Apple has introduced the new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro powered by the all-new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips — bringing what feels like a full Super Saiyan moment to its pro lineup.

If M5 Pro is Super Saiyan, then M5 Max is Super Saiyan 2.

Both chips are built using Apple’s new Fusion Architecture, combining two dies into a single system on a chip. The result: massive gains in CPU, GPU, memory bandwidth, and on-device AI performance.

Apple says the new CPU includes the world’s fastest CPU core, with up to 18 cores total — 6 “super cores” and 12 performance cores — delivering up to 30% faster performance. The next-generation GPU now includes a Neural Accelerator in every core, pushing AI workloads significantly further.

Compared to M1 models, the new MacBook Pro delivers:

• Up to 8x faster AI image generation
• Up to 6.9x faster LLM prompt processing
• Up to 5.4x faster video effects rendering

Compared to the previous M4 Pro and M4 Max generation, AI workloads see up to 4x gains, while graphics performance improves by as much as 50%.

This isn’t just about benchmarks. Apple is positioning this as a serious local AI machine. Developers can run advanced LLMs directly on device. Creators can train models, render 3D scenes, process massive photo libraries, and edit complex 8K timelines without leaning on the cloud.

And unlike many performance laptops, it does this with up to 24 hours of battery life.

Storage, bandwidth, and wireless get upgrades too

The performance bump isn’t limited to silicon.

The new MacBook Pro delivers up to 2x faster SSD speeds, reaching up to 14.5GB/s read and write performance. Starting storage also gets a major upgrade:

• M5 Pro models now start at 1TB
• M5 Max models now start at 2TB
• The base 14-inch M5 model also now starts at 1TB

Memory bandwidth scales aggressively depending on configuration:

• M5 Pro supports up to 64GB unified memory and 307GB/s bandwidth
• M5 Max supports up to 128GB unified memory and 614GB/s bandwidth

Connectivity gets a boost as well. Apple introduces its new N1 wireless chip with support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Thunderbolt 5 ports come standard, alongside HDMI with up to 8K support, SDXC, and MagSafe 3 with fast charging.

The laptop retains its Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 1600 nits peak HDR brightness, now with a nano-texture option. It also features a 12MP Center Stage camera, studio-quality microphones, and a six-speaker system with Spatial Audio support.

All models run on macOS Tahoe, which deepens integration with Apple Intelligence and introduces updated Spotlight, Live Translation, and more customizable UI elements.

Pricing and availability

In the U.S., pre-orders begin March 4, with availability starting March 11.

U.S. pricing starts at:

• 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro: US$2,199 (US$2,049 education)
• 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro: US$2,699 (US$2,499 education)
• 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Max: US$3,599 (US$3,299 education)
• 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Max: US$3,899 (US$3,599 education)

The 14-inch MacBook Pro with base M5 starts at US$1,699 (US$1,599 education), now with 1TB standard storage.

In Singapore, pre-orders also begin March 4 via apple.com/sg/store, with availability starting March 11.

Singapore pricing starts at:

• 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro: S$2,999 (S$2,789 education)
• 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro: S$3,649 (S$3,379 education)
• 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Max: S$5,099 (S$4,669 education)
• 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Max: S$5,449 (S$5,029 education)

The 14-inch MacBook Pro with base M5 starts at S$2,299 (S$2,159 education).

All models are available in space black and silver.

If the MacBook Air were a KPop idol, it would be the dependable center who never misses a beat — and somehow still levels up every comeback. With the new MacBook Air with M5, Apple gives its thinnest crowd favorite a serious stat boost, led by the new Apple M5 chip, double the starting storage, and upgraded wireless connectivity.

Announced in Cupertino, the latest MacBook Air brings faster CPU and GPU performance alongside expanded AI capabilities. M5 features a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU, each with a Neural Accelerator, pushing AI tasks up to four times faster than M4 and as much as 9.5 times faster than M1. Whether you’re batch-editing photos, rendering 3D models, or running on-device LLMs, this Air has more than enough headroom.

Paired with macOS Tahoe, the new MacBook Air leans deeper into Apple Intelligence features, from smarter automations to system-wide tools that tap directly into on-device AI models.

Faster, smarter, and finally 512GB standard

One of the biggest quality-of-life upgrades is storage. The MacBook Air with M5 now starts at 512GB — double the previous base configuration — and goes up to 4TB for the first time. The new SSD delivers up to 2x faster read and write speeds, making large file transfers, media imports, and heavy project loads noticeably quicker.

For creatives, Apple cites up to 6.5x faster 3D rendering in Blender compared to M1, and up to 2.7x faster image processing in Affinity. AI video enhancement in Topaz Video can be up to 6.9x faster versus M1. Even everyday tasks see gains, with web browsing up to 50 percent faster than a PC laptop powered by an Intel Core Ultra X7 processor.

M5 also boosts unified memory bandwidth to 153GB/s — a 28 percent improvement over M4 — which translates to smoother multitasking and faster app launches. It’s the kind of upgrade you may not flex in a spec sheet argument, but you’ll appreciate when you’re juggling Chrome tabs, Lightroom, and a Zoom call.

Thin, light, and still fanless

Apple keeps the design formula intact. The MacBook Air remains thin, light, and completely silent thanks to its fanless aluminum build. It comes in 13-inch and 15-inch options, offering a balance between portability and extra screen space.

The Liquid Retina display reaches up to 500 nits of brightness and supports one billion colors. Battery life stretches up to 18 hours — up to six hours longer than Intel-based MacBook Air models — with fast charging included.

You also get a 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View support, a three-mic array, and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. Two Thunderbolt 4 ports support up to two external displays, while MagSafe handles charging.

Connectivity sees an upgrade as well, with Apple’s N1 wireless chip enabling Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 for faster and more reliable connections.

Built with AI — and the environment — in mind

With macOS Tahoe, users gain access to new personalization tools and deeper Apple Intelligence integration. Features like Live Translation in Messages, smarter Reminders categorization, and more powerful Shortcuts actions aim to make the MacBook Air not just faster, but more context-aware.

On sustainability, the MacBook Air with M5 uses 55 percent recycled content, including 100 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery. Apple says manufacturing now runs on 50 percent renewable electricity across its supply chain, and packaging is 100 percent fiber-based.

Pricing and availability

In the U.S., the 13-inch MacBook Air with M5 starts at US$1,099, or US$999 for education. The 15-inch model starts at US$1,299, or US$1,199 for education. Pre-orders begin March 4, with availability starting March 11.

In Singapore, customers can pre-order the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air with M5 starting Wednesday, March 4, via apple.com/sg/store and the Apple Store app. Availability begins Wednesday, March 11, at Apple Store locations and Apple Authorised Resellers.

The 13-inch model starts at S$1,599, or S$1,449 for education. The 15-inch model starts at S$1,899, or S$1,749 for education. Both are available in sky blue, midnight, starlight, and silver.

Apple Trade In is available in Singapore, allowing customers to trade in their current computer for credit toward a new Mac. AppleCare+ offers extended coverage including protection against accidental damage, battery service, and 24/7 support from Apple Experts. Buyers who purchase directly from Apple Retail also get access to Personal Setup sessions and Today at Apple workshops.

For students, creatives, and business users who want something light but powerful enough to handle AI-heavy workflows, this feels like the MacBook Air stepping confidently into its main-character era — quiet, capable, and very aware it’s still the one everyone recommends.

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