Apple Just Upgraded the iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro With Its New M5 Chip
Introduction
Apple has once again raised the bar in the tech world with the launch of its new M5 chip, marking a major leap in AI performance and energy efficiency.
In October 2025, Apple announced updates to its most premium devices — the iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro — each now running on this next-generation chip.
So, what’s new? What makes the Apple M5 chip so powerful? And should you upgrade? Let’s break it down.
The New M5 Chip: A Giant Leap in AI and Performance
The Apple M5 chip is built on the 3-nanometer (3 nm) process, offering up to a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. This new architecture dramatically boosts performance while reducing power consumption — ideal for demanding tasks like AI generation, 3D rendering, video editing, and machine learning.
Key Features of the M5 Chip
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✅ 10-core CPU (4 performance cores + 6 efficiency cores)
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✅ 10-core GPU with integrated AI accelerators
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✅ Up to 3.5× faster AI performance vs. the M4 chip
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✅ 45% graphics uplift and enhanced memory bandwidth
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✅ Improved Neural Engine for on-device AI tasks
Apple says the M5 is “designed for the next decade of AI-powered experiences,” supporting features like real-time video effects, intelligent multitasking, and faster rendering in creative apps.
iPad Pro (M5): Power Meets Portability
The new iPad Pro (M5) keeps the same elegant 11-inch and 13-inch design but is now far more powerful inside.
It’s optimized for AI productivity apps, 4K video editing, and gaming with ray tracing.
Top Upgrades
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🚀 Up to 3.5× faster AI computing compared to the M4
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⚡ Support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 for faster connections
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🖥️ External display support up to 120 Hz refresh rate
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💾 Faster SSD and storage speeds
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🔋 Same battery life despite the power boost
Ideal for: Designers, digital artists, video editors, and anyone who needs desktop-level power in a tablet form.
MacBook Pro (M5): The Ultimate AI Laptop
Apple has refreshed the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip, offering a perfect blend of performance, efficiency, and portability.
What’s New
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💻 Up to 1.6× faster graphics and better AI rendering
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🔋 Battery life up to 24 hours (similar to the M4 model)
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💽 Configurable up to 4 TB SSD storage
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🎧 Still includes MagSafe, HDMI, Thunderbolt 4, and SD card slot
If you’re upgrading from an older Intel or M2 model, the difference will feel dramatic. For M4 users, the leap is smaller but meaningful for AI-based workloads.
Ideal for: Developers, video creators, coders, and professionals using heavy creative or AI tools.
Apple Vision Pro (M5): More Power for Mixed Reality
The Vision Pro also gets a big upgrade, now running the M5 chip for smoother visuals and longer battery life.
New Features
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🧠 M5 chip for faster 3D rendering and spatial computing
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🕶️ New Dual Knit Band for improved comfort
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⚡ Up to 2.5 hours battery life (previously 2 hours)
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🖥️ Higher display refresh rate (120 Hz max)
This makes the Vision Pro more immersive for professionals using it for 3D design, virtual meetings, or cinematic experiences.
M4 vs. M5: Quick Comparison Table
Feature | M4 Chip | M5 Chip | Improvement |
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CPU | 8 cores | 10 cores | +25% performance |
GPU | 8 cores | 10 cores | +45% graphics speed |
Process | 3 nm (Gen 2) | 3 nm (Gen 3) | More efficient |
AI Performance | Standard Neural Engine | Enhanced AI accelerators | +3.5× faster |
Devices Supported | iPad Pro M4, MacBook M4 | iPad Pro M5, MacBook M5, Vision Pro M5 | Wider ecosystem |
Should You Upgrade?
If you’re using an older device (M2 or M3), the M5 models deliver a huge leap in AI, graphics, and battery efficiency.
However, if you already own an M4 model, the difference is noticeable mainly in AI performance and future-proofing, not necessarily in day-to-day use.
Upgrade If You:
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Create or edit videos, 3D models, or AI content
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Use high-intensity creative or coding tools
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Want to future-proof your setup for the next 5 years
Wait If You:
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Already have an M4 device
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Mostly use basic apps (browsing, office work, streaming)
Conclusion: The Future Is On-Device AI
With the M5 chip, Apple continues its mission to lead in on-device AI.
Whether it’s the iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, or Vision Pro, these devices now handle complex AI and creative workloads without depending on the cloud — making them faster, smarter, and more secure.
If you’re investing in a new Apple device in 2025, the M5 generation is the one to get.