Apple unveils new SoC "Apple M5," iPad Pro 2025 models, 14-inch MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/990/G999014/20251015067/
Editorial Department: Toshiaki Nishigaki | 2025/10/15 15:10 (UTC)
On October 15, 2025, Apple announced the new-generation System on a Chip (SoC) “Apple M5,” along with 2025 model updates for its tablet device, the “iPad Pro,” the notebook computer “14-inch MacBook Pro,” and the XR head-mounted display (HMD), “Apple Vision Pro.”
All these new products are now available for pre-orders.
Apple M5
The next-generation SoC, Apple M5, is a processor built using a new 3nm manufacturing process, with a key focus on significantly enhancing GPU and AI processing performance. The maximum 10-core GPU features an “Neural Accelerator” integrated into each core, combined with an upgraded third-generation ray tracing unit—resulting in up to 45% higher graphics performance compared to the existing SoC, “Apple M4”.
Image of Apple M5 Thumbnail image for Gallery No.002 / Apple announces new SoC “Apple M5”, 2025 iPad Pro, 14-inch MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro models equipped with it
The 10-core CPU consists of four high-performance cores and six high-efficiency cores, delivering up to a 15% improvement in multi-threaded performance over the M4. Additionally, Apple M5 includes an independent 16-core AI processing unit called the “Neural Engine.” The memory bus bandwidth—critical for overall system performance—is also significantly expanded by about 30%, reaching 153GB/s compared to the M4’s 117GB/s, greatly contributing to high-performance capabilities across gaming graphics and AI tasks.
2025 iPad Pro
The newly updated 2025 iPad Pro, powered by the M5 processor, retains the same two sizes as its predecessor: 11-inch and 13-inch models.
Pricing is set at ¥168,800 for the Wi-Fi-only 11-inch model with 256GB storage, and ¥218,800 for the 13-inch version.
Thanks to the SoC upgrade, AI processing performance is now 3.5 times faster than that of the 2024 iPad Pro model. The built-in wireless communication module has also been updated to a new chip named “Apple N1,” enabling support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6—major upgrades from previous models.
Additionally, devices with 256GB and 512GB storage now come with increased main memory capacity of 12GB (up from 8GB in earlier versions)—a notable point.
The 2025 iPad Pro can comfortably run graphically demanding games such as “Arknights: Endfield” Thumbnail image for Gallery No.004 / Apple announces new SoC “Apple M5”, 2025 iPad Pro, 14-inch MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro models equipped with it
Meanwhile, key specifications such as display size and resolution, USB 4 Type-C support, built-in camera, body dimensions, and weight remain unchanged. Thus, this model should be understood as an update driven primarily by the SoC change.
Apple’s iPad Pro product information page
2025 14-inch MacBook Pro
The 14-inch MacBook Pro is also updated with the new M5 processor.
Thanks to this high-performance upgrade, it can run graphically intensive games like “Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition” at fast speeds.
14-inch MacBook Pro Thumbnail image for Gallery No.005 / Apple announces new SoC “Apple M5”, 2025 iPad Pro, 14-inch MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro models equipped with it
Major specs such as the 3024×1964-pixel Mini LED backlit display “Liquid Retina XDR,” up to 32GB of main memory, up to 4TB of built-in storage, and a nominal body weight of approximately 1.55kg remain unchanged from the 2024 model.
For the base configuration with 512GB internal storage, the retail price is ¥248,800—making it an excellent value for its specifications.
Apple’s MacBook Pro product information page
2025 Apple Vision Pro
The XR-compatible HMD “Apple Vision Pro,” first introduced in 2023, has also received a new M5-powered model. The retail price for the 256GB storage version is ¥599,800.
Apple Vision Pro Thumbnail image for Gallery No.006 / Apple announces new SoC “Apple M5”, 2025 iPad Pro, 14-inch MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro models equipped with it
The original 2023 Vision Pro model used the “Apple M2” SoC, which had been introduced in 2022—making it somewhat outdated. With the adoption of the M5 chip, this new version has achieved a leap forward equivalent to three generations.
As part of this performance boost, Apple is now highlighting gaming as one of the key use cases for Vision Pro.
The 2025 Vision Pro model supports games originally developed for iPad, such as “Sniper Elite 4,” “Fengyan Den: Where Winds Meet,” and “POOLS.” It also enables play of multiplayer RTS titles designed specifically for Vision Pro, like “Glassbreakers: Champions of Moss.”
Games highlighted for Vision Pro include Sniper Elite 4 (left) and Fengyan Den: Where Winds Meet (right) Thumbnail image for Gallery No.008 / Apple announces new SoC “Apple M5”, 2025 iPad Pro, 14-inch MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro models equipped with it Thumbnail image for Gallery No.010 / Apple announces new SoC “Apple M5”, 2025 iPad Pro, 14-inch MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro models equipped with it
Apple is also promoting indie games like POOLS (left) and Vision Pro-exclusive titles such as Glassbreakers (right) Thumbnail image for Gallery No.011 / Apple announces new SoC “Apple M5”, 2025 iPad Pro, 14-inch MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro models equipped with it Thumbnail image for Gallery No.009 / Apple announces new SoC “Apple M5”, 2025 iPad Pro, 14-inch MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro models equipped with it
Moreover, the new Vision Pro features a significantly improved headband design. It now uses a “dual-knit band” that attaches not only to the back of the head but also to the top—enhancing stability and comfort.
Viewed from the right side, the 2025 Vision Pro’s dual-knit band. The previous model relied solely on support from the goggles and rear section Thumbnail image for Gallery No.007 / Apple announces new SoC “Apple M5”, 2025 iPad Pro, 14-inch MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro models equipped with it
As evident from its pricing, the Vision Pro remains a product aimed primarily at developers and early adopters rather than general consumers or gamers—this has not changed with the 2025 model. However, as this update demonstrates, Apple’s development of XR HMDs is far from over. The anticipation for consumer-ready products based on Vision Pro’s advancements grows stronger every day.