On October 15, 2025, Apple announced the groundbreaking M5 chip, a next-generation system on a chip (SoC) designed to revolutionize AI performance across its devices. Built with third-generation 3-nanometer technology, the M5 delivers over 4x the peak GPU compute performance for AI compared to its predecessor, the M4, powering the new 14-inch MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Apple Vision Pro.
Next-Level AI and Graphics Performance
The M5 chip introduces a 10-core GPU architecture with a dedicated Neural Accelerator in each core, enabling GPU-based AI workloads to run dramatically faster. This results in a remarkable 4x increase in peak GPU compute performance compared to M4 and a 6x boost over the M1 for AI tasks. The GPU also enhances graphics capabilities, offering up to 45% higher graphics performance than the M4, thanks to Apple’s third-generation ray-tracing engine and second-generation dynamic caching.
These advancements translate to smoother gameplay, more realistic visuals in 3D applications, and faster rendering times for complex graphics projects. For Apple Vision Pro, the M5 renders 10% more pixels on micro-OLED displays with refresh rates up to 120Hz, ensuring crisper details and reduced motion blur.
Powerful CPU and Neural Engine
The M5 features the world’s fastest performance core, with a 10-core CPU comprising six efficiency cores and up to four performance cores, delivering up to 15% faster multithreaded performance compared to the M4. Additionally, the chip includes an improved 16-core Neural Engine, which enhances AI-driven features like transforming 2D photos into spatial scenes on Apple Vision Pro or generating Personas with greater speed and efficiency.
The Neural Engine also supercharges Apple Intelligence, enabling faster on-device AI tools like Image Playground. Developers using Apple’s Foundation Models framework will benefit from enhanced performance, making the M5 a powerhouse for AI-driven workflows.
Enhanced Unified Memory
With a unified memory bandwidth of 153GB/s—a nearly 30% increase over the M4 and more than double that of the M1—the M5 enables devices to run larger AI models entirely on-device. The 32GB memory capacity supports seamless multitasking, allowing users to run demanding creative suites like Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut Pro while uploading large files to the cloud in the background.
Environmental Impact
Apple’s commitment to sustainability shines through with the M5 chip. As part of the Apple 2030 initiative to achieve carbon neutrality by the end of the decade, the M5’s power-efficient performance reduces energy consumption across the 14-inch MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Apple Vision Pro, aligning with Apple’s high standards for energy efficiency.
Availability
The M5-powered 14-inch MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Apple Vision Pro are available for pre-order starting October 15, 2025. These devices leverage the M5’s cutting-edge capabilities to deliver unparalleled performance for professionals, creatives, and consumers alike.
“M5 ushers in the next big leap in AI performance for Apple silicon,” said Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Technologies. “With the introduction of Neural Accelerators in the GPU, M5 delivers a huge boost to AI workloads.”