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Apple plans to introduce the new M5 chip in five of its products this year. This continues the company's strategy of regularly refining its own chips and using them in major devices. Specifically, this will affect the iPad Pro, the Vision Pro headset, the MacBook Pro, the Mac mini, and the iMac in 2025. The improvements primarily concern performance and energy efficiency, but hardly any major visual changes are expected. Here you can find out exactly what Apple is planning and what you can expect.
The M5 chip is manufactured using TSMC's third-generation 3-nanometer process. This brings slight improvements in performance and power consumption compared to the M4, which is still based on the second generation. The changes are therefore more evolutionary than revolutionary. Nevertheless, they should be of interest to many users – especially those who rely on the highest performance or who plan to purchase a new Apple device in the coming months. Devices with the M5 chip are scheduled for release in the second half of 2025 – specifically, in the fall.
iPad Pro: Small changes, new chip
The iPad Pro was only significantly redesigned in 2024 – with an OLED display and a significantly thinner design. No major visual changes are expected for 2025. The focus is on the new M5 chip. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, series production of the iPad Pro models with the M5 is scheduled to begin in the second half of the year. This fits with Apple's typical product cycle, which calls for a new iPad Pro model roughly every 18 months. The current generation with the M4 was released in May 2024, so a successor would be realistic in fall 2025. There are also rumors of even thinner display bezels, but whether that will be implemented this year remains to be seen.
Vision Pro: Only the chip is renewed
The Vision Pro focuses exclusively on the M5 chip. Otherwise, everything remains the same. The headset was released in February 2024 with the M2 chip; according to Kuo , a true successor isn't planned before 2028. Series production of the new version with the M5 is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2025. This keeps the Vision Pro technically up-to-date without Apple having to launch a completely new model. For users who want more processing power for mixed reality applications, the upgrade could be worthwhile – but probably not for everyone else.
MacBook Pro: M5 models from October, redesign not until 2026
Apple plans to release new MacBook Pro models with M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max chips in October 2025. The devices will be released in 14- and 16-inch sizes as usual. However, no major design changes are planned this year. Anyone looking to buy a new MacBook Pro will get a powerful device—but be aware that a comprehensive redesign is expected in 2026. Rumors suggest the new model will feature an OLED display and a thinner chassis. The M6 chips should also be available by then. For buyers, this means that if cutting-edge design and technology are important, the wait could be worth it.
Mac mini: Two new variants planned
The Mac mini is also expected to be equipped with M5 chips in 2025. There will likely be two models—one with the standard M5 and one with the more powerful M5 Pro. A list of suspected model identifiers recently released provided clues to this. However, a design change is not expected, as the current chassis was not redesigned until 2024. So, the focus here is on increased performance, not on looks or new features. The Mac mini remains a compact and powerful option for many applications.
iMac: New model with M5 expected
An upgrade to the M5 chip is also expected for the iMac. This, too, has a new model ID, suggesting a market launch later this year. As with the MacBook Pro and Mac mini, the new iMac model could be released at the same time as these devices. No design changes are known, so the focus here, too, is clearly on the new processor. For users, this means better performance with the same appearance – particularly useful for creative work or productive office applications.
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Five new Apple devices with M5 chip in 2025
Apple is expected to introduce five new devices with the M5 chip in the second half of 2025. These include the iPad Pro, Vision Pro, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac. The performance improvements are moderate but relevant – especially for demanding users. Major design changes are absent, with the possible exception of the upcoming iPad Pro redesign with thinner bezels. Those seeking maximum performance or planning an upgrade should keep an eye on these new models. If you're considering a specific purchase, it might be worth a little more patience – especially if you value the latest chips and long-term future-proofing. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including HomeKit accessories. (Image: Shutterstock / pio3)
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