Apple ‘s M5 series was recently released on 15th october 2025. It’s built to work better with Apple’s software, use power more efficiently, and handle creative, professional, and AI tasks more smoothly. It debuts in:
Apple is now emphasizing on-device AI workloads, more demanding graphics and media capabilities, and improved power efficiency. The M5 is a “unified chip” — CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, memory all on one design.
In this blog, let’s take a closer look at both devices and see what the new M5 chip brings to each.
What’s new in the 14-inch MacBook Pro M5
- The 14-inch MacBook Pro now ships with the M5 as its base chip.
- Apple claims up to 24 hours battery life under light workloads (in ideal use)
- Graphics performance sees up to 1.6× faster compared to the previous generation (M4) in pro apps and games
- AI workloads (local ML, inference, model runs) can reach 3.5× more performance over the prior generation in some cases
- SSD/storage performance is faster: importing RAW files or exporting video is faster than before
- Many of the features that Mac users are getting with macOS “Tahoe” (the new macOS version tied to this generation) — smarter system, more AI-assisted features, etc.
- The 14-inch MacBook Pro retains features like the Liquid Retina XDR display (with optional nano-texture glass), 12MP Center Stage camera, six-speaker sound system, and plenty of ports.
- It promises “same performance on battery or plugged in.
What this means for you as a user
Since the chip supports up to 32 GB unified memory, it means a stronger base for growth if you are doing high-end creative or scientific work.
- Faster app launches, smoother multitasking, more headroom when you have many apps open or heavy workloads (video editing, 3D, machine learning).
- Better graphics & visual effects, smoother frame rates in creative apps, rendering, games.
- On-device AI becomes more usable — for instance, features like local machine learning, smart assistants, predictive tools, etc.
- Longer battery life with heavy use, less throttling under load.
- Larger projects / files (e.g. video editing, 3D scenes) will be less constrained by memory or I/O bottlenecks.
What’s new in the iPad Pro M5
- AI performance is boosted: Apple claims the new iPad Pro can deliver up to 3.5× the AI performance compared to the M4 iPad Pro, and 5.6× over the older M1 iPad Pro for some tasks. Apple
- The iPad Pro now includes N1, a new wireless networking chip that supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. Apple
- For cellular models, there’s a new C1X modem, promising up to 50% faster cellular performance and about 30% better energy efficiency over the prior generation. Apple
- The iPad Pro’s internal memory and storage architecture is improved: the 256 GB and 512 GB models start with 12 GB of unified memory (50% more than before) Apple
- The display is Ultra Retina XDR, using a “tandem OLED” tech, achieving high brightness (1000 nits full-screen, 1600 nits peak for HDR) and precise contrast Apple
- iPad Pro now supports 120 Hz refresh rate external displays with Adaptive Sync (lower latency) when driving external screens. Apple
- iPadOS 26 brings a new UI design, windowing system (more like macOS), improved multitasking, and more desktop-style workflows.
- Starting from iPad Pro with M5, Apple advertises faster storage read/write speeds. Apple
What it means for you as a user
For users doing design, video, or AI-related tasks, the iPad Pro becomes much more capable of being a serious work machine, not just a tablet.
- Heavier workloads on iPad become more feasible: image processing, AI/ML tasks, creative apps, etc.
- Better wireless connectivity — WiFi 7 opens up higher throughput, lower latency. Especially helpful when dealing with large media or cloud sync.
- External display support is more capable: 120 Hz external screens with adaptive sync make it better for workflows using a monitor.
- Multitasking & windowing feels more like a laptop experience. You’ll see multiple resizable windows, better app switching, etc.
Apple’s M5 chip is a major upgrade built on advanced 3-nanometer technology, combining the CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, memory, and I/O into one powerful system. Its biggest innovation is the Neural Accelerators inside each GPU core, allowing faster and more efficient AI and machine learning performance.
It delivers stronger CPU and GPU power, faster memory and storage speeds, and better energy efficiency than the M4. In the MacBook Pro, this means longer battery life, smoother workflows, and enhanced graphics for professional and AI-driven tasks. In the iPad Pro, it turns the tablet into a true creative and productivity device with better multitasking, connectivity, and support for advanced displays.