M5 MacBook Pro vs M4 MacBook Pro: What’s New and Should You Upgrade?

Apple continues to push laptop performance forward with its custom silicon, and the latest generation, powered by the Apple M5 chip - brings new improvements to the MacBook Pro lineup. The previous M4 MacBook Pro, released in 2024, was already one of the most powerful laptops available. However, the 2026 MacBook Pro with the M5 chip introduces several internal upgrades designed to enhance performance, AI processing and efficiency.

For many UK buyers, the key question is simple: is the MacBook Pro M5 a meaningful upgrade over the M4, or should you save money and buy the older model instead?

In this detailed comparison of MacBook Pro M5 vs M4, we will look at:

• CPU and GPU performance differences

• AI and machine learning improvements

• Battery life and efficiency

• Design and display changes

• UK pricing and availability

• Whether upgrading is worth it

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear idea of which MacBook Pro is the better choice for UK users in 2026.

 

MacBook Pro M5 vs M4: Key Differences at a Glance

Before diving into details, here is a quick overview of how the two MacBook Pro generations compare.

Feature	MacBook Pro M5 (2026)	MacBook Pro M4 (2024)
Chip	Apple M5 / M5 Pro / M5 Max	Apple M4 / M4 Pro / M4 Max
CPU	Up to 18-core CPU	Up to 16-core CPU
GPU	Up to 40-core GPU	Up to 38-core GPU
AI Processing	Enhanced neural accelerator	Standard neural engine
Memory	Up to 128GB unified memory	Up to 128GB unified memory
Storage	Faster SSD architecture	Standard SSD speeds
Display	Liquid Retina XDR	Liquid Retina XDR
Battery Life	Up to ~22 hours	Up to ~21 hours
Sizes	14-inch and 16-inch	14-inch and 16-inch

At first glance, the design and overall experience remain largely the same, but the new M5 chip delivers improvements under the hood.

 

Apple M5 vs M4 Chip: Architecture Improvements

The biggest difference in the MacBook Pro M5 vs M4 comparison comes from Apple’s next-generation silicon architecture.

Apple’s M-series chips are based on ARM architecture and use a system-on-a-chip design, integrating CPU, GPU, memory and AI accelerators into a single efficient package.

The M5 chip builds on the M4 architecture with improvements in several key areas:

• Higher clock speeds

• Improved GPU performance

• Enhanced AI processing

• Better power efficiency

These improvements are designed to make the MacBook Pro even more capable for demanding professional workloads.

For most users, the upgrade may feel incremental, but for developers, creative professionals and power users, the differences can be noticeable.

 

CPU Performance: Faster Multitasking and Workloads

One of the most important aspects of the MacBook Pro M5 vs M4 comparison is CPU performance.

The new M5 chip features improved performance cores and efficiency cores, allowing it to handle demanding tasks more effectively.

Typical improvements include:

• Around 10–15% faster CPU performance

• Better multitasking

• Improved sustained performance during heavy workloads

This means tasks such as:

• Compiling code

• Running virtual machines

• Editing high-resolution video

• Exporting large files

can complete faster on the M5 MacBook Pro.

However, if you primarily use your MacBook for:

• web browsing

• office work

• streaming

• light photo editing

You may not notice a dramatic difference between the two chips.

 

GPU Performance: A Boost for Creative Professionals

The GPU is another area where the MacBook Pro M5 vs M4 comparison becomes interesting.

Apple has continued improving graphics performance with each new generation of Apple Silicon, and the M5 chip delivers another step forward.

The M5 GPU includes:

• More GPU cores in high-end configurations

• Improved graphics architecture

• Better memory bandwidth

These changes lead to noticeable improvements in tasks such as:

• 3D rendering

• video editing in Final Cut Pro

• colour grading

• gaming on macOS

For professionals using software like:

• Blender

• DaVinci Resolve

• Adobe Premiere Pro

• Cinema 4D

the extra GPU performance can reduce rendering times and improve overall workflow efficiency.

 

AI and Machine Learning: A Major Focus of the M5

One of the biggest priorities for Apple’s newer chips is on-device artificial intelligence.

In the MacBook Pro M5 vs M4 comparison, the M5 chip introduces improved neural processing capabilities designed to support modern AI workflows.

This includes improvements to:

• machine learning tasks

• AI-powered creative tools

• real-time language processing

• generative AI applications

As more software integrates AI features, having stronger on-device AI processing becomes increasingly valuable.

For example, the M5 MacBook Pro can deliver improved performance in:

• AI image generation

• video upscaling

• AI-powered coding assistants

• machine learning models

This makes the M5 particularly attractive for developers and AI researchers and make it a next-gen AI-ready laptop.

 

Memory and Storage Performance

Both the M5 and M4 MacBook Pro models support Apple’s unified memory architecture, which allows the CPU and GPU to share the same memory pool.

This results in faster data access and better overall performance.

