps, or local large language models (LLMs).
One of the biggest highlights is how the M5 handles AI processing directly on the device. That means AI tools can now run locally without depending on the cloud, helping users maintain privacy while cutting down latency.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro retains its previous design but features numerous internal upgrades. It comes with a Liquid Retina XDR display, a 12MP Centre Stage camera, and a six-speaker Spatial Audio setup. Apple has also improved SSD speeds by up to 2x, boosted memory bandwidth to 150GB/s, and promises up to 24 hours of battery life. The laptop runs on macOS Tahoe, which introduces Apple Intelligence, the company's new AI suite built into the system for features like smart summarisation and context-aware suggestions.
Apple says users upgrading from Intel or early M-series Macs will see a noticeable jump in performance. The M5 MacBook Pro is up to 86x faster in AI performance compared to Intel-based Macs and up to 6x faster than the M1 models. The performance remains the same whether the device is plugged in or running on battery, something most Windows laptops still struggle with.
Price and Availability
The new MacBook Pro with M5 starts at Rs 1,69,900 and has an education price of Rs 1,59,999. It comes in space black and silver colour options. Pre-orders are live now, and retail availability begins on October 22.
The iPad Pro also gets the M5 upgrade, starting at Rs 1,19,900. It's mainly targeted at creative professionals, featuring a new dual OLED Ultra Retina XDR display that offers better brightness and contrast. It supports Wi-Fi 7 and offers up to 6.7x faster 3D rendering and smoother AI-powered image tools. For designers and video editors looking for a portable creative device, this could be the right pick.
Buying Advice
If you're a professional upgrading from Intel, M1, or M2 models, the M5 MacBook Pro is a substantial upgrade, especially if your work involves AI-based editing or content creation. It offers faster speeds, better efficiency, and a longer battery life. However, if you already have an M3 MacBook, the upgrade might not be worth it unless you specifically need the improved Neural Engine for AI-heavy workloads.
The iPad Pro M5 is also a great buy for those working on the go, especially creative users who rely on 3D design, video editing, or generative AI tools. But if you already own an M4 iPad Pro, there's not much difference in design or display; the gains are mainly in AI and graphics performance.
Competitive Landscape
Apple's latest M5 lineup arrives at a time when the competition is heating up. Intel's Core Ultra 200V, AMD's Ryzen AI 300, and Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite chips are all focusing on AI acceleration. However, Apple's integrated ecosystem from chip to software still gives it an edge in performance-per-watt and user experience consistency.
The broader trend across the tech industry is clear: AI is moving on-device. Apple is doubling down on this by pushing local LLM processing, improving privacy, and reducing cloud dependency. At the same time, users continue to look for devices with longer battery life and AI-native features, areas where the M5 lineup fits perfectly.
