Apple intros M5 Pro and Max MacBook Pros and its first new monitors in years
Published: (March 3, 2026 at 10:19 AM EST)
4 min read
Source: Ars Technica
Source: Ars Technica
# Apple Introduces New MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and M5 Max Chips
*New laptops come with more storage but also higher starting prices.*
*Credit: Apple*
---
## Overview
Apple updated its low‑end MacBook Pro with the **M5** chip back in October 2025, but the higher‑end 14‑inch and 16‑inch Pros remained on the **M4 Pro** and **M4 Max** chips. This morning Apple announced a refresh of the entire lineup, adding **M5 Pro** and **M5 Max** to the higher‑end models and increasing base storage:
| Model | Base Storage (new) | Base Storage (old) | Starting Price (new) | Starting Price (old) |
|-------|-------------------|--------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------|
| 14‑inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro) | 1 TB | 512 GB | **$2,199** | $1,999 |
| 16‑inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro) | 2 TB | 1 TB | **$2,699** | $2,499 |
| 14‑inch/16‑inch MacBook Pro (M5) | 1 TB | 512 GB | **$1,699** | $1,599 |
> **Note:** The internal storage is advertised as “up to 2× faster” than the previous‑generation Pros.
---
## CPU Architecture
Both the **M5 Pro** and **M5 Max** feature an 18‑core CPU:
* **6 “Super” cores** – high‑performance cores (previously called “high‑performance cores”).
* **12 “Performance” cores** – a new type of efficiency‑focused core optimized for power‑efficient, multithreaded workloads.
The base **M5** chip includes **4 super cores** and the same 12 performance cores.
Apple claims the M5 Pro and M5 Max deliver **up to 2.5× higher multithreaded performance** than the M1 Pro and M1 Max.
---
## GPU & Memory
| Chip | GPU Cores | Memory Bandwidth |
|------|-----------|------------------|
| **M5 Pro** | Up to **20** cores (2× the basic M5) | Up to **307 GB/s** |
| **M5 Max** | Up to **40** cores | Up to **614 GB/s** |
Apple estimates roughly a **20 % performance uplift** over the M4‑generation GPUs with the same core count.
---
## Connectivity
An **Apple‑designed N1 wireless chip** replaces the previous Broadcom solution, providing:
* **Wi‑Fi 7**
* **Bluetooth 6**
---
## Design
The external design of the 14‑inch and 16‑inch MacBook Pros remains unchanged from the M1 Pro/Max era—identical chassis in both **space‑gray** and **silver** finishes.
---
## Availability
* **Pre‑order:** March 4, 2026
* **Shipping:** Begins March 11, 2026
---
### Sources
* [Apple newsroom – MacBook Pro with all‑new M5 Pro and M5 Max](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-macbook-pro-with-all-new-m5-pro-and-m5-max/)
* [Ars Technica – M5 MacBook Pro review (Oct 2025)](https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/10/m5-macbook-pro-review-fifth-generation-apple-silicon-in-a-familiar-wrapper/)
* [Apple newsroom – M5 Pro and M5 Max details](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-debuts-m5-pro-and-m5-max-to-supercharge-the-most-demanding-pro-workflows/)
* [Ars Technica – Apple N1 wireless chip (Nov 2025)](https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/11/testing-shows-apple-n1-wi-fi-chip-improves-on-older-broadcom-chips-in-every-way/)New Screens, and the Departure of the Pro Display XDR
Credit: Apple
Apple’s latest MacBook Pro launch is accompanied by two new displays – the first monitor refresh since the original Studio Display debuted four years ago.
-
Studio Display – a modest update that keeps the same 27‑inch 5K IPS LCD (still $1,599).
- 12 MP Center Stage camera with “improved image quality” (newer chip).
- Thunderbolt 5 port (upstream) plus one downstream Thunderbolt port for accessories.
- Specs unchanged: 600 nits peak brightness, 60 Hz refresh rate, etc.
-
Studio Display XDR – a more substantial upgrade, but not a direct replacement for the discontinued Pro Display XDR (the former 32‑inch 6K, $5,000 monitor).
- 27‑inch 5K mini‑LED panel.
- Adaptive Sync and 120 Hz refresh rate (Apple doesn’t call it ProMotion).
- Peak brightness: up to 1,000 nits (SDR) / 2,000 nits (HDR).
- Height‑adjustable stand included (a $400 option on the regular Studio Display).
- Starts at $3,299; nano‑texture matte finish adds $300.
Both displays will be available for preorder on March 4 and ship on March 11.
Context
These displays are part of Apple’s broader announcement slate leading up to the “Special Experience” event on Wednesday morning. In the same rollout Apple also revealed:
- The iPhone 17e – featuring an A19 chip, MagSafe, and a 256 GB base model for $599.
- An updated iPad Air – equipped with an M4 chip and 12 GB of RAM.
- New MacBook Air models powered by the M5 chip.
Author
Andrew Cunningham is a Senior Technology Reporter at Ars Technica, covering consumer hardware and operating‑system reviews. He lives in Philadelphia and co‑hosts the weekly book podcast Overdue.
Comments: 24 (comments section omitted for brevity)
Related story:
(link omitted)