[BENGALURU] Apple unveiled a series of product updates on Wednesday (Oct 15), including a refreshed MacBook Pro, an iPad Pro and a second generation of the Vision Pro headset, as it embeds its latest M5 chip across devices aimed at creative professionals.
The introduction of M5-powered devices positions Apple to counter performance gains from rivals using Qualcomm and Intel’s latest artificial intelligence (AI)-oriented chips. The move builds on Apple’s strategy of debuting its most advanced chip in the MacBook Pro and iPad Pro devices ahead of others.
The new 14-inch MacBook Pro, featuring the M5 processor, is a step up from the M4 series of chips introduced last year. The new, faster chip can power advanced AI-based applications.
Prices for the latest devices, however, remain unchanged from the prior versions with the M4 chip.
The MacBook Pro starts at US$1,599 for the 14-inch variant. The iPad Pro starts at US$999, while the second-generation Vision Pro starts at US$3,499.
The M5 chip, fabricated using an advanced 3-nanometre process, is expected to improve performance and energy efficiency across devices. The MacBook Pro with the latest chip can run large language models on the device, the company said.
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Apple’s Vision Pro headset, launched in 2023, was due for an update after having received a lukewarm response. The Vision Pro, introduced as the company’s first major new product in nearly a decade, has received positive reviews for its display quality but remains a niche device with limited adoption.
Sales of the iPad were expected to grow about 6 per cent in the fiscal year ended September 2025, after a three-year slump, thanks to a smaller and more affordable version of the device and a recovery in demand for electronics globally.
Mac sales were expected to grow again this year, helped by a smaller and cheaper Mac Mini device with the M4 processor that appealed to budget-conscious consumers. REUTERS
