GADGETS | Apple M5 powers new wave of AI-driven MacBook Pro, iPad Pro
Source: Apple
Apple unveiled its latest custom silicon, the M5 chip, setting the stage for what the company calls its next major leap in artificial intelligence for Mac and iPad devices. Built on a third-generation 3-nanometer process, the new M5 brings more power and efficiency to Apple’s product lineup, alongside upgraded versions of the MacBook Pro and iPad Pro.
The M5 marks Apple’s strongest move yet toward integrating AI across its entire hardware ecosystem. It introduces a next-generation 10-core GPU with a Neural Accelerator embedded in each core, boosting performance in machine learning tasks up to four times over the M4 chip. Unified memory bandwidth has also been expanded by nearly 30 percent to 153GB per second.
Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Technologies, said M5 is designed to push Apple’s AI infrastructure further into everyday workflows. “With the introduction of Neural Accelerators in the GPU, M5 delivers a huge boost to AI workloads,” Srouji said. “Combined with the world’s fastest CPU core and higher unified memory bandwidth, it brings far more performance and capabilities to MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Apple Vision Pro.”
MacBook Pro gets AI performance boost
The 14-inch MacBook Pro headlines Apple’s M5 rollout. The laptop offers up to 3.5 times faster AI workflow performance than the M4, along with longer battery life—up to 24 hours on a single charge. Its hardware retains key MacBook features, including the Liquid Retina XDR display, six-speaker audio system with Spatial Audio, and a 12MP Center Stage camera.
John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, said the M5 architecture was designed to balance performance with power efficiency. “M5 marks the next big leap in AI for the Mac,” he said. “It accelerates demanding workflows for everyone from students to developers to creative professionals.”
The M5-equipped MacBook Pro features a 10-core GPU and offers up to 4TB of SSD storage, which Apple says is twice as fast as the previous generation. Graphics performance has improved by 60 percent compared to the M4, delivering higher frame rates for gaming and faster 3D rendering.
The laptop’s environmental footprint has also improved. Apple said the MacBook Pro is composed of 45 percent recycled materials by weight and uses 55 percent renewable electricity in production. Packaging is now fully fiber-based and recyclable.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 starts at $1,599, or $1,499 with education savings, and ships in space black and silver beginning October 22.
iPad Pro with M5, iPadOS 26
Alongside the new MacBook Pro, Apple introduced the iPad Pro (M5), which runs on iPadOS 26 and targets both creative and professional users. The tablet features up to 3.5 times faster AI performance compared to the M4 and up to 5.6 times faster than the M1 version.
The iPad Pro includes the new N1 wireless chip, which supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, and a C1X modem for improved cellular speeds. It also debuts the Ultra Retina XDR display, a tandem OLED panel that can reach 1,600 nits of peak brightness.
Ternus said the M5 transforms what’s possible on an iPad. “With a huge leap in AI performance, faster graphics, and superfast wireless connectivity, the new iPad Pro pushes the boundaries of what iPad can do yet again,” he said.
The device comes in 11-inch (5.3 mm) and 13-inch (5.1 mm) sizes—the thinnest iPads Apple has produced. Both are available in space black and silver finishes.
Smarter iPadOS, accessory ecosystem
iPadOS 26 introduces several AI-powered features under the Apple Intelligence banner, including Live Translation, intelligent actions, and AI automation tools. A redesigned Files app and new Preview app support advanced document editing with Apple Pencil, while the updated interface adopts a “Liquid Glass” translucent aesthetic.
Apple said users can expect up to 6.7 times faster 3D rendering and four times faster AI image generation compared to first-generation M1 models. Storage speeds have doubled, and memory bandwidth has climbed to 150GB per second. The iPad Pro also supports 50 percent charging in 30 minutes with a new 40W Dynamic Power Adapter.
The new iPad Pro is compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro ($129), Magic Keyboard (11-inch $299, 13-inch $349), and Smart Folio. Prices start at $999 for the 11-inch Wi-Fi model and $1,299 for the 13-inch, with shipping set for October 22.
Apple continues to emphasize sustainability across its lineup. The iPad Pro is made with 30 percent recycled materials, including 100 percent recycled aluminum, rare earths, and cobalt. The packaging is fully fiber-based and recyclable.
The M5 chip cements Apple’s long-term AI strategy, bridging performance gains across devices while maintaining energy efficiency and environmental goals. The move underscores Apple’s vision of embedding on-device intelligence—from real-time translation and content creation to 3D rendering and automation—without relying heavily on cloud processing.
With the M5 now powering the latest MacBook Pro and iPad Pro, Apple is signaling that its next generation of devices will prioritize AI performance and privacy while maintaining its trademark focus on design and sustainability.
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