Apple said that the AI performance in the M5 iPad Pro bests the M4 version by 3.5 times. — AP
Apple Inc rolled out updated versions of the iPad Pro, Vision Pro and entry-level MacBook Pro with the new M5 chip, refreshing the products just ahead of the all-important holiday season.
All three devices look identical to the current versions but swap out their processors for the company’s first M5 chip, which provides improvements to computing speeds, graphics and artificial intelligence tasks, the company said.
The entry prices for each product remain the same, with the iPad Pro starting at US$999 (from RM4,499 locally), the MacBook Pro coming in at US$1,599 (from RM6,999 locally), and the Vision Pro headset remaining US$3,499 (RM14,792). The iPad Pro also gains the company’s in-house N1 wireless chip and C1X modem, while the Vision Pro adds a new headband.
The updates help fill out Apple’s product lineup after the launch of its flagship iPhone last month. The company debuted the iPhone 17 and slimmer iPhone Air, in addition to upgraded AirPods and Apple Watches, as part of that introduction.
The latest devices all became available for preorder on Apple’s website Wednesday (Thursday local time) and arrive in stores on Oct 22. The company said earlier this week that the iPhone Air, following a delay, would arrive in China on that same day.
iPad Pro
Apple said that the AI performance in the M5 iPad Pro bests the M4 version by 3.5 times. The more powerful chip should help Apple’s tablet surpass many high-end laptops in performance. Combined with long-overdue multitasking improvements that were released with iPadOS 26 last month, iPad owners will finally be able to put that horsepower to more practical use.
Like its direct predecessor, the M5 iPad Pro has a thin design and includes a multilayered "tandem” OLED display - an approach that offers more brightness and efficiency. While the 11-inch model comes in at just under US$1,000, the 13-inch version continues to start at US$1,299 (from RM5,799 locally).
Apple also rolled out a black version of its Magic Keyboard accessory for the iPad Air. It was previously exclusively available in white.
Apple is betting that the new tablets and accessories will bolster demand after disappointing iPad sales in the June quarter. Some shoppers may have been waiting for the updated version before making purchases.
Vision Pro
The shift from the M2 chip to the M5 in the Vision Pro should provide a smoother user interface given the current processor was three years old. Battery life is also slightly improved. Apple is promising more advanced augmented reality and AI experiences, though app offerings on the Vision Pro remain limited and there are few compelling reasons to use it.
The new band, called the Dual Knit Band head strap, is designed to reduce fatigue and discomfort that can result from wearing the Vision Pro for long periods. It includes both upper and lower straps that provide extra cushioning.
Since its release in early 2024, the Vision Pro has been viewed as too heavy and expensive. But it’s still an impressive technology showcase. The device’s displays offer a better movie-watching experience than other headsets. Even so, Apple has been slow to roll out immersive videos that play to the device’s strengths.
With many consumers unwilling to splurge on a US$3,499 product, Apple has increasingly been touting the Vision Pro as a good fit for businesses or organisations.
Even as it introduces a slightly updated model of the Vision Pro, Apple has already shifted its priorities to smart glasses.
The company recently shelved an overhaul of the Vision Pro that would have brought a lighter design and more affordable price, Bloomberg has reported. Now, it’s racing to catch up with Meta Platforms Inc in the glasses market. That company’s just-released Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses are an impressive demonstration of its progress.
14-inch MacBook Pro
Apple’s base-level MacBook Pro is the first in the company’s laptop lineup to receive the M5 chip. The performance gains will be most noticeable to consumers still using M1-series MacBooks and even older Intel-based machines, according to Apple.
As before, the 14-inch MacBook Pro is available in either silver or black and can be configured with an anti-glare display.
The Mac range was a highlight in Apple’s most recently reported quarter, and the company is looking to maintain the momentum. The line generated sales of US$8.05bil (RM36bil) in the June period, easily beating Wall Street expectations of US$7.3bil (RM30.9bil).
Apple is working on M5 Pro and M5 Mac versions of its latest chip as part of a refresh to the higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros coming early next year, Bloomberg News has reported.
Also on the road map for the coming months: a new AirTag tracking device, HomePod mini smart speaker, Apple TV set-top box, iPhone 17e, iPad Air, entry-level iPad and a smart home hub driven by a revamped version of the Siri voice assistant. – Bloomberg
