Laptops
Apple unveils MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max
Up to 8x AI gains, faster SSD, Wi-Fi 7, and bigger starting storage
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).
In the Philippines, customers can order the new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max soon on apple.com/ph/store and Apple Authorized Resellers.
Philippine pricing starts at:
- 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro starts at ₱149,990 (₱139,990 for education)
- 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro starts at ₱179,990 (₱166,990 for education)
- 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Max starts at ₱239,990 (₱219,990 for education)
- 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Max starts at ₱259,990 (₱239,990 for education)
All models are available in space black and silver.
Computex 2026
The Dell XPS 13 is the lineup’s thinnest notebook to date
It’s only 12.7mm thin and 2.2lbs light.
Last year, Dell killed off the XPS lineup. However, the brand quickly learned the error of its ways and resurrected the lineup this year. When the XPS 14 and 16 launched last January, the XPS 13, touted as the lineup’s thinnest laptop to date, made some interesting teases. Now, at COMPUTEX 2026, the new 13.4-inch notebook finally made an appearance.
Though the number in the name says “13,” the XPS 13 is defined by more than just its screen size. It’s the thinnest notebook in the entire XPS lineup, measuring at only 12.7 millimeters and weighing only 2.2 pounds. And yet it’s still remarkably durable with a premium CNC aluminum construction.
Inside, the XPS 13 can carry up to a Series 3 Intel Core Ultra 7 chipset. This is paired with up to 32GB of memory and up to 1TB of storage.
Meanwhile, the 13.4-inch display touts 2.5K resolution and an InfinityEdge touchscreen display. It has a 500nit typical brightness, up to 120Hz VRR, and Dolby Vision. You’re also getting a quad speaker setup with two main speakers and two tweeters, all of which are compatible with Dolby Atmos.
Despite its size, the notebook is fitted with 2 USB-C ports with DisplayPort 2.1 and power delivery. Finally, the XPS 13 comes with a 52Whr battery, providing up to 17 hours of charge and is compatible with the included 65W charger.
It will start at only US$ 599 for eligible students.
Computex 2026
The new NVIDIA RTX Spark laptops are AI PCs on steroids
“Useful AI has arrived,” NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang proclaimed in his monumental keynote speech to kick off COMPUTEX 2026, essentially admitting to the state of AI prior to today. But don’t let the past mess with how you view the present. AI today, according to the graphics-turned-AI company, will now serve everyday users, rather than procuring abstract and intangible benefits. For us normal people, it all starts with the new RTX Spark.
Rarely does a new product claim to reinvent the entire industry. Confident in its own abilities, that’s just what the RTX Spark wants to do. But what is it exactly?
Think of it like Microsoft’s Copilot+ PCs but on AI-powered steroids. NVIDIA wants to bring the power of a supercomputer into the hands of regular consumers, just like how the personal computer (PC) brought gigantic computers to the comfort of everyone’s homes.
Co-engineered with Microsoft, RTX Spark will run autonomous AI agents the entire day. The agent is tied to you and your intent but will orchestrate all your devices under one roof.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. The new series will leverage a Blackwell RTX GPU and a 20-core Grace CPU from MediaTek. It can also support up to 128GB of unified memory, delivering several of the most powerful (and most expensive) PCs available to consumers today. With the capabilities comparable to an RTX 5070, the series can supposedly play modern games with ease.
Inside, it will come with CUDA, the trove of information that powers AI technology today. Finally, despite how slim NVIDIA promises the series will be, the RTX Spark should come with a battery that lasts the entire day.
The first NVIDIA RTX Spark laptops will launch later this fall with six premium laptops for various brands. This, along with the 30 models launching soon after, will include Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and MSI. No word yet on how much these will cost, though.
Laptops
Acer unveils Swift Air 14 and Swift Spin 14 AI with Intel’s latest processors
Thin, light, AI-powered laptops
Acer has expanded its Swift laptop lineup with the launch of the new Swift Air 14 and Swift Spin 14 AI. The new Windows 11 laptops combine slim designs, dedicated AI hardware, and long battery life for users who want productivity on the go.
Swift Air 14 focuses on portability
Leading the announcement is the new Swift Air 14. Powered by Intel Core Series 3 processors, the laptop delivers up to 40 platform TOPS and up to 17 TOPS from its dedicated NPU for AI workloads. Acer says users can expect up to 19 hours of battery life, with fast charging capable of reaching 50 percent in around 30 minutes.
The Swift Air 14 weighs just 1.25kg and measures as thin as 12.9mm. Its all-aluminum chassis comes in Sage Green, Frost Blue, Blossom Pink, and Lilac Purple. A 180-degree hinge allows the laptop to lie flat when collaborating or sharing content.
For visuals, Acer equips the laptop with a 14-inch WUXGA display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and 100 percent sRGB color coverage. Quad speakers with DTS:X Ultra complete the entertainment package.
The Swift Air 14 also includes a 1080p IR webcam with a privacy shutter, Windows Hello facial recognition, Acer PurifiedVoice noise cancellation, Intel Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, dual Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, and a USB-A port.
Swift Spin 14 AI adds convertible flexibility
Acer also introduced the Swift Spin 14 AI. The new convertible features a 360-degree hinge that lets users switch between laptop, presentation, display, and tablet modes.
Inside is up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor. The system delivers up to 50 TOPS from its dedicated NPU and up to 100 platform TOPS overall. Acer claims battery life can reach up to 26 hours on a single charge.
The Swift Spin 14 AI features a 14-inch WUXGA IPS touch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It also supports the optional Acer Active Stylus with Wacom AES 2.0 technology. The stylus supports shading and 4,096 pressure levels, making it useful for drawing, note-taking, and document signing.
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, dual Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, dual USB-A ports, and HDMI 2.1. Security features include a 5MP IR camera, fingerprint reader, human presence detection, and Acer User Sensing technology.
Acer brings AI features to both laptops
Both devices include a dedicated Copilot key for quick access to Microsoft’s AI assistant. Acer also bundles its own AI-powered software suite, including AcerSense and Acer Intelligence Space.
The suite includes tools such as Acer QR Capture, Acer AI Image Generator, and Acer Video Speed Controller. Acer says these features are designed to improve productivity, creativity, and day-to-day usability.
Acer has not yet announced local pricing or availability. The company says details will vary by market.
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