Apple is expected to announce a refresh for several of its key products this week, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The updates are expected to focus on the company’s next-generation M5 chip, bringing enhanced performance and AI capabilities to the iPad Pro, Vision Pro, and the base 14-inch MacBook Pro.
Unlike a typical iPhone launch, the announcements are expected to be made via press releases on Apple’s Newsroom website and promotional videos, rather than a live event.
Expected Product Updates
1. iPad Pro (8th Generation)
The new iPad Pro is expected to be the first device to feature the M5 chip. Early benchmarks from leaked unboxing videos suggest the chip could offer up to a 12% increase in multi-core CPU performance and a 36% improvement in GPU performance compared to the current M4 model. The design is reported to remain essentially unchanged, with the only notable difference being the removal of the “iPad Pro” inscription from the back casing.
2. Vision Pro
Apple’s mixed-reality headset is also slated for an update, moving from the M2 to the M5 chip for improved processing. The new model is also expected to include a more comfortable “Dual Knit Band” head strap for better support. Despite these updates, the Vision Pro is not considered a complete second-generation redesign, as the redesign reportedly still remains in development.
3. 14-inch MacBook Pro
The base model 14-inch MacBook Pro is expected to receive the M5 chip as its primary upgrade. More significant redesigns for the MacBook Pro line, including potential OLED displays and touchscreen capabilities, are not anticipated until the M6 generation in 2026.
A Strategic Shift in Announcements
This week’s expected announcements reflect Apple’s strategy to update its pro-level devices with a new chip architecture ahead of the holiday season. The focus on the M5 chip across multiple product categories highlights the company’s push to integrate more advanced AI processing capabilities into its ecosystem.
