Apple M5: The new chip delivers a boost in AI and performance

Last update: 20/10/2025

  • The M5 debuts with GPU AI acceleration: up to 4x vs. the M4 and new ray tracing.
  • Coming to the 14-inch MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Apple Vision Pro; reservations are open and availability is imminent.
  • 10-core CPU, 16-core Neural Engine, and unified memory at 153GB/s (+30%).
  • Advanced connectivity on iPad Pro with N1 chip (Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread) and faster C1X modem.

Apple M5 chip

Apple has officially announced its new processor for computers and tablets, the M5a generational leap focused on artificial intelligence and efficiencyThis silicon arrives at three key devices: 14-inch MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Apple Vision Pro, with active reservations and availability scheduled for the next few days.

Made in 3 nanometer third generation, the M5 combines a 10-core CPU, a redesigned GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Unified memory bandwidth increases to 153 GB/s (almost 30% more than M4), and the MacBook Pro adds a claimed battery life of up to 24 hours.

Graphical architecture and AI acceleration

Apple M5Pro

The 10-core GPU integrates a Neural Accelerator in each core, a unique commitment to AI in the graphics department. In machine learning workloads running on the GPU, Apple places the M5 at peak performance more than four times higher to the M4, along with third-generation ray tracing improvements and optimized shaders.

The visual subsystem also debuts a dynamic caching second-generation chip that helps in gaming, 3D modeling, and rendering, achieving smoother responses and shorter calculation times. For developers, the chip integrates with Core ML, Metal Performance Shaders and Metal 4, as well as new Tensor APIs for directly programming neural accelerators.

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CPU and Neural Engine: more responsiveness in real-world tasks

M5 Architecture

The M5 combines four high-performance cores and six efficiency cores in its CPU, with an increase that Apple estimates at up to 15% in multithreading compared to the M4, and that in the 14-inch MacBook Pro It can reach 20% in loads such as code compilation.

El 16-core Neural Engine Accelerates on-device AI workflows, from broadcast models to local LLM and the capabilities of Apple Intelligence. In popular apps, this translates into faster image generation (Draw Things), faster inference speed in LLM (e.g. LM Studio) and improvements in processes such as video masking or AI upscaling.

Unified memory and storage, more bandwidth

With 153 GB/s unified memory, the M5 allows handling heavy 3D scenes, load larger AI models and run complex creative projects more quickly. In addition, the 14-inch MacBook Pro storage subsystem offers up to twice the performance on the SSD drive compared to the previous generation.

The shared memory approach between CPU, GPU and Neural Engine reduces bottlenecks and optimizes multitasking, something key when mixing computing, graphics and AI tasks in parallel.

Graphics, games and spatial computing

The 14-inch MacBook Pro, Apple quantifies up to 1,6 times more graphics performance compared to the M4 model in professional apps and games. In the iPad Pro with M5, ray tracing offers 3D rendering up to 1,5 times faster than in the previous generation.

El apple vision pro With M5 you can render 10% more pixels on your micro‑OLED displays with refresh rates up to 120 Hz, improving sharpness, fluidity and reducing motion blur in immersive experiences.

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Devices that are releasing it and availability

Apple M5

The new 14-inch MacBook Pro It features a Liquid Retina XDR display (nano-textured glass option), a 12 MP Center Stage camera, a six-speaker system, and extensive connectivity (including three Thunderbolt, HDMI and SDXC slot). It comes with macOS Tahoe, Apple Intelligence features, and up to 24 hours of battery life. In Spain, part of 1.829 € and is now available for pre-order; delivery is scheduled for October 22.

El iPad Pro with M5 It is offered in 11 and 13 inches with an Ultra Retina XDR display (Tandem OLED), an even thinner design and N1 chip for Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. On models with cellular data, the modem C1X Provides up to 50% more speed and improved efficiency. Prices in Spain from 1.099 € (11″) y 1.449 € (13″), available October 22.

El apple vision pro also adopts the M5, benefiting from the push in AI and graphics for tasks such as generate spatial scenes from 2D photos and improve real-time visual representation.

What's new in macOS Tahoe and iPadOS 26

In macOS Tahoe, the interface and productivity are renewed with an updated Control Center, improvements in Spotlight, transparent menu bar and new customization options (icons, folders and widgets). With Continuity, the Phone app on Mac makes it easy to call and access recent calls and voicemail.

Apple Intelligence adds real-time translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone (in supported languages ​​and regions), as well as smart actions in Shortcuts and advanced workflow automation, all with a focus on privacy.

iPadOS 26 introduces translucent material Liquid glass, a new window system, menu bar, improvements to the Files app and the arrival of Preview with PDF editing and Apple Pencil Pro support. In addition, Background tasks, plus high-quality local capture and audio input control.

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Sustainability and upgrade programs

Within his plan Apple 2030The company emphasizes more recycled materials, renewable energy in the supply chain, and 100% recyclable fiber packaging. The 14-inch MacBook Pro includes 100% recycled aluminum in the enclosure and recycled cobalt in the battery.

The programs continue Apple Trade In to deliver old equipment in exchange for a discount and coverage of AppleCare, with accidental damage protection options and extended technical support.

What's next: M5 family and 3D packaging

M5 Apple

Beyond the base model, we expect M5 Pro and M5 Max with an additional leap in graphics and power, where advanced packaging would gain weight SoIC (3D stacking). Reports point to a separation of CPU and GPU in those variants to improve thermal and performance, while The basic M5 would retain the current integrated design. Apple could also leverage M5 silicon in its infrastructure Apple Intelligence on the cloud.

With a clear focus on AI, graphics and efficiency, the Apple M5 inaugurates a stage that impacts laptops, tablets and spatial computing: More speed for local models, games, and content creation, new features in macOS and iPadOS and an ecosystem that is preparing for the upcoming Pro and Max variants without losing sight of sustainability.

M5 iPad Pro
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