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Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 2025): Two-minute review
With the release of the MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 2025), Apple continues its annual release cycle, introducing new features while maintaining familiar designs. This iteration of the MacBook Pro features the latest M5 chip and comes just a year after the M4 model. While the unveiling of an upgraded chip may not be a shocker, several elements of the release prompt a deeper examination.
Unlike previous launches, this time Apple revealed the iPad Pro equipped with the M5 chip concurrently with the MacBook Pro—a strategic shift compared to the staggered approach of the M4 launch. Nevertheless, there remains noticeable absence of an M5 variant for the Mac mini or iMac, and fans are still awaiting the anticipated M5 Pro and M5 Max models.
Starting at $1,599 / £1,599 / AU$2,499, the MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 2025) includes a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB of unified memory, and 512GB of SSD storage—keeping in line with the pricing of its predecessor. However, UK and EU customers will find that no charger is included, which slightly affects the perceived value of the product.
(Image credit: Future)
The MacBook Pro’s design remains unchanged from the M4 model, housing a stunning 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display noted among the best in the market. However, this consistency may lead some to view the design as somewhat stagnant amid fierce competition from other laptop makers known for more daring updates.
Notably, the MacBook Pro (M5, 2025) lacks Wi-Fi 7 support, still utilizing Wi-Fi 6E, and maintains the same port selection as previous models, including an HDMI port, an SDXC card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and three USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) ports. As competitors leap forward with innovations like Thunderbolt 5 capabilities, Apple’s conservative approach could lead to it being outpaced in certain technical aspects.
(Image credit: Future)
Powered by the M5 chip, the MacBook Pro promises stellar performance across various applications. Users can anticipate seamless operation of macOS Tahoe and demanding tasks in programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Ableton Live 12. However, those with M4 models may find the upgrades aren’t worth the investment unless they are transitioning from older Intel machines or Windows laptops.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 2025) review: Price and availability
- How much does it cost? $1,599 / £1,599 / AU$2,499
- When is it available? Goes on sale October 22, 2025
- No charger for UK/EU customers
The base model of the MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 2025) starts at $1,599 / £1,599 / AU$2,499. It goes on sale starting October 22, 2025, maintaining its price point from the previous M4 model. However, UK and EU customers will face additional costs for chargers, which detracts from the overall value proposition.
(Image credit: Future)
Aditionally, for those looking to boost storage or memory, various configurations are available for purchase, allowing potential upgrades to 24GB or even 32GB of unified memory for a premium cost. While the design remains professional and sleek in either Space Black or Silver, potential buyers should weigh their options and personalized needs before committing.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 2025) review: Specs
The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 2025) comes in three pre-configured options. Below are the specifications:
| Attribute | Base Model | Mid-range Model | High-end Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,599 / £1,599 / AU$2,499 | $1,799 / £1,799 / AU$2,799 | $1,999 / £1,999 / AU$3,099 |
| CPU | M5 10-core | M5 10-core | M5 10-core |
| GPU | 10-core | 10-core | 10-core |
| RAM | 16GB unified memory | 16GB unified memory | 24GB unified memory |
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 1TB SSD | 1TB SSD |
| Display | 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display (3024 x 1964), 120Hz | 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display (3024 x 1964), 120Hz | 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display (3024 x 1964), 120Hz |
| Ports | 3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), HDMI, SDXC card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3 | 3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), HDMI, SDXC card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3 | 3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), HDMI, SDXC card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3 |
| Weight | 3.4 lbs (1.55kg) | 3.4 lbs (1.55kg) | 3.4 lbs (1.55kg) |
| Dimensions | 12.31 x 8.71 x 0.61 inches (31.26 x 22.12 x 1.55cm) | 12.31 x 8.71 x 0.61 inches (31.26 x 22.12 x 1.55cm) | 12.31 x 8.71 x 0.61 inches (31.26 x 22.12 x 1.55cm) |
While the new MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 2025) takes the spotlight, it also means the previous generation is phased out. With no sign yet of M5 Pro or M5 Max options, customers looking for more robust systems will need to consider the older M4 Pro and M4 Max models, which remain available for purchase.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 2025): Design
- No new design
- Still looks great
- No Wi-Fi 7
The design of the MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 2025) doesn’t stray from its predecessors. While it maintains its well-received aesthetic, some reviewers may argue that it reflects a lack of innovation and forward-thinking on Apple’s part.
Rumors indicate Apple might be exploring OLED display technology for future models, which could keep the MacBook Pro competitive against rivals who are already leveraging OLED screens. However, the current Liquid Retina XDR panel remains impressive, showcasing vibrant colors and sharp details.
