Apple’s 14-inch MacBook Pro gets an M5 chip bump and faster storage, marking another step forward for its performance-focused laptop line. The update brings significant internal improvements while keeping the same beloved design and $1,599 starting price tag.

A Quiet But Powerful Refresh

Apple announced the upgrade via press release, revealing that the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro now runs on the new M5 chip, includes faster SSD options, and offers a claimed 24-hour battery life. While the exterior remains identical to last year’s model, the performance boost makes this refresh more meaningful than it first appears. Preorders are open now, with shipping set to begin on October 22nd.

M5 Chip: A Leap in AI and Graphics Power

The Apple M5 chip is built for AI and GPU-heavy tasks. Apple claims it’s 3.5 times faster in AI performance than the M4, featuring a next-generation 10-core GPU that integrates a Neural Accelerator in each core.

This design enhances multitasking and GPU performance, with 1.6x faster graphics rendering and higher frame rates in modern games. The CPU itself also boasts 20% better multithreaded performance, making it a solid choice for creators, developers, and anyone using AI-driven apps.

Faster Storage and Expanded Options

Another key highlight is the faster storage. The new 14-inch MacBook Pro supports SSD configurations of up to 4TB, a feature that previously required upgrading to the pricier M4 Pro chip. Though that upgrade costs around $1,200, it’s a valuable option for professionals working with massive media files.

The memory bandwidth also gets a noticeable bump — jumping from 120Gbps on the M4 to 153Gbps on the M5 — ensuring smoother data transfer and overall system responsiveness.

Familiar Design, Refined Performance

Externally, Apple’s 14-inch MacBook Pro looks just like last year’s model. It maintains the same Liquid Retina XDR display, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, MagSafe 3 charging, and high-fidelity six-speaker setup. There’s no new color option or chassis redesign this time, which aligns with Apple’s focus on refining performance rather than aesthetics.

That consistency isn’t necessarily a drawback. The M4 generation introduced a solid redesign, including a third USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 port and an optional anti-glare display — features that continue to shine in this year’s model.

Battery Life and Everyday Experience

Apple promises up to 24 hours of battery life, one of the longest runtimes available on a performance laptop. Combined with macOS’s power management and the efficiency of the M5 chip, the new MacBook Pro is built for heavy use without being tethered to a charger all day.

Everyday users will notice faster app launches, snappier multitasking, and smoother creative workflows. Whether it’s photo editing, 4K video rendering, or coding AI models, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 feels future-ready.

Who Should Upgrade?

If you already own last year’s M4 model, this update might not be essential unless you rely on AI workloads or high-end creative software that can benefit from the improved GPU and memory speeds. However, for users coming from M3 or Intel-based MacBooks, this M5 upgrade is a compelling reason to switch.

Its combination of speed, efficiency, and longevity makes it one of the best value propositions in Apple’s Pro lineup today.

Availability and Pricing

The Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 starts at $1,599 for the base model with 16GB of memory and a 512GB SSD. Preorders are live now, with official availability on October 22, 2025.

As always, users can configure their MacBook with higher RAM or SSD options through Apple’s online store.

Apple’s 14-inch MacBook Pro gets an M5 chip bump and faster storage, pushing the device closer to workstation-level performance without sacrificing portability or battery life.

While it may look identical to its predecessor, the internal advancements in AI processing, graphics, and data speeds make this a smart upgrade for professionals seeking a reliable, future-ready MacBook Pro.