Fusion Architecture: New Apple MacBook Pro and Air Models, Also Available with M5 Pro and M5 Max for the First Time
[16:20 Tue,3.March 2026 by Rudi Schmidts]
Apple today introduced new MacBook Pro models with the M5 Pro and M5 Max, as well as an updated MacBook Air featuring the regular M5. The core of the announcement centers on the new processor generations, with Apple specifically highlighting advancements in AI computation and a new chip interconnection technology called "Fusion Architecture."
New MacBook Pro with M5 Pro or Max
The top-tier models for professionals, the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro, are the first to feature the M5 Pro and M5 Max. Their main innovation is the so-called Fusion Architecture, where two separate chiplets (dies) are connected to form a single System-on-a-Chip. The CPU of these chips boasts up to 18 cores, divided into six particularly powerful "Super Cores" for single-thread tasks and twelve new Performance Cores for efficient multi-thread workloads.
The M5 family has officially grown with Pro and Max.
The next-generation GPU integrates a "Neural Accelerator" into every core, which, combined with higher memory bandwidth, is intended to significantly boost AI computing performance. Specifically, Apple promises up to four times faster AI performance compared to the M4 generation and an eightfold increase compared to M1 models. Graphics performance is stated to be up to 50 percent higher compared to M4 Pro and Max, with a third generation of ray tracing cores ensuring better 3D rendering.
The M5 Pro supports up to 64 GB, and the M5 Max up to 128 GB of unified memory, with maximum bandwidths of up to 307 GB/s and 614 GB/s, respectively, depending on the configuration. The internal SSD has also been revised and now offers up to twice the read and write speeds (up to 14.5 GB/s), according to Apple. The base SSD storage capacity has been increased to 1 TB for the M5 Pro and 2 TB for the M5 Max.
For the first time, Apple is also incorporating its own chip for wireless networking (N1), enabling Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. On the connectivity side, there remain three Thunderbolt ports, which now, however, correspond to the newer Thunderbolt 5 standard. Externally, nothing changes; the design and the Liquid Retina XDR display with optional Nano-texture glass remain the same.
The MacBook Air also now comes with the M5 processor
In parallel, the 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air have been updated with the standard M5 chip. Here too, AI acceleration is the focus, featuring a Neural Engine in every GPU core. Apple promises up to 4 times faster AI performance than the M4 and 9.5 times faster than the M1. The unified memory offers 28 percent higher bandwidth at 153 GB/s compared to its predecessor. The SSD is also faster now, doubling in the standard configuration from 256 GB to 512 GB; an optional configuration with up to 4 TB is possible for the first time. The MacBook Air also receives the new Apple N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. The design remains unchanged, but the color palette has been expanded with the new Sky Blue color.
Pre-orders start tomorrow, March 4th, with delivery and in-store sales beginning on March 11th. Prices start at 1,199 Euros for the MacBook Air M5, 2,499 Euros for the 14-inch MacBook Pro M5 Pro, and 4,499 Euros for the 16-inch MacBook Pro M5 Max.
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