Author: sparta

Apple has recently unveiled the new, more robust MacBook Pro models powered by the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. In earlier iterations of Apple Silicon, the Pro edition essentially consisted of two chips, while the Max comprised four. Nevertheless, with the M5 generation, Apple has merged two dies into a single chip.

From the M1 to the M4 chip series, the Pro variants included two of the basic chips, whereas the Max variant provided four. With the M5, Apple has implemented a sophisticated packaging technique to integrate pairs of the M5 into one system on a chip (SoC).

The chips are constructed using a freshly designed Fusion Architecture by Apple, which combines two third-generation 3-nanometer dies that offer high bandwidth and low latency through advanced packaging. This architecture encompasses a robust CPU, scalable GPU, Media Engine, unified memory controller, Neural Engine, and Thunderbolt 5 functionality.

Apple underscores four pivotal technologies embedded within the chips:

1. A quicker **16-core Neural Engine** with an enhanced bandwidth link to memory, improving on-device AI features and Apple Intelligence.
2. The newest **Media Engine**, supporting hardware-accelerated H.264 and HEVC, AV1 decoding, as well as ProRes encoding and decoding engines.
3. **Memory Integrity Enforcement**, an industry-first, continuous memory safety protection that preserves device performance.
4. **Thunderbolt 5** ports, each facilitated by a custom controller integrated directly onto the chip, showcasing the industry’s most advanced implementation of Thunderbolt 5.

Moreover, Apple has rebranded the high-performance cores as “super cores.” The M5 Pro and M5 Max incorporate a novel 18-core CPU architecture, featuring six of the highest-performing core designs, now called super cores, which are the fastest CPU cores globally. In addition, there are 12 newly designed performance cores optimized for power-efficient, multithreaded tasks, significantly enhancing performance by up to 30 percent for professional workloads.

The GPU architecture expands to a maximum of a 40-core GPU, with a Neural Accelerator situated in each GPU core and improved unified memory bandwidth. The M5 Pro and M5 Max deliver over four times the peak GPU compute for AI compared to the prior generation, with graphics capabilities rising by up to 35 percent for applications employing ray tracing compared to the M4 Pro and M4 Max.

Apple asserts that this strategy produces an “unmatched combination of performance, efficiency, and on-device AI capabilities.” Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Technologies, remarked that the M5 Pro and M5 Max signify a significant advancement for Apple silicon, incorporating the fastest CPU cores, a next-gen GPU with Neural Accelerators, a quicker Neural Engine, and high-bandwidth, high-capacity memory.

The M5 Pro chip is aimed at users like data modelers, sound designers, and STEM students, while the M5 Max caters to 3D animators, app developers, and AI researchers.

The Pro Display XDR has been officially phased out. Apple’s premium external display debuted in 2019 alongside a fresh Mac Pro, but has now been succeeded by the more affordable (yet superior in various aspects) Studio Display XDR.

The Pro Display XDR retailed for a staggering $5,999 in its default configuration. The adjustable “Pro Stand” was available separately for an extra $1,000. Prior to the launch of the first Studio Display in 2022, it was the sole external display produced by Apple.

Recently, Apple introduced the Studio Display XDR, featuring a mini-LED panel with increased backlighting zones, a 120Hz refresh rate, and additional enhancements. Unlike the Pro Display XDR, the new Studio Display XDR is equipped with integrated speakers and a camera. However, the Studio Display XDR comes with a 27-inch display, while the Pro Display XDR had a 32-inch screen.

Additionally, there’s a new iteration of the standard Studio Display.

The Studio Display XDR is priced at $3,299, which includes a stand that allows for tilt and height adjustments.

For those monitoring from home, the Mac Pro remains available with the M2 Ultra chip for $6,999 … indeed, the M2 Ultra chip that was first released in 2023.

Apple’s launch week is underway, featuring six new product announcements so far, with at least one significant reveal still anticipated.

## iPhone 17e and M4 iPad Air

Kicking off the week on Monday, Apple unveiled two new products.

The [$599 iPhone 17e](https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/03/apple-announces-m5-macbook-air-with-2x-storage-n1-wireless-chip-1099-starting-price/) supersedes the iPhone 16e, offering 2x the storage, improved performance, and the convenience of MagSafe. Additionally, a new “soft pink” hue joins the existing black and white selections.

