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Apple's latest M5 chip has arrived with a splash, delivering headline-grabbing benchmark numbers in the new 14-inch MacBook Pro. Early Geekbench 6 leaks suggest this silicon refresh is one of Apple’s most meaningful performance jumps yet, improving responsiveness and efficiency in a laptop class you might not expect.
Single-core speed that redefines day-to-day snappiness
In leaked tests the base M5 scored an astonishing 4,263 in Geekbench 6 single-core — the highest single-core result recorded for any Mac or PC in the benchmark's public database. That places the M5 well ahead of last generation's M4 Max and ahead of top-tier desktop chips from rivals, translating into noticeably faster app launches, smoother gaming in CPU-bound scenes, and a generally zippier user experience.
Multi-core gains without a bulky chassis
Multi-core results are no slouch either. The M5 posted a 17,862 multi-core score, about 20% faster than the M4 found in last year’s 14-inch MacBook Pro. While it doesn't eclipse the M4 Max's peak multi-threaded numbers, the M5 approaches the M1 Ultra's territory — an impressive feat for a chip designed to run thermally constrained, thin-and-light hardware.
What this means for users
Put simply: everyday tasks feel faster, creative apps benefit from improved parallelism, and power efficiency remains strong because Apple continues to blend performance and low-power cores. The M5 uses a 10-core layout with four performance cores and six efficiency cores, a configuration aimed at balancing raw speed with long battery life.
Beyond MacBook Pro: the same chip in iPad Pro
The same M5 silicon reportedly powers the newest iPad Pro too, where it scored around 4,175 in single-core testing — only slightly lower than the MacBook Pro result. That crossover underscores how Apple is unifying performance across its device lineup, bringing desktop-class responsiveness to tablet form factors.
Should you upgrade or buy now?
If you prioritize single-threaded performance and a snappy macOS experience, the new 14-inch MacBook Pro with the base M5 is a compelling option. It offers a meaningful uplift over the previous base model and delivers desktop-level single-core performance in a compact package. Apple is already listing the new machines on its online store for those ready to buy.
Curious about real-world workflows, battery life, or how the M5 handles sustained loads? Expect detailed reviews and tests to appear as reviewers put the machines through creative, gaming, and productivity benchmarks.
Source: gizmochina
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