Apple has just released their latest MacBook version. The new MacBook Pro models featuring the M5 Pro and M5 Max, along with an updated MacBook Air powered by the standard M5 chip, deliver performance improvements, expanded default storage, and additions like Wi-Fi 7, changes that elevate both capability and price across the lineup.
The new MacBook Pro will be available in 14-inch and 16-inch versions, each equipped with a Liquid Retina XDR display capable of reaching up to 1,600 nits of peak HDR brightness. Base storage begins at 1TB for models powered by the M5 Pro and 2TB for those configured with the M5 Max.
Additional specifications include a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera, up to 24 hours of claimed battery life, a six-speaker sound system, three Thunderbolt 5 ports, an HDMI port, and support for Bluetooth 6.
According to Apple, the new MacBook Pro chips are up to 30 percent faster than the last generation and use power more efficiently. Both run on an 18-core custom Fusion CPU. The difference shows up in graphics: the M5 Pro has a 20-core GPU, while the M5 Max doubles that with a 40-core GPU.
In performance benchmarks cited by Apple, the M5 Pro achieves up to 1.4x faster 3D rendering in Maxon Redshift relative to the M4 Pro generation. Gaming workloads also see gains, with Apple projecting up to 1.6x higher frame rates under ray tracing in demanding titles such as Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition.
In Apple’s benchmarks, the M5 Max MacBook Pro reaches up to 3.8x higher throughput in AI image generation versus the M4 Max generation. The chip is also credited with up to 4x faster large language model prompt processing and up to 3x accelerated video effects rendering within Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve Studio.
The hardware upgrades arrive with higher price tags. The base 14-inch M5 Pro model now starts at $2,199, marking a $200 increase from the previous $1,999 entry price. The 14-inch M5 Max version opens at $3,599, up $400 compared to the M4 Max generation. For the 16-inch models, pricing begins at $2,699 for the M5 Pro and $3,899 for the M5 Max.
In addition to the new MacBook Pro models, Apple announced an updated MacBook Air featuring the M5 processor. The device offers up to 4TB of storage, with base SSD capacity doubled from the previous generation. According to Apple, the revised storage system provides up to twice the read and write performance of the M4-based version.
The new MacBook Air will be available in 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch versions, each equipped with a Liquid Retina display rated at 500 nits of peak brightness and capable of showing up to one billion colors. Other hardware features include a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera, up to 18 hours of claimed battery life, and a speaker system tuned for spatial audio.
Connectivity options include two Thunderbolt 4 ports, support for Wi-Fi 7 wireless networking, and Bluetooth 6.
The new MacBook Air models will be available in sky blue, midnight, starlight, and silver finishes. The 13.6-inch model starts at $1,099, while the 15.3-inch version is priced from $1,299. Pre-orders will begin on March 4, with retail availability scheduled for March 11.
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