Apple Unveils Next-Gen M5 Chip, Enhancing AI and Graphics Across Product Line

On October 15, 2025, Apple unveiled its latest system-on-a-chip (SoC), the M5, marking a significant advancement in the company's silicon technology. The M5 chip is designed to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) and graphics performance across Apple's product lineup, including the new 14-inch MacBook Pro, updated iPad Pro models, and the second-generation Apple Vision Pro headset.

Built using third-generation 3-nanometer technology, the M5 chip features a 10-core CPU, comprising four performance cores and six efficiency cores, alongside a 10-core GPU. Each core is equipped with a Neural Accelerator, enabling GPU-based AI workloads to run dramatically faster. According to Apple, this architecture delivers over four times the peak GPU compute performance for AI tasks compared to the M4, along with a 45% increase in graphics performance. The chip also includes an improved 16-core Neural Engine and offers a nearly 30% increase in unified memory bandwidth, reaching 153GB/s.

Johny Srouji, Apple's senior vice president of Hardware Technologies, stated, "M5 ushers in the next big leap in AI performance for Apple silicon."

The M5 chip has been integrated into several updated Apple devices:

• 14-inch MacBook Pro: The new model boasts enhanced performance and energy efficiency, maintaining the previous price point of $1,599.

• iPad Pro: Available in 11-inch and 13-inch models, the updated iPad Pro features the M5 chip, offering improved AI capabilities and graphics performance.

• Apple Vision Pro: The second-generation headset now includes the M5 chip, resulting in faster app loading, enhanced web browsing, and up to 50% faster AI-driven tasks. It also introduces a new 'Dual Knit Band' for improved comfort.

These devices are available for pre-order, with shipping and in-store availability expected on October 22, 2025.

Apple's transition from Intel processors to its own silicon began with the introduction of the M1 chip in 2020. The M5 represents the fifth generation of this initiative, showcasing Apple's commitment to annual performance improvements and tighter integration between hardware and software.

The M5 chip's performance gains, particularly in single-threaded tasks, highlight Apple's aggressive development cycle. This rapid advancement contrasts with competitors like AMD and Intel, which have exhibited slower progress in single-core performance over similar timeframes.

Following the announcement, Apple's stock (AAPL) experienced a positive movement, reflecting investor confidence in the company's technological advancements and product updates.

Apple's unveiling of the M5 chip and its integration into key products underscores the company's commitment to advancing AI and graphics performance, setting a new benchmark in the tech industry.