Apple's M5 Product Blitz Is Coming This Week — And It's Going to Be Weird

The Products: What's Actually Coming

M5 iPad Pro: The Leak That Spoiled Everything

Remember when product launches were actually surprising? Yeah, those days are long gone.

The M5 iPad Pro has already been leaked — and I don't mean a couple of blurry photos or vague specs. I mean full-on **unboxing videos** posted by a pair of Russian YouTubers who somehow got their hands on fully functional units before Apple even announced them.

These weren't knock-offs or prototypes, either. They were the real deal, complete with working M5 chips that the YouTubers ran through benchmark tests. So much for secrecy.

Here's what we know from the leak:

The M5 Chip: Benchmarks show approximately 10-12% faster single-core CPU performance, 16% better multi-core performance, and a whopping 34-36% improvement in GPU performance compared to the M4. That graphics boost is significant, especially for anyone doing video editing, 3D rendering, or gaming on their iPad.

More RAM: The base model is bumping up from 8GB to 12GB of RAM. That's a 50% increase, which should help with multitasking and running more demanding apps.

Design: Basically identical to the current model. Don't expect any radical redesign here. Though there is one tiny change — Apple has removed the "iPad Pro" inscription from the back of the device. Minimalism at its finest, I guess?

Dual Front Cameras? This is where things get murky. Some rumors suggested the new iPad Pro would have two front-facing cameras — one optimized for portrait orientation, one for landscape. This would make video calls way more natural regardless of how you're holding the tablet. But the leaked unboxing videos didn't show any evidence of a second camera, so this might be wishful thinking or a feature saved for a future model.

The AT&T website apparently already has pre-order pages up for the M5 iPad Pro, so yeah, this thing is definitely launching very soon.

Vision Pro 2: The Update Nobody Asked For?

Look, I'm just going to say it: the Vision Pro has been a commercial flop. Apple priced it at $3,500, slapped "Pro" on the name, and expected people to line up around the block for what is essentially a heavy computer strapped to your face.

It didn't work out that way.

But Apple isn't giving up. Instead of admitting defeat, they're doubling down with an updated version. Whether this will be called "Vision Pro 2" or just "Vision Pro (2025)" remains to be seen, but here's what's expected:

M5 Chip Upgrade: The current Vision Pro uses an M2 chip, which is now two generations old. Jumping to M5 will be a massive performance boost — better CPU, vastly improved GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and overall smoother performance for spatial computing experiences.

R2 Chip: There's also talk of a new R2 chip for improved input processing from all the sensors and cameras. This should make hand tracking, eye tracking, and environmental mapping more responsive.

More Comfortable Head Strap: One of the biggest complaints about the Vision Pro is how uncomfortable it is to wear for extended periods. Apple is reportedly including a new "Dual Knit Band" head strap in the box, which is supposed to distribute weight better and feel comfier overall.

Space Black Color Option: Because nothing says "premium" like Space Black, apparently.

Same Weight, Same Price: Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Apple is addressing the two biggest problems — the weight and the price. The headset will still be heavy and expensive, just with better specs.

Here's the thing though: recent reports suggest Apple has actually suspended development on a truly next-generation Vision Pro and the cheaper "Vision Air" model. Why? Because the company is pivoting focus to **smart glasses** instead, likely trying to compete with Meta's Ray-Ban partnership.

So this M5 Vision Pro update might just be Apple going through the motions — releasing an incremental upgrade while they figure out what they actually want to do in the XR space.

14-Inch MacBook Pro: The Most Predictable Launch Ever

Every October, like clockwork, Apple releases new MacBook Pros. This year is no exception.

The base 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M5 chip is "ready for launch," according to Gurman. And that's basically all there is to say about it.

Just a Chip Bump: Don't expect any design changes, new features, or exciting additions. This is purely a spec bump — same laptop, newer processor.

M5 Pro and M5 Max Models Coming Later: Here's the interesting twist: Apple might be splitting the launch of M5 MacBook Pros. The base M5 model launches this week, but the higher-end M5 Pro and M5 Max models won't arrive until early 2026.

Why the delay? AppleInsider claims to have sources at Apple who say the company can currently only produce the base M5 chip at volume. The more complex M5 Pro and M5 Max chips need more time.

