Apple Unveils M5 Chip Across MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro Lineup
Apple announced its M5 chip on October 15, 2025, marking what the company describes as “the next big leap in AI performance for Apple silicon.” The new processor debuts in updated versions of the 14-inch MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro headset, all available for pre-order today with devices shipping October 22.
Performance Gains Target AI Workloads
The M5 chip features a next-generation 10-core GPU architecture with a Neural Accelerator integrated into each core, delivering over 4x the peak GPU compute performance for AI workloads compared to the M4 chip. Built using third-generation 3-nanometer technology, the processor also includes a 10-core CPU with up to four performance cores and six efficiency cores, providing up to 15% faster multithreaded performance than its predecessor.
“M5 ushers in the next big leap in AI performance for Apple silicon,” said Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Technologies. “With the introduction of Neural Accelerators in the GPU, M5 delivers a huge boost to AI workloads.”
Graphics performance has also improved, with Apple claiming up to 45% higher performance than M4, supported by enhanced shader cores and third-generation ray tracing. The chip features an upgraded 16-core Neural Engine and nearly 30% increase in unified memory bandwidth to 153GB/s.
Updated Product Lineup
The new 14-inch MacBook Pro features largely unchanged hardware design from the 2024 model, maintaining the same Mini LED display, ports, speakers, keyboard, trackpad, and 12MP webcam. However, the SSD is 2x faster than the previous generation, and storage options now extend up to 4TB, double the previous maximum. The device retains its 24-hour video playback battery life and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.
The iPad Pro M5 starts at $999, the same price as its M4 predecessor. Apple highlights performance improvements for professional applications, claiming up to 1.5x faster 3D rendering in Octane X compared to the M4 iPad Pro, and up to 6.7x faster performance for users upgrading from the M1 iPad Pro. The tablet includes fast-charging capabilities, with Apple stating it can reach 50% battery when connected to a 60W or higher power adapter.
The Vision Pro headset receives a multi-generational upgrade, jumping from the M2 chip in the original 2024 model to the M5. The updated headset includes a new Dual Knit Band for improved fit and comfort, and runs visionOS 26 with updated Personas and new immersive experiences. Pricing starts at $3,499 for the 256GB model.
Strategic Focus on AI Integration
Apple’s announcement emphasizes AI-driven workflows across its product ecosystem. The company notes that the M5 enables dramatically accelerated processing for tasks such as running diffusion models in apps like Draw Things and running large language models locally using platforms like webAI.
The M5 supports up to 32GB of total memory capacity, allowing users to configure devices with higher RAM specifications. Apple has not announced M5 Pro or M5 Max variants, with rumors suggesting those higher-end versions will debut in early 2026 alongside additional MacBook Pro models.
The product refresh represents Apple’s continued investment in custom silicon since transitioning away from Intel processors in 2020, a move that helped the company nearly double its Mac market share to approximately 11%.
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All images courtesy of Apple.