The two generations support similar maximum configurations:

• Up to 128GB unified memory

• Up to 8TB SSD storage

However, the M5 MacBook Pro introduces faster storage speeds, meaning large files can load more quickly.

For professionals working with large datasets or video projects, this can noticeably improve productivity.

 

Design and Build Quality

If you were hoping for a completely new design, the MacBook Pro M5 vs M4 comparison may disappoint slightly.

Apple has retained the same MacBook Pro design introduced with the Apple Silicon era.

Key features remain the same:

• aluminium unibody chassis

• Liquid Retina XDR display

• notch design

• high-quality keyboard and trackpad

• premium speaker system

While there is no major redesign, this is not necessarily a negative - the MacBook Pro design is already considered one of the best laptop designs available.

 

Display Quality

Both the M5 and M4 MacBook Pro models feature Apple’s Liquid Retina XDR display, which offers:

• mini-LED backlighting

• up to 1600 nits peak brightness

• ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate

• excellent colour accuracy

This makes the display ideal for:

• video editing

• photography

• content creation

• watching HDR content

Because the display remains unchanged, buyers comparing MacBook Pro M5 vs M4 will get a similarly excellent viewing experience on either device.

 

Battery Life

Battery life has always been a strength of Apple Silicon laptops. Both the M4 and M5 MacBook Pro models deliver excellent battery performance.

Typical battery life includes:

• up to 21 hours of video playback

• up to 15 hours of web browsing

The improved efficiency of the M5 chip allows Apple to maintain similar battery life despite the increased performance.

For UK professionals working remotely or travelling frequently, this long battery life remains one of the MacBook Pro’s biggest advantages.

 

MacBook Pro M5 vs M4: UK Pricing and Availability

For UK buyers, pricing plays an important role when deciding between the two models.

Typical UK prices (including VAT) are expected to be approximately:

Model	Estimated UK Starting Price
MacBook Pro M5	~£1,699
MacBook Pro M4	~£1,599 (often discounted)

This can make the M4 MacBook Pro a very attractive value option.

In some cases, you may find the M4 MacBook Pro £200–£300 cheaper than the latest M5 model.

 

MacBook Pro M5 vs M4: Which Should You Buy in the UK?

Choosing between the two models depends on your needs.

Buy the MacBook Pro M5 if:

• You want the latest Apple Silicon

• You work with AI or machine learning

• You use GPU-heavy creative software

• You plan to keep your laptop for many years

The M5 MacBook Pro offers the most future-proof performance.

 

Buy the MacBook Pro M4 if:

• You want the best value

• You mainly use productivity apps

• You don’t need the latest AI features

• You can find a good discount

For many UK buyers, the M4 MacBook Pro will still deliver excellent performance for years to come.

 

 

MacBook Pro M5 vs M4: Final Verdict

The MacBook Pro M5 vs M4 comparison shows that Apple’s latest chip delivers meaningful improvements in performance, AI processing and graphics capability.

However, the upgrade is largely incremental rather than revolutionary.

Key takeaways:

• M5 offers better CPU and GPU performance

• AI capabilities are significantly improved

• design and display remain the same

• M4 models may offer better value in the UK

If you already own an M4 MacBook Pro, upgrading immediately may not be necessary.

But if you are upgrading from an older MacBook such as an M1, Intel MacBook Pro or even M2 model, the new M5 MacBook Pro could be a substantial improvement.

Ultimately, both machines remain among the best laptops available in the UK, offering industry-leading performance, build quality and battery life.

 

 

Common Questions Explained

1. Is the MacBook Pro M5 much faster than the M4?

The MacBook Pro M5 is around 10–15% faster in CPU performance compared to the M4, with additional improvements in GPU performance and AI processing. While everyday tasks may feel similar, professionals working with video editing, 3D rendering, or machine learning will notice faster processing speeds on the M5.

2. Should I upgrade from the MacBook Pro M4 to the M5?

If you already own a MacBook Pro with the M4 chip, upgrading to the M5 may not be necessary unless you need better AI capabilities, faster GPU performance, or improved storage speeds. However, users upgrading from M1, M2, or Intel MacBooks will see a much bigger performance improvement.

3. Does the MacBook Pro M5 havea new design?

No, the MacBook Pro M5 keeps the same design introduced in recent Apple Silicon models. Both the M5 and M4 MacBook Pro feature the same aluminium chassis, Liquid Retina XDR display, ProMotion technology, and port selection, including HDMI, Thunderbolt and an SD card slot.

4. Is the MacBook Pro M4 still worth buying in the UK?

Yes, the MacBook Pro M4 is still an excellent choice for many UK buyers. Because it is now an older model, retailers like Amazon UK, Currys and John Lewis often offer discounts, making the M4 MacBook Pro a better value option for students and professionals who do not need the latest chip.

5. What is the battery life difference between the MacBook Pro M5 and M4?

Battery life is very similar between the two models. Both laptops can deliver around 20–22 hours of video playback depending on usage. The M5 chip is slightly more power efficient, but most users will experience similar all-day battery performance on both devices.