Yesterday, October 15, 2025, Apple rolled out three new devices powered by its latest M5 chip – the MacBook Pro, the iPad Pro, and the Vision Pro. Out of the trio, the MacBook Pro instantly caught our eye. It’s the one we rely on most, right after the iPhone, and probably the same goes for many of you who use it every single day.
So we couldn’t stay silent. The new M5 MacBook Pro deserves a closer look, because the chip inside it promises to change how this already powerful laptop handles performance, battery life, and even AI tasks. Here we will see what Apple actually changed, what this new M5 silicon brings to the table, and whether it’s enough to make current MacBook users jealous, or at least tempted.
Table of Contents
What’s Changed Inside the MacBook Pro
The exterior remains untouched. Apple trusts the existing 14-inch design: stellar display, solid build, full complement of ports. No need to tinker.
The story lives inside the chip. M5 steps in as the headliner and changes how this MacBook Pro runs heavy work, AI tasks, and graphics.
- Apple says M5 pushes AI workflows up to 3.5× faster than M4 thanks to a next-generation 10-core GPU with a Neural Accelerator in each core, a faster CPU, a quicker Neural Engine, and higher unified memory bandwidth. So, models load faster, generations finish sooner, and the fans keep their dignity.
- Both CPU and GPU jump. Apple cites double-digit gains on the CPU and a bigger lift on graphics, with up to 1.6× faster frame rates in supported workloads versus the prior base Pro. You edit, render, or compile, and the M5 cuts wait time.
- Bandwidth rises from 120 GB/s to 153 GB/s, so large projects and local AI models move through the system with less stalling. Unified memory still starts at 16 GB, but the faster pipe pays off across apps that hit CPU, GPU, and the Neural Engine at once.
- Apple adds faster SSD throughput and raises the ceiling to 4 TB on this 14-inch tier.
- Battery remains a flex. Apple rates this model for up to 24 hours, and, as with recent Apple silicon, performance on battery stays consistent. You can leave the charger in your bag and still export a timeline or train a small model.
What doesn’t change? The good stuff. You still get the 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR panel with ProMotion, the MagSafe 3 connector, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, SDXC, a 3.5 mm jack, the six-speaker setup, and the 1080p webcam. Wi-Fi stays at 6E. No Thunderbolt 5 or Wi-Fi 7 yet, so save those wishes for the next round.
How Much Does It Cost?
Apple keeps the same starting price – $1,599 for the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip, 16 GB of memory, and 512 GB of storage. It’s available in Space Black or Silver, and students can grab it for $1,499 through Apple’s education program.
If you want a bit more room, the 1 TB version goes for $1,799, while the configuration with 24 GB of RAM and the same 1 TB SSD sits at $1,999. Apple also lets you go all-in with up to 32 GB of memory and 4 TB of storage, though that option costs enough to make your wallet whisper “don’t.”
Every configuration includes a 70W USB-C power adapter and a MagSafe 3 cable, except in regions where Apple now sells the charger separately (they call it an environmental move). You can still order the nano-texture glass display for an extra $150 (perfect for people who love bright offices and hate reflections).
When You Can Actually Buy a New MacBook Pro
And now the most interesting part for fans – when can you finally buy the new MacBook Pro with the M5 chip? The wait won’t be long. Pre-orders opened right after Apple’s October 15 announcement, and the first units will hit shelves on October 22, 2025. You can order the laptop directly through Apple’s website or app, and of course, at Apple Store locations once launch day arrives. The new model will also appear at major resellers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and other authorized partners at the same prices Apple sets. If you want to customize storage or memory, you’ll have to order straight from Apple (retailers usually stock only standard builds).
The laptop ships with macOS 26 Tahoe preinstalled, and Apple sweetens the deal with trade-in credits for older Macs or monthly payment options through the Apple Card. So yes, the countdown has officially begun. One week separates you and your next laptop crush, assuming your current MacBook doesn’t suddenly “accidentally” fall off the desk before then.
Final Thoughts
Somehow, time just slipped away. We spent the last few weeks watching every iOS 26.1 beta drop, testing small tweaks and bug fixes, so Apple’s surprise with the new MacBook Pro M5 announcement hit us out of nowhere. And honestly – wow. On paper, this chip looks like a real powerhouse. It promises a big boost in speed, graphics, and AI tasks. Then again, it’s Apple, you kind of expect that level of polish.
A few people on our team already placed their pre-orders, so we’re waiting to see how this thing performs in real life. For everyone else, here’s the thing: not everyone needs a MacBook Pro. This machine fits best for developers, 3D artists, video editors, and professionals who live inside demanding software all day. If your day-to-day work mostly revolves around writing, spreadsheets, photo retouching, or light graphic design, even a MacBook Air can handle it with ease. No shame in saving a few hundred bucks for accessories or, let’s be honest, your next iPhone upgrade.
Either way, buying a new Apple device always lifts your mood.