Big Redesign Coming with M6: If you're hoping for major changes — OLED touchscreen display, thinner chassis, built-in cellular connectivity — you'll have to wait until the M6 generation, which is still two years away.

So if you're not in desperate need of a new MacBook Pro right now, you might want to hold off. This year's model is going to be a yawn-fest.

Why No Event This Year?

Okay, so three new products with a brand-new chip generation seems like event-worthy news, right? So why is Apple just dropping press releases instead of hosting a proper launch event?

A few possible reasons:

These Are Boring Updates: Let's be honest — a chip bump without significant design changes or new features isn't exactly riveting stuff. It's hard to justify a whole event for "same product, slightly faster."

Event Fatigue: Apple already held a big September event for the iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air. Another event just a month later might be overkill.

Cost Savings: Events are expensive to produce, especially the big theatrical ones Apple is known for. If the products don't warrant the spectacle, why spend the money?

Testing a New Strategy: Maybe Apple is experimenting with quieter launches for incremental updates, saving the big events for truly groundbreaking products.

Whatever the reason, don't expect Tim Cook on stage with his "one more thing" routine. Instead, we'll probably get a series of press releases on the Apple Newsroom website, maybe some slick product videos on YouTube, and that's it.

The M5 Chip: What Makes It Special?

Since all three products are centered around the M5 chip, let's talk about what makes it noteworthy.

Still 3nm, But Refined: Unlike earlier rumors suggesting a 2nm process, the M5 is reportedly still built on TSMC's 3nm process — just a more advanced version of it. The 2nm chips won't come until the M6 generation.

9-Core CPU: Same core count as M4 — three performance cores and six efficiency cores. So the multi-core improvements come from architectural refinements, not more cores.

GPU Improvements: This is where the M5 really shines. A 36% boost in graphics performance is substantial and suggests Apple has made significant improvements to the GPU architecture, possibly with help from AMD's RDNA tech.

Better Efficiency: While we don't have concrete battery life numbers yet, the performance-per-watt improvements should translate to either longer battery life or the same battery life with better performance.

AI and ML Enhancements: Apple's neural engine is almost certainly getting upgrades for better on-device AI processing, though specific details haven't leaked yet.

In benchmarks, the M5 is already outperforming the current Snapdragon 8 Elite and Apple's own A19 Pro chip in the iPhone 17. That's impressive, though most users won't actually notice the difference in real-world use.

When Exactly Is "This Week"?

Gurman says "this week," but what does that actually mean?

Not Monday: Monday, October 14, is Columbus Day in the U.S. and Thanksgiving in Canada. Apple typically avoids making announcements on holidays.

Probably Tuesday or Wednesday: If I had to bet, I'd say Tuesday, October 15 or Wednesday, October 16. That's Apple's sweet spot for press release drops.

Staggered Throughout the Week?: It's also possible Apple will space out the announcements — iPad Pro on Tuesday, Vision Pro on Wednesday, MacBook Pro on Thursday. That way each product gets its moment in the spotlight rather than competing for attention.

We'll find out soon enough. If you're reading this on Monday night, check the Apple Newsroom first thing Tuesday morning.

What's NOT Coming This Week

Before you get too excited, let's manage expectations about what we're **not** going to see:

M5 iMac and Mac Mini

Despite the MacBook Pro getting refreshed, don't expect the iMac or Mac mini to join the party. These will probably get their M5 upgrades later, possibly with just a footnote announcement or quietly updated product pages on Apple's website.

Apple TV 4K, HomePod Mini, AirTag 2

All three of these products are "still very much on the road map," according to Gurman, but they're not ready yet. Expect them in early 2026 instead.

M5 MacBook Air

The Air typically launches in the spring, so don't hold your breath for this one until March or April 2026.

iPhone 17e (iPhone SE 4)

This budget iPhone is also expected in early 2026, not this week.

New iPad Air and Base iPad

Same story — early 2026 is more likely.

Studio Display Successor

Apple's external monitors get updated on a glacial timeline. A new Studio Display is rumored, but probably not until next year.

Should You Actually Buy Any of This?

