In the M5 chip Apple trusts: company reveals which devices get an upgrade

Apple fans looking to upgrade their Macs and MacBook Airs will have to wait.

Apple is following its annual pattern of dedicating September to new smartphone releases while keeping announcements about computer and iPad upgrades until October.

Speculation that Apple will release its M5 chip-powered devices sometime in October has finally been confirmed, with the company releasing its MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro.

Apple reveals new M5 chip

Apple’s new chip lineup addition is the M5, which was built on a third-generation 3-nanometer technology process, providing it with more efficiency and density.

The new chip also comes with a next-generation 10‑core GPU, with a Neural Accelerator in each core to boost AI performance.

The M5 also provides increased graphics performance, achieving up to 30% faster performance compared to its predecessor, the M4 chip.

Overall, the latest Apple chip upgrade focuses on on‑device AI and handling the device’s workloads more efficiently.

This means that users of Apple Intelligence will notice improved AI capabilities, which are enhanced by a faster Neural Engine and unified memory in the M5.

For example, tools like Playground, found in various Apple devices, become faster, while Apple Vision Pro users can enjoy transforming 2D photos into “spatial scenes” more efficiently.

New Apple MacBook Pro M5

Apple’s new 14-inch laptop is the first one from the lineup to receive an M5 chip, promising a faster, more capable device with advanced AI performance.

The company claims that the new MacBook Pro delivers 3.5 times faster AI performance and 1.6 times faster graphics compared to its previous model.

The new device also comes with a longer battery life that can last up to 24 hours.

Apple says that those upgrading from M1 chip-powered MacBooks or older Intel-based models will notice the new device improvements most.

The MacBook Pro M5 is available in silver and black colors. The starting price of the Apple MacBook Pro remains the same, at $1,599.

The device is already available for pre-order, with general availability starting from October 22nd.

Bloomberg reports that Apple is still developing MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and M5 Mac versions for 14-inch and 16-inch models, which may be released in 2026.

Upgraded iPad Pro with M5

Among the correct guesses of what Apple will release this October was an upgraded iPad. The new iPad Pro also includes an M5 chip, which is 6.7 times faster than an iPad Pro equipped with an M1 chip.

According to the company, the new tablet “dramatically speeds up AI tasks,’ which means that users will finally be able to take full advantage of the iOS 26 features.

The iPad Pro comes in 11 or 13-inch sizes and has an all-day battery life.

The new device’s starting price is $999. Pre-orders are already available, and general availability will begin on October 22nd.

Vision Pro M5, another Apple product with the new chip

The company also upgraded its Apple Vision Pro glasses by replacing its M2 chip with an M5.

With the new chip, the company promises Vision Pro users “faster load times for apps and widgets, more responsive web browsing, sharper details across text and visuals, and up to 2x faster AI workloads.”

The company also released a new accessory, the Dual Knit Band, designed for long-term device users.

The band comes with soft and breathable straps to ensure comfort and stability.

The new Apple Vision Pro accessory is priced at $99.

Apple’s second fall launch for hardware

It could be said that the release of Apple’s M5-powered gadgets marks the company’s second fall launch.

In September, Apple released the much-awaited iPhone 17 series, with the latest addition to the lineup, iPhone 17 Air.

During the company’s “Awe-Dropping” event, Apple also announced three new smartwatches to complement its current lineup: the Apple Watch 11 series, the Apple Watch SE 3, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

The company also released the next-gen AirPods Pro 3, which works as a hearing aid, provides users with the Live Translation feature, and includes a heart rate sensor, among other features.

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