Apple Launches New M5 Chips, MacBook Pro, and First New Monitors In Years

Apple has released updated MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models featuring new M5 chips, signaling a significant performance leap. The M5 Pro and M5 Max chips boast eighteen-core designs, though the balance between core types has shifted. While older M4 chips featured more performance cores, the M5 designs now prioritize six "super" cores and twelve "performance" cores. RAM capacity remains unchanged, with a maximum of 128GB for the M5 Max and 64GB for the M5 Pro. GPU performance has been enhanced, with the M5 Max featuring up to a 40-core GPU, greatly improved for AI tasks. The new laptops are available for order and will begin shipping on March 11. Apple also unveiled two new Studio Display monitors, including the top-tier Studio Display XDR. The Studio Display XDR includes a 27-inch 5K screen, mini-LED backlighting, and a 120Hz refresh rate. Both Studio Display models share new features like Desk View and an improved six-speaker system. These monitors can be pre-ordered, and the Studio Display XDR starts at $3,299.