Live blog: Every new Apple product and updates from the March event
New MacBook Pros feature M5 Pro/Max chips, up to 128GB RAM, and start at $2,199.
Apple has entered a major hardware refresh cycle, announcing its new M5-powered MacBook lineup via press releases ahead of its March 4, 2026 'special Apple Experience' event. The headliners are the updated MacBook Pro models, now equipped with next-generation M5 Pro and M5 Max chips built on Apple's Fusion architecture. These systems-on-a-chip combine CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine components, targeting creators, developers, and power users with promises of significantly improved AI performance and graphical capabilities. The company also refreshed the MacBook Air with the standard M5 chip, maintaining its position as the thinnest and lightest laptop in Apple's portfolio.
The technical upgrades for the MacBook Pro are substantial. The M5 Pro and Max chips feature up to an 18-core CPU, support for up to 128GB of unified memory on Max configurations, and integration of the latest connectivity standards including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thunderbolt 5. Pricing reflects the professional focus, with the 14-inch M5 Pro model starting at $2,199 and the top-tier 16-inch M5 Max version starting at $3,899. All new Pro models include at least 1TB of storage. This launch sets a new performance benchmark for Apple's silicon and raises expectations for further announcements, including potential updates to the iPad line and rumors of future touchscreen Macs, as the company continues its aggressive release schedule into 2026.
- MacBook Pro updated with M5 Pro & Max chips featuring an 18-core CPU and improved Neural Engine for AI tasks.
- High-end specs include support for up to 128GB unified memory (M5 Max), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thunderbolt 5.
- Pricing starts at $2,199 for 14" M5 Pro; preorders open March 4 with availability starting March 11.
Why It Matters
Sets a new performance standard for creative pros and developers with major leaps in AI compute and memory capacity.