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On 15 Oct, Apple unveiled its new M5 chip, as well as 3 new products that come with it. These are the new 14-inch MacBook Pro, iPad Pro and Apple Vision Pro. If you’re due for a laptop or tablet upgrade, this could be for you.
M5 chip
Before diving into the 3 new devices, let’s have a quick look at the new M5 chip that powers them. Apple states that this new chip brings a big leap in AI performance. As compared to the previous generation M4 chip, it can also deliver 4 times the peak graphics computing performance and 15% faster processing performance.
Strangely, there have been no announcements yet for any M5 Pro and M5 Max chip variants, so customers only have an upgrade for the base M4 chip for now.
M5 14-inch MacBook Pro
Like previous generations, the base M5 chip only exists in the 14-inch model of the new MacBook Pro, as the 16-inch ones are minimally equipped with a Pro chip. With that, it is no surprise that there was no announcement of any new 16-inch MacBook Pros either.
Apple is probably saving it for the day that they are ready to unveil the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips at the same time. So, if you’re looking for a bigger laptop, you would have to wait and see.
But for those of you who are in the market for a new 14-inch laptop, you can consider this M5 14-inch MacBook Pro. With 3.5x more performance for AI workflows, a faster SSD storage for file imports and exports, and 24 hours of battery life, this MacBook Pro is an upgrade for anyone who is using a laptop more than a few years old. This is especially true if you are not a heavy user of professional applications and just want a good all-around laptop.
However, if you’re a performance-hungry user who is into creative workflows and intensive gaming, you should still stick with the M4 Pro or M4 Max MacBook Pros for now, or wait till the M5 Pro and M5 Max laptops are released.
I am personally looking to upgrade my 2020 Intel-based MacBook Air soon, but I will stay tuned for the other new chips and MacBook models to be announced before making my purchase. The M5 14-inch MacBook Pro will be available for pre-order starting 17 Oct at 9am, and will be released on 22 Oct. It comes in Space Black and Silver colours, and has a starting price of S$2,199.
Make your pre-orders here.
M5 iPad Pro
The benefits of the M5 chip are also available on the new iPad Pro. The biggest difference from the previous generation iPad Pro to me is that it now comes minimally with 12GB unified memory (RAM), giving the device 50% more bandwidth for processes and multi-tasking.
Other than that, there is also support for faster Wi-Fi 7 and cellular data speeds. The highlight of this device is probably that it works smoothly with the new iPadOS 26, which has a beautiful interface and windowing system for better app control. Honestly, if you are already using a recent-generation iPad Pro that is not breaking down, there is no big reason to upgrade to this one.
But for those of you who are going to get this new iPad Pro, you can choose between an 11-inch or 13-inch model, in either Space Black or Silver. The starting price of the new iPad Pro is S$1,499, and it will also be available from 22 Oct.
Pre-orders are already open, and you can place yours here.
M5 Apple Vision Pro
The last device that Apple updated with its new M5 chip is the Apple Vision Pro. I haven’t seen many people using this device, but for those of you who are considering getting it and can afford to, this improved version of the Apple Vision Pro might be enticing.
The biggest upgrades to this wearable device are in visual quality and comfort. There are now 10% more rendered pixels and up to 120Hz refresh rates, which means a sharper image quality and smoother experience.
The new counterbalanced Dual Knit Band also provides new straps that have improved cushioning, breathability and stretch, so that it can fit users even better.
If you’d like to experience Apple’s immersive spatial experience powered by the new M5 chip, you can place pre-orders starting 17 Oct at 9am, for a starting price of S$4,999. The new Apple Vision Pro will be available on 22 Oct.
To pre-order, visit Apple’s website.
