We had rumblings of updated Apple devices coming over the weekend, and this morning, we got it. Apple announced a new M5-powered MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro mixed-reality headset.
Starting with the new 14-inch MacBook Pro, the new chip claims to be 3.5x faster at AI tasks, helps the GPU be 1.6x faster in graphics performance, and up to 1.6x higher frame rates when gaming. The new laptop also brings faster storage and quoted up to a 24-hour battery life. The base model retains its $1,599 price point with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.
Next up, we have the new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pros. The new chip claims up to 3.5x the AI performance thanks to its new 9-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 12GB of RAM. As usual, the higher storage options (1TB and 2TB) get a boost in performance and 16GB of RAM. Inside also brings over its C1X modem and N1 networking from the iPhone Air for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support. This chip combo is also said to make Airdrop and Personal Hotspot more reliable with better performance on 5GHz Wi-Fi networks.
All while retaining its suggested 10-hour battery life. However, this time around, Apple is beefing up its charging speeds. The iPad Pro finally offers fast charging, where you can get up to 50% of juice in a 30-minute charge using a 60W brick. The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $999 for the 256GB Wi-Fi model and $1,199 for the 256GB 5G model. The 13-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,299 for the 256GB Wi-Fi model and $1,499 for the 256GB 5G model.
And lastly, Apple upgraded its Vision Pro headset. The new chip will render 10% more pixels on its OLED displays, AI-powered Persona or spatial photos are processed up to 50% faster, boost refresh rates up to 120Hz, and provide longer battery life by 30 mins, going from 2.5 hours to a full 3 hours of video playback.
It also includes a new Dual Knit Band strap for a more comfortable fit. The new strap arrives in three sizes or small, medium, and large, with a dial to adjust its tightness on the side. The new Dual Knit Band is available for original M2 Vision Pro owners for $99. The M5 Vision Pro mixed-reality headset will also retain its $3,499 price tag.
Pre-orders for all updated MacBook Pro, iPad Pros, and Vision Pro products are available now and will go on sale on October 22nd.
