Apple Launches MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max, Wi-Fi 7, Thunderbolt 5, and Up to 128GB Unified Memory

Apple has announced the latest update to its MacBook Pro lineup, introducing new 14-inch and 16-inch models powered by the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. The refreshed notebooks bring improvements in CPU and GPU performance, AI processing, storage speeds, wireless connectivity, and battery life. Pre-orders begin March 4, with availability starting March 11 across 33 countries and regions, including the United States.

The new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are built using Apple’s updated Fusion Architecture, combining two dies into a single system on a chip. Both processors feature up to an 18-core CPU configuration with six high-performance cores and 12 additional performance cores designed for demanding professional workloads. Apple says the new CPU architecture delivers up to 30 percent faster performance compared to the previous generation, particularly in multithreaded tasks such as code compilation, large photo library processing, and simulation workloads.

On the graphics side, the updated GPU architecture integrates a Neural Accelerator into each core to improve AI-driven tasks. Apple claims up to 4x faster large language model prompt processing compared to M4 Pro and M4 Max systems, and up to 8x faster AI image generation compared to M1 Pro and M1 Max models. Graphics performance is rated up to 50 percent higher than the previous generation, helping workloads such as 3D rendering in Maxon Redshift and video effects processing in Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve Studio. Gaming performance also sees gains, with Apple citing improved ray tracing results in titles such as Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition.

Unified memory capacity has increased as well. The M5 Pro supports up to 64GB of unified memory with up to 307GB/s of memory bandwidth, while the M5 Max scales to 128GB with up to 614GB/s bandwidth. These upgrades are aimed at professional users handling AI model training, high-resolution video editing, large datasets, and complex 3D scenes directly on the device.

Storage performance has also been upgraded. Apple states that the new MacBook Pro models deliver up to 2x faster SSD read and write speeds compared to the previous generation, reaching up to 14.5GB/s. The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro now start with 1TB of storage as standard, while M5 Max variants begin with 2TB. The base 14-inch configuration with the standard M5 chip now also starts at 1TB.

Connectivity receives a notable update with the introduction of Apple’s N1 wireless chip, enabling Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support. The laptops include three Thunderbolt 5 ports, an HDMI port capable of up to 8K output, an SDXC card slot, and MagSafe 3 charging. The M5 Pro models can drive up to two external displays, while M5 Max configurations support up to four external displays for expanded workspaces.

Battery life is rated at up to 24 hours, depending on workload, with Apple stating that performance remains consistent whether the system is plugged in or running on battery. Fast charging support allows the battery to reach up to 50 percent capacity in approximately 30 minutes using a 96W or higher USB-C power adapter.

The display remains a Liquid Retina XDR panel with up to 1600 nits peak HDR brightness and up to 1000 nits for SDR content. Buyers can select a nano-texture option to reduce glare. Additional hardware features include a 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View support, studio-quality microphones, and a six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio.

The new models ship with macOS Tahoe, which introduces updates to Spotlight search, expanded automation through Shortcuts, and deeper integration of Apple Intelligence features. Live Translation is built into Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app, allowing real-time text and audio translation. Developers can also access on-device AI models using Apple’s Foundation Models framework.

Apple states that the new MacBook Pro models are built with 45 percent recycled content, including 100 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery. The company continues its goal of reaching carbon neutrality across its operations by 2030.

Pricing for the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro starts at $2,199 in the United States, while the 16-inch version begins at $2,699. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Max starts at $3,599, and the 16-inch model begins at $3,899. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the standard M5 chip starts at $1,699. Education pricing is available for eligible customers. Pre-orders open March 4 through Apple’s online store and app, with shipments and in-store availability starting March 11.

Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro / M5 Max) Specifications