Here's the uncomfortable truth: unless you absolutely need a new device right now, these are probably all **skip-worthy updates**.

iPad Pro: Maybe Wait

If you have an M4 iPad Pro from last year, there's zero reason to upgrade. The M5 is faster, sure, but the M4 is already overkill for basically everything you'd do on an iPad.

If you have an older iPad Pro (M2 or earlier) and do serious creative work — video editing, 3D modeling, music production — then the M5 might be worth it for the GPU improvements and extra RAM.

But for casual users? Save your money. The M4 iPad Pro will probably get a price cut, and that's a better deal.

Vision Pro: Definitely Wait

Unless you're a developer who needs the latest specs, or you have $3,500 burning a hole in your pocket, skip this.

The Vision Pro has fundamental problems that a chip upgrade won't solve: it's too heavy, too expensive, and there's not enough compelling content for it. Waiting for Apple's smart glasses (whenever those arrive) is probably the smarter move.

MacBook Pro: Only If You Need It Now

If your current laptop is dying and you need a replacement ASAP, sure, go ahead and get the M5 MacBook Pro.

But if you can hold out, consider waiting for either:

The M5 Pro and M5 Max models in early 2026 — if you need more power

The M6 redesign in 2026-2027 — if you want the OLED touchscreen and thinner design

The base M5 model is going to be a perfectly fine laptop, but it's not exciting enough to justify upgrading from an M3 or M4 model.

The Bigger Picture: Apple's Product Strategy in 2025

Stepping back, what does this tell us about Apple's overall strategy?

Incremental Updates Are the New Normal: The days of revolutionary product launches every year are over. Now we get steady, incremental improvements. That's fine — it's more sustainable — but it's less exciting.

Chip Performance Is Plateauing: Yes, the M5 is faster than the M4. But we're reaching the point where these gains matter less and less for everyday users. When your device is already fast enough for 99% of tasks, who cares if it gets 12% faster?

Apple Is Struggling with Vision Pro: The company clearly doesn't know what to do with its XR ambitions. This half-hearted Vision Pro update while pivoting to smart glasses suggests they're throwing stuff at the wall to see what sticks.

*Events Are Becoming Rarer: Apple seems to be reserving big launch events for truly significant products (like the iPhone) and handling everything else with press releases. This might disappoint fans who love the spectacle, but it's probably more honest.

The Mac Is in a Weird Spot: Desktop and laptop sales are declining industry-wide, and even Apple's impressive chips haven't reversed that trend. These quiet MacBook Pro updates suggest Apple knows the Mac is a mature, stable product line rather than a growth engine.

My Take

Look, I'm an Apple nerd. I get excited about this stuff. But even I have to admit that this week's announcements are going to be pretty underwhelming.

A chip bump is nice. Better performance is always welcome. But none of these products are solving new problems or opening up new possibilities. They're just... slightly better versions of things we already have.

The M5 iPad Pro will be a beast for creative professionals, but the M4 was already a beast. The Vision Pro will still be too expensive and too heavy, just with better specs. The MacBook Pro will be a reliable workhorse, but it won't blow anyone's mind.

And you know what? That's okay.

Not every product launch needs to be revolutionary. Sometimes "better but not dramatically different" is fine. Apple is a mature company with mature product lines. Expecting them to reinvent everything every year is unrealistic.

But I do think Apple could do a better job of managing expectations. Hyping up these incremental updates as if they're game-changing innovations just leads to disappointment. Be honest about what they are: solid, incremental improvements for people who need them.

The Bottom Line

Three new M5-powered Apple products are launching this week via press releases: the iPad Pro, Vision Pro, and 14-inch MacBook Pro.

All three will be slightly better than their predecessors but not dramatically different.

The M5 chip offers meaningful performance improvements, especially in graphics, but won't transform your user experience if you already have a recent device.

Unless you desperately need a new device right now, you're probably better off waiting — either for the M5 Pro/Max models in early 2026, the big MacBook Pro redesign with the M6 chip, or for your current device to actually become obsolete.

Apple's October product cycle continues, but the excitement level is definitely lower than in years past. And honestly? That might be a sign that the tech industry is maturing, and the era of constant revolutionary change is giving way to steady, predictable improvement.

Welcome to the new normal.