(Image credit: Future)
Despite the lack of novelty in design, the current MacBook Pro remains visually appealing and features a strong build quality. However, specific features like lacking Wi-Fi 7 could be a detriment as competitors begin integrating these technologies to enhance wireless performance.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 2025): Performance
- Very good performance
- AI tools work faster
- Not a massive leap over the M4 model
This iteration of the MacBook Pro does shine in performance, with the introduction of the M5 chip that promises improvements in efficiency and speed. It features a 10-core CPU, allowing for smooth multitasking while executing demanding applications.
Benchmark tests reveal significant performance stability, with Apple claiming a 20% improvement in multithreaded performance compared to the M4 chip. Although the graphical performance increase isn’t as pronounced, the enhancements in AI capabilities are notable and have been prioritized by Apple during promotional efforts.
Here’s how the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 2025) performed in our suite of industry-standard benchmarks and game tests.
Geekbench 6.5:
Single – 4,288
Multi – 17,926
Blackmagic Disk Speed Test:
Read: 6,619.7 MB/s
Write: 6.517 MB/s
Cinebench R24:
Single-core – 199
Multi-core – 1,141
PugetBench for Adobe CC:
Photoshop: 13,755
Premiere Pro: 69,887
Battery life test (web browsing):
18 hours 14 minutes
Battery life test (video):
21 hours 43 minutes
The M5 chip leverages an enhanced Neural Engine aimed at improving on-device AI tasks, with claims of being significantly faster than its predecessor. However, the tangible benefits in real-world usage tend to differ based on individual needs and application dependencies.
(Image credit: Future)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 2025) review: Battery life
- Apple promises up to 24 hours
- Hits over 18 hours in our web browsing test
- Supports fast charging
Apple’s commitment to exceptional battery life persists with the MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 2025). The device is praised for lasting nearly 24 hours in video playback, and our tests showed it exceeded 18 hours of web browsing. This efficiency allows users to comfortably carry out demanding tasks throughout the day without frequent recharges.
(Image credit: Future)
Should you buy the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 2025)?
New customers are likely to appreciate the capabilities of the MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 2025), especially those migrating from older machines or Windows laptops. However, existing M4 owners may not find sufficient reason to upgrade, given the modest improvements and similar design.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Launching at the same price as last year’s model is good to see, but UK and EU customers no longer get a power adapter included. | 3.5 / 5 |
| Design | No new design isn’t a huge issue; it still looks great, but it means aspects like USB-C port speeds and Wi-Fi 6E support are showing their age. | 3.5 / 5 |
| Performance | Once again, Apple has constructed a MacBook Pro that excels at various tasks, though it’s not a huge leap over the M4. AI tool fans will like the improvements here, however. | 4 / 5 |
| Average rating | If you’re new to MacBook Pros, you’ll be very happy with this device, but for anyone using a recent MacBook, the lack of any generational leaps will disappoint. | 4 / 5 |
Buy it if…
- You need a reliable and efficient laptop for demanding tasks.
- You are transitioning from an older system, particularly Intel-based or Windows machines.
- You value battery life above all else in a macOS environment.
Don’t buy it if…
- You currently own an M4 MacBook Pro or newer and are satisfied with its performance.
- You want a laptop that supports the latest connectivity standards like Wi-Fi 7.
- You are looking for cutting-edge design updates and features.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 2025): Also consider
| MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5) | MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) | MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,599 / £1,599 / AU$2,499 | $1,999 / £1,999 / AU$3,299 | $999 / £999 / AU$1,699 |
| CPU | M5 10-core | M4 Pro 12-core | M4 10-core |
| GPU | 10-core | 16-core | 8-core |
| RAM | 16GB unified memory | 24GB unified memory | 16GB unified memory |
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD | 256GB SSD |
| Display | 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display (3024 x 1964), 120Hz | 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display (3024 x 1964), 120Hz | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display (2560 x 1664) |
| Ports | 3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), HDMI, SDXC card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3 | 3x Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C), HDMI, SDXC card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3 | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3 |
| Wireless | Wi‑Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi‑Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi‑Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Weight | 3.4 lbs (1.55kg) | 3.5 lbs (1.60kg) | 2.7 lbs (1.24kg) |
| Dimensions | 12.31 x 8.71 x 0.61 inches (31.26 x 22.12 x 1.55cm) | 12.31 x 8.71 x 0.61 inches (31.26 x 22.12 x 1.55cm) | 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches (304 x 215 x 11.3mm) |
In summary, the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 2025) succeeds in delivering impressive specifications and performance but may not entice existing users of recent models looking for significant upgrades. The future will reveal how Apple navigates design changes and hardware upgrades to keep pace in an increasingly competitive market.
For more detailed information on the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 2025), check out the full article Here.
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