Apple launches MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max, 24-hour battery and up to 128GB RAM

Apple MacBook Pro

• Apple launches new MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips
• Up to 4x faster AI, 50% better graphics than previous models
• Starts at 1TB storage, 24-hour battery, Wi-Fi 7, from March 11

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Apple has refreshed its professional laptop lineup with the launch of the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro powered by the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. The update focuses heavily on AI performance, memory bandwidth and faster storage, while retaining the familiar premium design.

At the core of the upgrade are the new M5 Pro and M5 Max processors, built using Apple’s Fusion Architecture, which combines two dies into a single system on a chip. Both variants feature a redesigned CPU with up to 18 cores, including six “super cores” and 12 performance cores aimed at demanding, multithreaded workflows.

Apple says the new chips deliver up to four times faster AI performance compared to the previous generation and up to eight times faster AI performance compared to M1-based MacBook Pro models. The GPU architecture has also been updated, with a Neural Accelerator built into each core. This enables significantly faster large language model prompt processing and AI image generation on device — a clear signal that Apple is positioning these machines as serious AI workstations.

Graphics performance sees a notable jump as well. Apple claims up to a 50 per cent increase compared to M4 Pro and M4 Max models, helping professionals working with 3D rendering, motion graphics and high-end video effects preview their work in real time. M5 Pro supports up to 64GB of unified memory with 307GB/s bandwidth, while M5 Max scales up to 128GB of unified memory and 614GB/s bandwidth for more complex AI model training and 8K video workflows.

Storage also gets an upgrade. The MacBook Pro with M5 Pro now starts at 1TB, while the M5 Max model starts at 2TB. Apple says the new SSD delivers up to twice the read and write performance of the previous generation, reaching speeds up to 14.5GB/s. This should translate to faster handling of large datasets, 4K and 8K footage, and AI-related workloads.

Battery life stretches up to 24 hours, making it one of the longest-lasting pro laptops in Apple’s lineup. The company notes that performance remains consistent whether plugged in or running on battery. Fast charging allows up to 50 per cent charge in around 30 minutes with a 96W or higher adapter.

The Liquid Retina XDR display continues to anchor the experience, offering up to 1600 nits of peak HDR brightness and 1000 nits for SDR content, along with an optional nano-texture finish. Connectivity expands with three Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI support for up to 8K resolution, an SDXC card slot and MagSafe 3. M5 Pro models can drive up to two external displays, while M5 Max variants support up to four.

Wireless connectivity is handled by Apple’s new N1 chip, enabling Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 for improved reliability and speed. The laptops also feature a 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View, studio-quality microphones and a six-speaker system with Spatial Audio.

Price and availability

The new MacBook Pro models are available in space black and silver. Pre-orders begin March 4, with availability starting March 11.

The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro starts at Rs 2,49,900 whereas the one with M5 Max starts at Rs 3,99,900. The 16-inch variant with M5 Pro starts at Rs 2,99,900 whereas the one with M5 Max starts at Rs 4,29,900.