Apple unveiled MacBooks powered by its new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips at its March 3 summit, aiming to compete directly with high-performance PCs as chip costs and expectations for artificial intelligence integration surge.
The new M5 series chips powering the latest MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models can handle high-power workloads, AI computing and gaming performance. The chips, Apple’s most powerful and highest-capacity to date, reflect the company’s push to integrate advanced computing into an all-in-one device.
As the PC market remains uneven due to memory chip shortages, demand for high-storage PCs powered by AI could create a new market for Apple’s newest MacBooks.
One forecast says the PC market could decline by 11.6% in 2026 as prices for memory chips such as DRAM and NAND flash — which are key components supporting laptop performance and storage — have surged amid limited supply, as chipmakers compete for AI-related demand.
Apple remains unaffected by this and has instead benefited from a post-pandemic demand for laptops. The company has been expanding the versatility of its ecosystem since introducing its M series chips in November 2020, ditching Intel processors to move all device components in-house.
Fueled by the RAM shortage, the MacBook price has surged in its latest lineup and comes with significant price bumps for each feature, such as unified memory and storage.
The latest models come in either a 14-inch or 16-inch display.
The M5 Pro chip can be powered by either a 15 or 18-core CPU that can handle multiple tasks without slowing down the device. Apple says the chip is designed for “demanding workflows,” including data analysis and running simulations that typically require high computational power.
The chip delivers 20% more graphics performance quality than the M4 and up to 35% better rendering for 3D design, according to Apple.
With a base price of $2,199 for the M5 Pro-powered MacBook, customers can choose up to 64 gigabytes of unified memory. This feature helps offload power from the CPU and the graphics processing unit, which lets the MacBook multitask without shortening its battery life.
Apple’s M5 Max chip, which is on the higher price end of its newest laptops, can assist with app development, 3D animation and AI research.
Starting at $3,599, this model has an 18-core CPU and up to a 40-core GPU, with up to 128 gigabytes of unified memory, making it the most advanced among the three new models.
Apple distinguishes its latest MacBook line from traditional PCs by promoting fast speed, high storage and little need for constant charging.
Alongside its tech-heavy MacBooks, Apple also introduced a budget-friendly option, the MacBook Neo, starting at $599. The low-priced model is aimed towards students and could help raise overall MacBook sales.
