Apple upgrades iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro with new M5 chip

On Wednesday, Apple introduced its latest innovation, the M5 chip, which will power the newly launched iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro. These cutting-edge devices are now available for preorder, with shipping and in-store availability set for October 22. The M5 chip promises to deliver enhanced performance, boasting over four times the peak GPU compute capability compared to its predecessor, the M4. Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Technologies, emphasized that this advancement marks a significant leap in AI performance for Apple’s silicon family. The new iPad Pro benefits from the chip’s capabilities, offering up to 3.5 times the AI performance of last year’s model and up to 5.6 times faster performance than the iPad Pro with the M1 chip. Additional improvements include the integration of Apple’s C1X cellular modem, which provides up to 50% faster cellular data performance, along with the N1 chip that enhances Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread connectivity. Users can also expect quicker storage read and write speeds, as well as accelerated charging, reaching up to 50% in approximately 30 minutes. Apple is strategically enhancing the iPad Pro's capabilities to position it as a more viable laptop alternative. With the upcoming iPadOS 26, features such as more intuitive window displays, a new Preview app, and folder creation for better organization will further enhance the user experience. Pricing for the new iPad Pro starts at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299 for the 13-inch version, available in black and silver. The 14-inch MacBook Pro is set to outperform its predecessor, showcasing upgraded graphics capabilities with up to 1.6 times better performance than before, an increased memory bandwidth of 153Gbps (up from 120Gbps), and enhanced storage speeds. Users can look forward to an impressive battery life of up to 24 hours, with a starting price of $1,599, available in space black and silver. The Vision Pro will also benefit from the M5 chip, replacing the previous M2. This upgrade enhances display rendering by 10%, supports refresh rates of up to 120Hz (up from 100Hz), and boosts AI-powered features, making them 50% faster. Additionally, users can enjoy an improved battery life of 30 minutes, offering up to 2.5 hours of general use and three hours of video playback. The revamped Vision Pro features a Dual Knit Band for a more comfortable fit and is available in sizes small, medium, and large, maintaining a price of $3,499. This announcement comes as Apple shifts its focus towards developing smart glasses, moving away from a full overhaul of its VR headset.