M5 MacBook Pro: What’s New—and What Matters
Apple's new M5 chip gives its most affordable pro laptop faster graphics and SSD.
A familiar design hides massive leaps in graphics power, SSD speed, and real-world productivity—here’s who should upgrade, and why it matters now.The new 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro appears to be a simple, incremental update on the surface. However, beneath the familiar chassis lie significant performance leaps in graphics and storage that redefine the entry-level Pro machine and create a clearer value proposition for demanding users.
Try it free for 7 days and see why thousands of readers can’t get enough of us.
More Than a Minor Refresh
At first glance, the 2025 M5 MacBook Pro seems like a predictable annual refresh. It replaces the M4 model, maintains the same physical design, and brings Apple’s latest base-level M-series chip into the fold. For those who own last year’s M4 model, the story might end there. But for users on older Apple silicon or those weighing a jump from a MacBook Air, this new machine offers a compelling, and in some cases, staggering performance uplift where it counts most.
The core of this update isn’t just about a new chip; it’s about the targeted architectural improvements Apple has delivered. While CPU gains are respectable, the massive boosts to the GPU and, surprisingly, the SSD, create a user experience that feels substantially faster in key workflows. This review breaks down the benchmark data, real-world implications, and provides clear guidance on who should consider making the investment.
The M5 Chip: Analyzing the Performance Gains
Since the entire update centers on the new M5 processor, performance is the primary focus. The M5 isn’t just a rebadged M4; it brings meaningful improvements that separate it from both its direct predecessor and the lower-tier MacBook Air.
CPU: Evolutionary, Not Revolutionary
Benchmark tests reveal a healthy but expected increase in CPU performance over the M4. Geekbench 6 scores show the M5 is approximately 14% faster in single-core tasks and around 22% faster in multi-core operations. These are solid year-over-year gains that ensure the machine feels responsive and capable in everyday tasks.
The more dramatic story is for users upgrading from older machines. Compared to the original M1 chip from 2020, the M5 delivers an 84% improvement in single-core and a massive 118% increase in multi-core performance. This is a night-and-day difference that users will feel immediately, from launching apps to compiling code and multitasking with heavy applications. The M5 fundamentally transforms the speed and capability of Apple’s entry-level Pro laptop.
GPU and SSD: The “Wow” Factor
The most impressive advancements in the M5 MacBook Pro are in its graphics and storage throughput. These are not incremental bumps; they are significant leaps that have a tangible impact on professional and creative workflows.
The GPU performance, as measured by Cinebench 2024’s GPU test, shows a nearly 50% uplift compared to the M4. This is a fantastic improvement for anyone working with 3D rendering, video effects, or other graphically intensive tasks. Similarly, Geekbench’s Metal benchmark shows a 35% increase, confirming the M5’s prowess as a graphics performer.
Even more surprising is the SSD performance. After several generations of relatively flat results, the SSD in the M5 MacBook Pro delivers breathtaking speeds. Blackmagic Disk Test results show read speeds that are dramatically faster than the M4 generation, even rivaling the speeds found in the much more powerful M4 Max Mac Studio. This translates into a snappier system experience across the board, with faster file transfers, quicker project loading times, and more responsive app launches.
Real-World Impact: Gaming and Battery Life
These raw numbers translate into a better experience for both work and play, supported by Apple’s signature battery efficiency.
Gaming Performance
The GPU improvements have a direct effect on gaming. Frame rates in benchmarked games show significant increases, in some cases as high as 122% over the M4. While the M5 MacBook Pro still won’t replace a dedicated high-end PC gaming rig with a top-tier RTX graphics card, it delivers a much more satisfying experience for Mac users who are also serious about gaming. It solidifies the MacBook Pro’s position as a capable machine for enjoying modern titles at respectable settings.
Class-Leading Battery Endurance
Apple continues to set the standard for battery life in laptops. Despite the performance increases, the M5 MacBook Pro is exceptionally efficient. Apple officially rates it for up to 16 hours of wireless web browsing. However, in a looped 4K video playback test with the display set to 150 nits, the machine lasted for an incredible 27 hours and 15 minutes. This real-world endurance means users can confidently tackle demanding tasks away from a power outlet without sacrificing significant battery life.
What Hasn’t Changed: The Fine Print
While the performance gains are notable, several aspects of the M5 MacBook Pro carry over from the previous generation, and some decisions may disappoint prospective buyers.
Connectivity: The device features three Thunderbolt 4 ports. This is a limitation, as the higher-end M-series Pro and Max models have moved to the more capable Thunderbolt 5 standard. This continues Apple’s trend of differentiating its base Pro model’s connectivity. The HDMI port, SDXC card slot, and MagSafe 3 connector remain unchanged.
Charging Adapter: In the U.S., Apple includes a 70W power adapter. This is sufficient for standard charging but does not support fast charging, which requires a 96W adapter or higher. This is available as a small upcharge at the time of purchase but is more expensive when bought separately.
Regional Differences: In a move that has caused some confusion, the power adapter is not included with purchases in the U.K. and European Union. Apple cites compliance with upcoming EU regulations, though the rule doesn’t prohibit inclusion. Buyers in these regions will need to purchase an adapter separately.
Display and Wireless: The excellent Liquid Retina XDR display is unchanged, with the Nano-texture matte finish available as a paid option. Wireless connectivity also remains the same, with support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
Buyer’s Guide: Who Should Upgrade?
With a starting price of $1,599, the M5 MacBook Pro offers a compelling mix of price, performance, and features. The decision to buy, however, depends heavily on your current machine and workload.
Who should upgrade now?
Users with an M1 or M2 MacBook Pro or Air who perform tasks that are sensitive to GPU and storage speed will see a monumental upgrade. Video editors, 3D artists, developers working with large datasets, and photographers managing huge libraries will benefit directly from the M5’s massive performance leaps in these areas. The jump from M1, in particular, is transformative.
Who can wait?
Owners of the M4 MacBook Pro can comfortably skip this generation. The CPU gains are not substantial enough to warrant an upgrade, and unless you have a specific workflow that is severely bottlenecked by the M4’s GPU or SSD, the M5 offers an evolutionary step, not a revolutionary one.
Configuration Recommendations:
The base model with 16GB of unified memory and a 512GB SSD is a great starting point. However, given the significant boost in SSD speed, professionals working with large files should strongly consider upgrading to a 1TB SSD to take full advantage of the new throughput. For those with heavy multitasking needs or who plan to keep the machine for many years, upgrading to 24GB of memory is a wise investment.
The M5 MacBook Pro successfully carves out a more distinct identity for itself. It is no longer just a MacBook Air with a fan. The major advancements in GPU and SSD performance make it a true Pro machine for a new generation of creators and professionals, offering a powerful reason for many to make the leap.