Apple M5 is attracting attention as the first benchmark scores have just been revealed, showing that this new processor brings a slight step forward in CPU performance but is even more impressive in graphics processing capabilities. In the context of Apple facing pressure from Qualcomm and many other competitors, the question is whether these improvements are enough to keep iPad and MacBook in the leading position.
New Apple M5 devices revealed through FCC and hands-on video
According to MacRumors, recent FCC filings have revealed several unreleased Apple devices, including a new Vision Pro model, an upgraded MacBook Pro, and up to six new iPad Pro versions. These models are listed with code numbers such as A3416 (Vision Pro), A3434 (MacBook Pro), along with many 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro versions, both WiFi and cellular models. This serves as reinforcing evidence for predictions that Apple will release the M5 Mac Mini later this year and the MacBook Pro using the Apple M5 chip early next year.
Meanwhile, Russian YouTuber Wylascom has early hands-on access to an iPad running the Apple M5 chip and conducted quick performance tests. According to the report, the external design and camera system remain unchanged compared to the M4 iPad Pro. Thus, the main upgrade for this new product line seems to focus on the internal hardware.
CPU and GPU performance: Moderate but notable improvements
Geekbench 6.5 tests show that the M5 iPad Pro achieves a single-core score 11% higher than the M4 iPad Pro and 7% higher than the MacBook Pro using the M4 Pro chip. Notably, the Apple M5 is also 1% ahead of the test laptop model running the newly announced Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme from Qualcomm. However, in multi-core tests, the results were less impressive, as the M4 Pro and Snapdragon were 46% and 52% faster respectively, while the Apple M5 only outperformed the Apple M4 by 14%.
The biggest highlight of the Apple M5 lies in its graphics capabilities. In the Geekbench 6.5 Metal GPU test, the M5 chip delivers 26% higher performance compared to the M4. Conversely, Antutu recorded slightly higher CPU results for the M4 iPad Pro, showing that differences still exist in how various benchmark platforms evaluate performance.
Significance of benchmark scores and upcoming prospects
These results are only early data and do not fully reflect the power of the entire product line using the Apple M5. The M5 Pro version, expected to be available on the MacBook Pro launching next year, could bring even more significant improvements, especially in multi-core processing and professional tasks.
For iPad Pro users, upgrading from M4 to M5 might not be strictly necessary if you already own a new device, but it will be more attractive to those using iPads from the M1 or M2 generations. Apple may be applying a step-by-step upgrade strategy to maintain a stable user experience while focusing on the GPU to serve the increasing demands of graphics, gaming, and AI.
Amidst intense competition from Qualcomm and other chip manufacturers, Apple is clearly preparing its next moves to maintain its advantage. Devices running the M5 are likely to appear late this year, kicking off the next generation of MacBook and iPad, while simultaneously laying the foundation for the future M6 chip line.
