Apple has unveiled its latest professional laptop, the MacBook Pro powered by the new M5 chip. Launched on 30 December 2025, this machine promises to handle demanding workloads with ease, continuing Apple's legacy of powerful in-house silicon. Our review, based on insights from Rohit KVN, dives into whether this iteration is a monumental leap or a refined upgrade.
Unpacking the Power: Specifications and Build
At the heart of the new MacBook Pro lies the Apple M5 chipset, driving a system that reviewers label a "beast." It is designed to tackle heavy-duty tasks without faltering. The laptop features a stunning 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology and a pixel density of 254 ppi. Users can choose the standard glass or opt for a nano-texture glass option for reduced glare, though this comes at an extra cost.
The machine runs the latest macOS 26 Tahoe and is built around a robust 72.4-watt-hour batteryRAM options of 16GB, 24GB, or 32GB and storage choices ranging from 512GB to 4TB. Connectivity is comprehensive, including Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, HDMI, an SDXC card slot, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3.
Performance and User Experience
In real-world use, the MacBook Pro M5 lives up to its powerful claims. The M5 chipset ensures seamless performance across creative suites, development environments, and multitasking scenarios. The Magic Keyboard with its Touch ID sensor and the spacious Force Touch trackpad provide a premium typing and navigation experience.
A notable highlight is the impressively long battery life, allowing professionals to work for extended periods unplugged. The 12MP Centre Stage camera enhances video calls with its auto-framing capability. The build quality remains exemplary, adhering to Apple's high standards for its Pro lineup.
The Price of Premium: A Key Consideration
While the laptop excels in many areas, potential buyers must note a specific cost addition. The model with the nano-texture display requires an additional payment of Rs 15,000. The base variant of the Apple MacBook Pro M5 starts at a price of Rs 1,69,900 in India, positioning it firmly in the premium segment.
Verdict: Incremental but Impressive
The Apple MacBook Pro M5 is an incremental update that solidifies the platform's strengths rather than reinventing it. It scores high on performance, display quality, and battery endurance. The primary cons revolve around its premium pricing and the extra cost for specific display enhancements.
For professionals in India whose work depends on relentless computing power and portability, the MacBook Pro M5 is a compelling, albeit expensive, investment. It is a machine that won't let you down when the workload intensifies, truly living up to its "beast" moniker.
