Following on from the September news of the new iPhone, Apple Watches and other accessories, we're now introduced to Apple's latest chip, the M5. And alongside the arrival of the new chip, there's also the new iPad Pro, MacBook Pro and Vision Pro.
Apple's M-chips are a unique feature of the brand's devices. A chip is the "brain" of any computing device, powering processes and activity in every capacity. And and where many other tech brands choose to user third party supplied chips, Apple makes its own – because M-chips are designed to be uniquely compatible with the function and form of its devices.
The first iteration of the M-chip, the M1, was released in 2020; now we're all the way up to the M5. So, if you have one of the predecessors, is it time to upgrade? Here's what's new.
The new M5 chip in summary
The star of the show, the M5 chip, is more powerful than ever. What does this mean for your processes? You'll get a boost in performance graphics for gaming, video editing, and 3D apps. It also makes AI tools, especially generative AI tools, run faster and smoother. Essentially, it handles big workloads more efficiently, without draining as much battery.
For context, Apple reports that iPad with M5 is six times faster for video transcode performance in Final Cut Pro when compared to iPad Pro with M1. As for MacBook Pro, the performance is more than three times higher when looking at frame rates in games compared to the 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1.
iPad Pro with M5
Apple’s new iPad Pro is faster, smarter, and thinner than ever. The M5 chip makes video editing, gaming, and using generative AI tools much quicker. According to Apple, it’s several times faster than older iPads, especially ones with an M1 chip.
It also comes with a brighter, more colourful display, better wireless (Wi-Fi 7 for home, faster 5G on the go), and new iPadOS 26 features like improved multitasking and a proper window system—making it feel more laptop-like.
If you mostly browse the web, stream Netflix, and send emails, than the M5 improvements compared to previous chips won't be as noticeable. But if you use your iPad for creative work—art, design, editing videos—or if you're a heavy user of energy-intensive generative AI features, then the M5 iPad Pro will feel like a big step up.
MacBook Pro with M5 chip
The headline of the new 14-inch MacBook Pro is is longer battery life—up to 24 hours. Plus, a big boost in speed for AI-based operations, graphics work, and coding. Apps like Photoshop, Xcode, Blender, and video tools should run much faster.
Compared to older Intel Macs, the difference should be significant: faster, quieter, and way more efficient. Even compared to the first M1 MacBooks, the M5 is much faster when it comes graphics, and especially when using generative-AI. The screen, speakers, and camera are already excellent, and those carry over.
If you’re on an Intel MacBook or even the first-generation M1, the M5 is a huge leap in performance and battery life. If you already have an M4 MacBook, there are definitely improvements, but they are more modest. Although, if you rely on AI-heavy or graphics-heavy apps, they will be more noticeable.
Apple Vision Pro with M5 chip
Apple’s futuristic spatial computer, the Vision Pro, has had its first big refresh. The M5 chip makes the experience smoother, sharper, and faster, especially for AI-powered features like the avatars, and the 3D spatial scenes from your photos. The battery lasts a little longer too.
Separate from the M5-based improvements, there is a new Dual Knit Band, which is designed to be more comfortable for long sessions. The software update (visionOS 26) adds new features like widgets, more natural-looking avatars, and expanded content—think 3D movies, immersive sports, and new apps.
If you already bought the first Vision Pro, there are certainly some improvements which are nice-to-haves but not essential.
All the new devices are available for preorder at Apple.
