Apple is gearing up to refresh its flagship laptops, and anticipation is building around the potential upgrades for the new MacBook Pro featuring the M5 silicon chip. While there are whispers of limited changes based on industry predictions, Apple has a reputation for sticking to their design elements for several generations. However, there’s still room for enhancements that can elevate an already exceptional machine before an anticipated redesign hits the market.
As an avid user of the M1 Pro MacBook Pro, I’m particularly intrigued by what improvements Apple could bring to entice upgrades. Here are my thoughts on what we can expect.
1. Thunderbolt 5 as a Game-Changer
Many who have owned both the MacBook Air and Pro can attest to the Pro’s advantages, from enhanced thermals to superior battery life. This year, I plan to get the entry-level MacBook Pro with the M5 chip. But I’m really hoping for a critical upgrade – faster Thunderbolt ports. The current baseline 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro features Thunderbolt 4, while higher-end models benefit from Thunderbolt 5.
Why does this matter? Thunderbolt 5 can reach astonishing speeds of up to 120 Gbps, compared to Thunderbolt 4’s 40 Gbps, radically enhancing data transfer and power delivery capabilities. Imagine the implications for 4K and 8K displays and connecting high-speed storage devices. This upgrade could make the MacBook Pro a standout in its price range.
2. Enhanced Battery Life
Apple has maintained the same chassis for its M5 series, meaning changes to battery size are unlikely unless there’s a significant innovation. However, it’s plausible that optimizations in energy efficiency will come with the new M5 silicon, reportedly built on TSMC’s N3P process, compared to the N3E used for M4. Previous advances showed a 5-10% increase in efficiency.
This year could very well see battery life improvements jump, mirroring the past gains from M4 to M3/M2. The 14-inch MacBook Pro saw its battery life extend from 18 to 22 hours. With energy efficiency in the spotlight, I’m hopeful Apple can push those limits further.
3. A More Powerful Neural Engine
The current M4 chip boasts a neural engine capable of 38 trillion operations per second, yet competitors are catching up fast. AMD and Intel are closing the gap with their own impressive NPU outputs. Considering the importance of this technology for AI-driven tasks—especially with Apple’s future-focused AI endeavors—improvements in the next-gen neural unit will be crucial.
Anticipation is building for Siri’s major AI updates in 2026. To ensure these enhancements run smoothly, Apple must deliver a robust neural engine in the M5 model, setting a new standard for performance and AI capabilities.
4. Display Improvements Would Be Welcome
While the Liquid Retina XDR display has been impressive since the M1 launch, it’s time for a refresh. The peak HDR brightness has remained static at 1,600 nits; boosting this would elevate user experience even further, particularly for creative professionals and gamers.
Long-term investments in technology deserve longevity. Users typically hold onto their MacBook Pros for years, and witnessing a leap to OLED in a newer model soon after could feel like a letdown. Enhancing brightness and refresh rates to potentially 240Hz could genuinely broaden the MacBook Pro’s appeal, especially with gaming options widening in macOS.
What Are Common Questions About the Upcoming MacBook Pro?
What should I expect from the battery life on the new MacBook Pro models?
Battery life improvements are likely with the M5 silicon, aiming to enhance energy efficiency, potentially extending usage time significantly, much like previous models did.
Will Thunderbolt 5 be included in all models of the new MacBook Pro?
While it’s hoped that the budget models will also receive Thunderbolt 5, currently, only higher-end versions have it. A universal implementation would make sense and enhance functionality across the board.
How does the new neural engine differ from previous versions?
The upcoming neural engine is expected to support more advanced AI capabilities, significantly surpassing the capabilities of the M4 and possibly matching or exceeding current competition. This heightens the importance of seamless AI experiences on Apple devices.
As Apple continues to innovate, the next-generation MacBook Pro holds exciting possibilities. I encourage you to keep an eye on updates as they’re announced. For more insights and tech-related discussions, check out Moyens I/O.