Apple also introduced the 11- and 13-inch [M4 iPad Air](https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/02/apple-unveils-new-ipad-air-with-m4-chip-plus-c1x-and-n1/). Enhanced performance over the M3 model and an upgrade to 12GB of RAM make it a superior version of Apple’s mid-range tablet.

A [spring color update](https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/02/apple-debuts-its-2026-spring-accessory-collection-for-iphone-and-apple-watch/) for iPhone accessories and Apple Watch bands was also launched.

## M5 MacBook Air, M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro, and two Studio Display releases

On Tuesday, Apple continued the momentum with further announcements.

The [13- and 15-inch M4 MacBook Air](https://amzn.to/4b1auIO) has been succeeded by the [new M5 MacBook Air](https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/03/apple-announces-m5-macbook-air-with-2x-storage-n1-wireless-chip-1099-starting-price/), featuring double the base and peak storage, updated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, as well as quicker SSD performance.

Additionally, the [14- and 16-inch M4 Pro/Max MacBook Pro](https://amzn.to/4rMZTbF) has been upgraded to the [new M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro](https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/03/apple-launches-new-macbook-pro-with-m5-pro-and-m5-max-chips/). The base storage now begins at 1TB, an increase from 512GB, with SSD speeds being 2x faster and the base model accommodating up to 64GB (higher-end versions support 128GB RAM depending on configuration). Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 take the place of Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.

While Apple [discontinued](https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/03/apple-discontinues-the-pro-display-xdr/) the [Pro Display XDR](https://amzn.to/4b3TySe), it launched two brand new displays: the [new Studio Display](https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/03/apple-launches-new-generation-of-studio-display/) and the inaugural [Studio Display XDR](https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/03/apple-announces-studio-display-xdr-with-120hz-refresh-rate-mini-led-more/).

With six product announcements made official, anticipation builds for at least one more substantial reveal in the form of the [now-expected MacBook Neo](https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/03/macbook-neo-could-be-name-for-low-cost-model-powered-by-iphone-chip/). This will mark Apple’s first MacBook utilizing a chip previously featured in an iPhone.

9to5Mac’s Chance Miller will be covering the event live from New York City tomorrow, offering firsthand insights into what [exactly Apple’s “experience” involves](https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/16/apple-announces-special-nyc-event-for-march-4/), with expectations for hands-on experiences with all of Apple’s latest hardware.

Apple has already introduced six new products this week, with one more day of announcements anticipated. Here are the upcoming products speculated to be revealed this Wednesday ahead of Apple’s in-person press events.

### New ‘MacBook’ or ‘MacBook Neo’

Apple has revealed new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro versions, but a third new Mac is expected soon. A new ‘MacBook’ or possibly ‘MacBook Neo’ is anticipated to be unveiled on Wednesday. This model is rumored to retail for approximately $699 or $799 and feature the following:

– A18 Pro chip
– 12.9-inch screen
– 8GB of RAM
– Exciting color choices similar to the iMac
– Aluminum build

This new entry-level MacBook aims to attract the vast audience of PC and Chromebook users who currently possess an iPhone.

### iPad with A18 chip

A new entry-level iPad featuring an A18 chip has been highly anticipated. Apple has already revealed a new iPad Air earlier this week, which may mean that the new basic iPad isn’t quite ready for release yet. Nevertheless, a Wednesday announcement remains a possibility. The new iPad could complement the affordable MacBook for several reasons:

– Both would incorporate similar A18 chips
– Both are entry-level models in their respective categories
– Both present a variety of engaging color options

The new A18 chip will allow the base iPad to utilize Apple Intelligence for the first time, including AI image generation capabilities, writing features, and future Siri enhancements. The iPad is projected to keep the same fundamental design and features as its A16 predecessor, possibly adding an N1 wireless chip.

### Wildcards: New Home products

It seems improbable that Apple will unveil more than the budget MacBook and iPad tomorrow. However, if there are any unexpected announcements, they are likely new Home products. Speculations indicate that a new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2 have been anticipated for some time. Another expected item is the long-rumored ‘HomePad’ or ‘HomePod Touch’ gadget, which might be postponed until Siri’s AI improvements are complete.

The expectation is that all new Home products are awaiting Siri’s promised update, potentially leading to a launch later this spring or at WWDC in June.

Which new products do you believe Apple will reveal tomorrow? Share your thoughts in the comments.