Apple launches 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro: same price, bigger performance push

Apple has quietly released an entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by the new M5 chip, keeping the same $1,599 starting price as last year’s M4 model. Unlike previous launches where Apple unveiled the full Pro/Max lineup together, the company is rolling out the base M5 model now while M5 Pro and M5 Max versions reportedly arrive several months later.

The new 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro focuses on performance gains from the M5 silicon rather than major chassis changes. Apple says the M5 uses the same 3nm fabrication as the M4 but brings a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine, with claims of up to 20% faster multithreaded CPU performance versus the M4 and up to 1.6x faster graphics in pro apps and games.

• CPU/GPU: 10 CPU cores, 10 GPU cores, 16-core Neural Engine.
• Performance claims: up to 20% faster CPU, up to 1.6x GPU in pro apps, up to 3.5x faster AI performance vs M4, and up to 6x vs M1.
• Storage/RAM: ships with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD at base; configurable up to 32GB RAM and 4TB storage.

The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display remains unchanged (3024 x 1964, up to 1,000 nits SDR and 1,600 nits peak HDR, and adaptive refresh up to 120Hz). Ports include an SDXC card slot, HDMI, 3.5mm headphone jack and three Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) USB-C ports — not Thunderbolt 5 — plus a six-speaker system with Dolby Atmos, Wi‑Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 and a 12MP Center Stage webcam.

Apple is positioning the new model as a modest but meaningful upgrade for users who need better graphics, AI and pro-app performance without stepping up to the Pro or Max chips. Apple also highlights real-world app gains: up to 1.8x faster AI video enhancement in Topaz Video, 1.7x faster 3D rendering in Blender, and 1.2x faster Xcode build times compared with the M4 MacBook Pro.

Pre-orders are open now. The 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro starts at $1,599 (16GB/512GB) and will begin shipping October 22. For full details, see the original announcement and coverage on Engadget and Apple’s MacBook Pro pages (Apple).

Discussion: Are you planning to upgrade to the M5 14-inch MacBook Pro for its AI and graphics improvements, or will you wait for the M5 Pro/Max models? Let us know why.