Apple unveils 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 & macOS Tahoe

Apple has announced a new 14-inch MacBook Pro model that features the M5 chip, promising significant advances in AI performance, graphics, and battery life, along with the introduction of macOS Tahoe.

The updated MacBook Pro uses the new M5 chip, which offers a next-generation GPU with a Neural Accelerator in each core. According to Apple, this results in up to 3.5 times improved AI performance and up to 1.6 times faster graphics compared to its predecessor. The M5 chip also brings a more efficient CPU, enhanced Neural Engine, and higher memory bandwidth, aiming to speed up everyday tasks and support demanding AI workflows on device.

The device provides up to 24 hours of battery life, which is among the highest advertised in the MacBook Pro range to date. It utilises faster SSD technology, offering up to 2 times the storage performance of the previous version, particularly benefitting tasks such as importing large image files and exporting high-resolution video projects.

The MacBook Pro comes equipped with a Liquid Retina XDR display, a 12-megapixel Centre Stage camera, a six-speaker sound system, and multiple ports. It also runs on macOS Tahoe and integrates capabilities for Apple Intelligence, which includes AI-powered features designed to enhance productivity and privacy.

John Ternus, Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering at Apple, stated,

"MacBook Pro continues to be the world's best pro laptop, and today, the 14-inch MacBook Pro gets even better with the arrival of the M5 chip. M5 marks the next big leap in AI for the Mac and delivers a huge boost in graphics performance, accelerating demanding workflows for everyone from students to creatives, developers to business professionals, and more. With its amazing performance, extraordinary battery life, and unrivalled display, M5 takes the new 14-inch MacBook Pro to another level."

Performance and AI

The M5 chip has a 10-core GPU, each core including a Neural Accelerator, which Apple claims delivers up to 6 times faster performance than the M1 chip. This improvement is targeted at users whose workflows depend heavily on artificial intelligence, such as running local large language models, text-to-image applications, and various machine learning processes.

Apple reports that the new architecture results in device-level acceleration for a broad spectrum of workloads, including deep learning, data modelling, and AI video enhancement. The faster 16-core Neural Engine is designed to further optimise on-device generative tasks, such as those underpinning Apple Intelligence.

The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 allows for up to 4TB of storage and supports over 150GB/s of memory bandwidth. This is intended to suit users who need to load large local models, manipulate substantial 3D scenes, or work with complex datasets.

Benchmarks

Apple's internal testing indicates improved performance in several professional and creative applications:

• AI video enhancement in Topaz Video is up to 7.7 times quicker than the 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1 and 1.8 times quicker than the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4.
• 3D rendering in Blender is up to 6.8 times faster over the M1 model and 1.7 times faster than M4.
• Games see up to 3.2 times higher frame rates compared to the M1 version and up to 1.6 times higher than M4.
• Code compilation in Xcode is up to 2.1 times faster than the M1 model and 1.2 times faster than M4.

Upgrading from Intel and M1 models

For users upgrading from Intel-based or earlier Apple silicon models, the gains are substantial. Apple states the M5-equipped MacBook Pro can deliver up to 86 times faster AI performance compared to Intel Macs, up to 30 times improved GPU performance with ray tracing, and up to 5.5 times greater CPU output.

Battery life has also been increased, offering up to 14 more hours for Intel upgraders and up to 4 additional hours for users moving up from the M1 model. Apple highlights that, unlike many PC laptops, the MacBook Pro maintains the same level of performance whether plugged in or on battery power. The charging system supports a fast charge feature, achieving up to 50 per cent battery in 30 minutes with a 96W or higher USB-C power adapter.

The new MacBook Pro also introduces a 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with a nano-texture finish, enabling upgraders to drive up to two high-resolution external displays, as well as a six-speaker sound system for improved audio.

macOS Tahoe and Apple Intelligence

The device is delivered with macOS Tahoe, featuring updates to Spotlight, a redesigned Control Centre, and support for personalisation of folders and app icons. Integration with iPhone Live Activities, an updated menu bar, and the Liquid Glass aesthetic are among the other changes. Continuity improvements include direct integration with the Phone app, letting users manage calls and messages from their MacBook Pro.

Apple Intelligence is also expanded within macOS Tahoe. Among new attributes are live translation in several major languages within Messages and FaceTime, as well as improvements to the Shortcuts app that can leverage Apple Intelligence models for advanced automations. Developers are able to access foundational Apple Intelligence frameworks to incorporate AI features into their applications.

Environmental considerations

The new MacBook Pro, in line with Apple's environmental strategy, is made from 45 per cent recycled materials by weight. This includes 100 per cent recycled aluminium in the enclosure, 100 per cent recycled cobalt in the battery, and 100 per cent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets. The manufacturing and supply chain utilises 55 per cent renewable electricity, and the product ships in fibre-based packaging designed for recycling.

Pricing

The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 starts at RRP AUD $2,499 or NZD $2,999 including GST, and is available in space black and silver finishes. Education pricing is offered from AUD $2,349 or NZD $2,819. Pre-orders commenced immediately, with general availability beginning 22 October.