Apple releases entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 chip
Apple has quietly released an entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by the new M5 chip. Starting at $1,599, the baseline configuration includes 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Pre-orders are open now, and Apple says shipping will begin on October 22.
The company launched this model separately from the higher-end M5 Pro and M5 Max variants, which are reportedly still several months away. The new 14-inch focuses on the M5 silicon — a 3nm chip that retains the same fabrication process as the M4 and brings a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU to the entry-level Pro.
Key details at a glance:
- Model: 14-inch MacBook Pro (entry-level)
- Chip: Apple M5 — 10 CPU cores, 10 GPU cores
- Starting price: $1,599 (16GB RAM / 512GB SSD)
- Pre-orders: Available now; shipping begins Oct 22
- M5 Pro / M5 Max: Expected later this year (reportedly months away)
Apple also introduced new 11- and 13-inch iPad Pro models that share the M5 processor, signaling a broader rollout of the chip across its product lines. Reports suggest Apple may have opted for a low-key, staggered launch because the 14-inch design is broadly unchanged from the previous generation, and Apple may want to get M5-equipped machines on sale while higher-end variants are finalized.
For official details and specs, see the original coverage on Engadget, or visit Apple’s website for product pages and ordering.
The M5 in this 14-inch model uses the same 3nm manufacturing node as the M4, but Apple emphasizes incremental performance gains. While this release is notable for bringing M5 to an entry-level Pro laptop and iPad Pros, users expecting major design or feature changes may find the update modest.
Discussion: Will you upgrade to the M5 14-inch MacBook Pro now, or wait for M5 Pro/M5 Max models? Share your thoughts below.