On Wednesday, Apple announced its new M5 chip alongside the new iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro, all powered by this new processor. These devices are now available for pre-order, with shipping and in-store availability expected on October 22.
The M5 chip enables the new devices to run significantly faster than their predecessors. Apple states the chip delivers over four times the peak GPU compute performance compared to the M4. Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Technologies, said in a statement that the M5 ushers in the next big leap in AI performance for Apple silicon.
For the new iPad Pro, Apple states that the M5 chip brings up to 3.5 times the AI performance of last year’s Pro model and up to 5.6 times faster performance than the iPad Pro with the M1 chip. Other upgrades include Apple’s C1X cellular modem, which offers up to 50 percent faster cellular data performance, and the N1 chip for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread connectivity. The new iPad Pro also features faster storage read and write speeds and supports faster charging, reaching up to 50 percent battery in around 30 minutes.
Adding more power to the iPad Pro is a logical step for Apple as the company pushes the device to function more like a laptop. With iPadOS 26, the tablet gains more intuitive window displays, the Preview app, and the ability to create folders for better organization. Pricing for the iPad Pro starts at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299 for the 13-inch model, with color options in black and silver.
The new 14-inch MacBook Pro is expected to be even faster than its predecessor. It features upgraded graphics performance that is up to 1.6 times better, a higher memory bandwidth of 153 gigabits per second increased from the M4’s 120 gigabits per second, and improved storage speeds. It also boasts a battery life of up to 24 hours. The price starts at $1,599, and it is available in space black and silver.
The Vision Pro is also set to receive the M5 chip, replacing the current M2. The M5 chip enhances display rendering by 10 percent, supports refresh rates up to 120 hertz up from 100 hertz, and accelerates AI-powered features, making them 50 percent faster. Additionally, battery life improves by 30 minutes, providing up to 2.5 hours of general use and three hours of video playback. The upgraded Vision Pro also comes with a Dual Knit Band to give users a more comfortable fit and is available in small, medium, and large sizes. The price remains at $3,499.
This announcement of the new Vision Pro follows reports that Apple is shifting its focus toward developing smart glasses instead of overhauling its virtual reality headset.