When it comes to chip performance, you rarely see numbers that make you jump up and down. That's exactly what the initial benchmark results for Apple's M5 chip show. The initial performance data for the 14-inch MacBook Pro show a leap in processing power beyond what we're used to from laptops. The M5 reads more like a rulebook refresh than an incremental bump in these early results, which stands out. The single-core score in the Geekbench 6 database is unprecedented, and the multi-core gains point to a shift in the workload that portable computers can effectively handle. With architectural changes aimed at accelerating machine learning workflows and creative apps, this is Apple's most aggressive attempt to target AI-focused computing thus far. In addition to being faster, the M5 is optimized for AI-intensive tasks that professionals now rely on, such as on-device model runs and real-time video enhancement. New benchmarks are set by record-breaking single-core performance. Regarding that single-core score, it is captivating. The M5 chip has scored 4,263 points for a single core, which is the highest score ever recorded for a Mac or PC processor in the Geekbench 6 database. When compared to rivals, it achieves scores that surpass AMD's 9950X3D and compete with Intel's Core Ultra 9 285K. In a laptop, that is desktop-class territory. The plot thickens in the architecture behind it. Apple claims that its new performance core is the "world's fastest performance core," and the chip has a 10-core CPU with four performance cores and six efficiency cores. The results, which outperform high-end desktops while remaining cool enough for a thin-and-light device, back up the marketing hype. Even better, the consistency is maintained across devices. Similar single-core figures are displayed by the M5 version for the iPad Pro, demonstrating that Apple's silicon tuning delivers flagship speed regardless of which device is used. Over M4, multi-core gains offer significant advantages. Thermals add a twist to the multi-core story, which is complementary. The M5 chip in the same 14-inch MacBook Pro performs up to 20% better than the previous M4 chip with a score of 17,862 points. This places the standard M5 in fascinating company because it is faster than the chip in the M3 Pro and nearly matches the performance of the chip in the M1 Ultra, a base chip that used to deliver high-end numbers. Thermals explain some cross-device gaps. The iPad Pro's M5 running at 4.43 GHz outperforms the MacBook Pro's M5 running at 4.61 GHz by 9%. The iPad Pro maintains a thinner profile and places an emphasis on battery life, while the MacBook Pro can handle higher clock speeds. That split is practical for buyers. The iPad Pro feels snappy for short bursts that correspond to tablet habits, whereas the MacBook Pro's steadier high frequencies will favor long, heavy workloads like video renders or large builds. Major enhancements to the architecture are made to AI and graphics performance. The M5 clears up previous chips at this point. Apple changed how AI and graphics communicate with one another. The main change is neural accelerators integrated into each GPU core, which provide AI performance four times greater than M4. A structural shift toward distributed AI units within the graphics pipeline, not a minor tweak. Graphics are also improved by this distributed method. Support for more advanced rendering makes Performance up to 30% faster than M4 and 2.5 times faster than M1. Real-time ray tracing is a realistic tool for creative work and some gaming on Mac thanks to a third-generation ray tracing engine's up to 45 percent improved performance in ray-traced applications. bandwidth is needed to feed everything. The unified memory bandwidth of 153 GB/s is nearly 30% higher than that of the M4, which is 120 GB/s. Greater headroom permits higher-resolution graphics and larger local AI models without clogging the pipeline. What these standards indicate about actual performance Local AI power is at the heart of the shift from pretty charts to actual time saved. With the M5's AI power, many tasks that used to require cloud processing can now be performed locally on the device, reducing latency, avoiding privacy concerns, and allowing you to work offline. The clock shows the upside for creatives. According to Apple, compared to M1 systems, the M5 delivers 7.7 times faster AI video enhancement performance in Topaz Video. With fewer pauses and less juggling, you can better multitask, like running Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut Pro while uploading large files to the cloud. If you want an upgrade, the timing is ideal because pre-orders are available now and will be available starting on October 22. The M5 feels like a new class, not just a faster chip, when used on an Intel Mac or early M-series machine. These benchmark gains appear to be real minutes saved and new workflows unlocked, whether you are a developer experimenting with large language models, a video editor utilizing AI tools, or a designer experimenting with ray-traced scenes. If you try it, going back will probably feel slow. You can try almost all of the new features in Apple's iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates before anyone else. To install the iOS/iPadOS 26 beta without requiring a paid developer account, first check our list of iPhone and iPad models that are supported.
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