Apple has unveiled the new, base-model 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by the M5 chip, framing it as the “next big leap in AI for the Mac.”
M5 brings a next-gen GPU with a Neural Accelerator in every core for up to 3.5× faster AI performance than M4, plus up to 1.6× faster graphics, faster storage, and battery life up to 24 hours. Pre-orders start today (October 15), with availability beginning Wednesday, October 22. Here’s what you need to know about this new M5-powered Mac.
What’s new with M5
Beyond the GPU’s per-core Neural Accelerators, M5 includes a faster, more efficient CPU (with Apple touting it as having the world’s fastest CPU core), an enhanced 16-core Neural Engine, and 150+ GB/s unified memory bandwidth for bigger on-device models and smoother multitasking.
Apple says SSD performance is up to 2× faster than the prior 14-inch model, which helps with tasks like loading local LLMs, importing RAWs, or exporting large video projects.
Real-world gains for Mac enthusiasts: Hello battery life
If you’re coming from an M1 or especially an Intel Mac, the improvement with M5 looks substantial.
Apple cites up to 6× faster AI vs. M1 and more dramatic gains vs. Intel systems, along with better battery life: up to 24 hours on a single charge (that’s an improvement of +14 hours for Intel upgraders, and +4 hours over M1). Plus, M5 brings improved fast-charging capability, taking you to 50% in ~30 minutes with a 96W+ USB-C adapter.
In apps, Apple highlights up to 7.7× faster AI video enhancement (Topaz Video) vs. M1 and 1.8× vs. M4; up to 6.8× faster 3D rendering (Blender) vs. M1 and 1.7× vs. M4; and 1.2× faster Xcode builds vs. M4.
Gamers can see up to 3.2× higher frame rates vs. M1 and 1.6× vs. M4.
The rest of the package
You still get the excellent 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display (along with a nano-texture option) with 1600-nit HDR peak brightness, a 12MP Center Stage camera, “studio-quality” mics, and a six-speaker system with Spatial Audio.
Ports remain plentiful, and these new M5 MacBook Pros ship with macOS 26 Tahoe and Apple Intelligence , adding features like improved Spotlight, Live Activities from iPhone, and privacy-preserving, on-device AI features. Finish options include space black and silver.
Price and availability
The new 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 starts at $1,599 (or $1,499 with education pricing). Pre-orders are live now and retail availability and deliveries begin October 22.
The Takeaway
For Mac lovers on a budget, this is the first 14-inch MacBook Pro where AI acceleration is baked into every part of the silicon, not just the Neural Engine. If you’ve been waiting on a meaningful jump from M1—or clinging to a beloved Intel machine—M5’s blend of AI throughput, longer battery life, and a faster SSD makes a strong case to upgrade while keeping the same entry price.
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