Apple unveils M5 chip with major AI & graphics enhancements

Apple has introduced the M5 chip, marking a notable advancement in artificial intelligence (AI) and graphics capabilities for Apple silicon devices.

The M5 chip is produced with third-generation 3-nanometre manufacturing technology and features a new 10-core GPU architecture. Each core is equipped with a Neural Accelerator, which enables much faster GPU-based AI workloads. According to Apple, M5 delivers over four times the peak GPU compute performance for AI compared to its predecessor, the M4. Improvements in graphics performance have also been reported, with a 45 per cent increase over the M4.

Johny Srouji, Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Technologies, commented on the new chip's capabilities:

"M5 ushers in the next big leap in AI performance for Apple silicon. With the introduction of Neural Accelerators in the GPU, M5 delivers a huge boost to AI workloads. Combined with a big increase in graphics performance, the world's fastest CPU core, a faster Neural Engine, and even higher unified memory bandwidth, M5 brings far more performance and capabilities to MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Apple Vision Pro."

The central processing unit (CPU) in the M5 chip includes up to 10 cores, comprising six efficiency cores and up to four performance cores. Apple states that this configuration yields up to 15 per cent faster multithreaded performance over the M4. The 16-core Neural Engine is also improved, designed to balance high performance with energy efficiency, complementing the Neural Accelerators in both the CPU and GPU.

This Neural Engine is tailored to support features such as transforming 2D photos into spatial scenes on Apple Vision Pro and generating Personas. More broadly, Apple states that the accelerated Neural Engine and increased unified memory bandwidth enhance the speed and efficiency of its on-device AI suite, branded Apple Intelligence, and developer tools such as Foundation Models.

AI and graphics

The M5's chip design centres on AI optimisation. The new GPU delivers a significant increase in performance, supporting AI-driven workflows, such as the use of diffusion models in creative applications and the running of large language models locally.

Apple reports that the M5 GPU achieves up to 30 per cent faster graphics performance compared to the M4 and is up to 2.5 times faster than the M1. The chip's third-generation ray tracing hardware offers a further graphics boost, particularly in 3D rendering and visual applications, as well as gameplay. Apple Vision Pro devices equipped with M5 can render 10 per cent more pixels, operating at refresh rates up to 120Hz, which can reduce motion blur and improve visual clarity.

The GPU's integration with Apple's software frameworks is intended to deliver immediate performance benefits to apps using APIs such as Core ML, Metal Performance Shaders, and Metal 4. Developers can also access the Neural Accelerators for custom solutions using Tensor APIs in Metal 4.

Unified memory architecture

The M5 chip features 153GB/s unified memory bandwidth, which is nearly 30 per cent higher than the M4 and more than double that of the M1. The unified memory model enables all chip components to access a single pool of memory, which supports larger on-device AI models and improved multitasking performance.

With up to 32GB of memory capacity, the M5 allows users to run demanding creative tasks in applications such as Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut Pro simultaneously, while also managing cloud uploads.

Energy efficiency and environment

Apple additionally referenced its environmental commitments. The efficient power consumption of the M5, according to the company, will help the new 14-inch MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Apple Vision Pro models meet its energy goals. Apple's overall aim is carbon neutrality across its entire footprint by the end of the decade, focusing on reducing emissions from materials, electricity, and transportation.

MacBook Pro and iPad Pro models with the M5 chip are now available for pre-order, with the chip also featuring in the Apple Vision Pro device.