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.
Laptops
Alienware celebrates 30th anniversary with new Area-51 laptops
The series features Alienware 30, an all-new design language.
Despite the rise of more gaming brands, Alienware is still one of the most recognizable names for gamers who want dedicated hardware. This year, the brand is celebrating its 30th anniversary. To commemorate the milestone, Alienware has launched the new Area-51 and Aurora notebooks.
Alienware Area-51
Alienware’s Area-51 lineup is the brand’s flagship line of notebooks, packing in the best of the best from the industry. This time is no different.
First of all, the new series will rock Alienware 30, a new design philosophy made especially for the 30th anniversary. On the outside, the laptops have fluid contours, emphasizing curves opposed to the industry’s more angular contemporaries. It also has a Zero Hinge, which hides the laptop’s hinge from view. Finally, it has pillowed palm rests to make usage easy for long gaming sessions.
The 16-inch model can rock up to a WQXGA Anti-Glare OLED screen, featuring 240Hz refresh rate and 620 peak HDR nits. It will also have an LCD option. Alternatively, the 18-inch model has a WQXGA screen, featuring 300Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness.
Inside, the Alienware Area-51 boasts up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX processor and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 24GB GPU. For memory, gamers can enjoy up to 64GB Dual-Channel DDR5. Finally, for storage, the series can rock up to 2TB SSD natively but can support up to 3 slots, allowing for up to 12TB of internal storage.
The series will have a sizable 96Whr battery. This is complemented by a 280W adapter and the brand’s largest fans by volume to keep things cool.
Alienware 16X Aurora
For those who portability over raw power, the new Alienware 16X Aurora fits inside any day-to-day kit. For example, it ditches the thermal shelf typical of most gaming notebooks today to increase portability. It has rounded edges to make it easier to grasp and to create a slightly pillowed palm rest, similar to its flagship counterpart.
The 16-inch WQXGA OLED panel touts 240Hz refresh rate, 0.2ms response time, and 620 nits HDR peak brightness.
Inside, the notebook has up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU. These specs are paired with up to 64GB Dual-Channel DDR5 memory and up to 2TB SSD.
Finally, the Alienware 16X Aurora will have a 90Whr battery. This is supported by up to a 280W charger (for the RTX 5070 variant).
Price, availability
Both series are available starting today, March 17.
Apple disrupts the industry with their latest MacBook — an affordable to say the very least.
If you’re a student, a first-time Mac owner, someone who’s been priced out of this ecosystem their whole life, someone who just needs a laptop for basic tasks but one that looks great, without slowing them down, this is it!
Or maybe you’re torn choosing between the MacBook Neo and the more powerful M5 MacBook Air?
Well, that’s what we’re here for. Here’s our review with the all-new MacBook Neo.
Laptops
Hands-on: NEW iPhone 17e, iPad Air, MacBooks, Studio Displays
What Apple has announced other than the MacBook Neo
The MacBook Neo was the star of yesterday’s Apple event, and it has every right to be but it’s been a big week for Apple.
So as promised, we also went hands-on with every other device announced this week: iPhone 17e, M4 iPad Air, M5 MacBook Air, MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, and the new Studio Displays.
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