Apple’s late-October event has come and gone, and with it, a confusing but powerful new addition to the MacBook lineup. The new 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip is here. But unlike previous years, Apple has done something different: the new M5 chip is only for the base 14-inch model, while the more expensive 14-inch and 16-inch machines still run on last year’s M4 Pro and M4 Max.
This creates a serious dilemma for Pakistani professionals. The new M5 MacBook Pro is landing in our markets at an eye-watering starting price of ~PKR 475,000. For about PKR 100,000 more, you can get the “older” M4 Pro.
So, is this new M5 chip an AI-powered revolution, or a confusing middle child? We break down who should buy it and who should save their money.
What’s New? The M5 is All About AI
This isn’t just a minor speed bump. The M5 chip is Apple’s first laptop chip built from the ground up for Artificial Intelligence.
- Chip: 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine.
- The “AI” Secret Sauce: The real upgrade is the new “Neural Accelerators” built directly into the GPU cores.
- The Benefit: Paired with the new macOS Tahoe, this chip is designed to run “Apple Intelligence” features on the device. This means AI-powered audio transcription from lectures, instant photo editing in Photobooth, and advanced AI tools in apps like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro will run faster and more efficiently than on any other chip.
The battery life is also getting a boost, with Apple claiming an almost unbelievable 24 hours of video playback. For anyone dealing with load-shedding, this feature alone is a massive selling point.
Check our iPhone 17 review here.
The Pakistani Professional’s Dilemma: M5 vs. M4 Pro
This is the main question. Let’s compare the two machines you’ll be staring at in the shop.
| Feature | New 14″ M5 Pro (Base) | “Old” 14″ M4 Pro |
| Est. Price (PKR) | ~PKR 475,000 | ~PKR 570,000 |
| CPU / GPU | 10-core CPU / 10-core GPU | 14-core CPU / 20-core GPU |
| Base RAM | 16GB (Unified Memory) | 24GB (Unified Memory) |
| AI Engine | 16-core NPU + GPU Accelerators (Newest) | 16-core NPU (Older) |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 Hours (Claimed) | Up to 22 Hours |
As you can see, the choice is tough. For PKR 100k less, the M5 gives you newer AI tech and better battery life. But for PKR 100k more, the M4 Pro gives you significantly more raw power, with 40% more CPU cores, double the GPU cores, and 8GB more base RAM.
Who is the M5 Pro For? (The Pakistani User)
Let’s break it down by profession.
1. For Video Editors & 3D Artists: NO
Do not buy the M5. Your job depends on raw rendering power. The M4 Pro’s 20-core GPU and higher memory bandwidth will crush the M5’s 10-core GPU in Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Blender. For you, the M4 Pro or M4 Max are still the clear winners. The M5 is not a “Pro” machine for video.
2. For Software Developers: YES
This is the M5’s sweet spot. If you’re a developer working with React, running multiple Docker containers, and constantly in VS Code, the M5 is a dream. The 10-core CPU is more than enough for your workflows, and the 24-hour battery life is a game-changer during long coding sessions when the power goes out. The 16GB RAM is fine, but if you can, pay extra for the 24GB model.
3. For Students & Corporate Professionals: YES
If your work involves massive Excel sheets, endless presentations, heavy research, and lots of writing, the M5 is the ultimate “all-day” machine. The AI features for transcribing meetings and summarizing documents will genuinely change your workflow. The battery life means you can leave your charger at home. It is, without a doubt, a phenomenal machine for this.
The Non-Negotiable “Pakistan Problem”: Price & Risk
Before you pull out your credit card, you must accept the reality of buying Apple products in Pakistan.
- The Price: At PKR 475,000, this is not a laptop; it’s an investment on par with a small car.
- The Warranty: You get zero official Apple warranty. You are completely reliant on the seller’s 1-year “shop warranty,” which can be a nightmare to claim.
- The Repair Cost: This is the big one. Because the RAM and SSD are soldered to the logic board, nothing is upgradable. If the logic board dies, a replacement can cost over PKR 200,000. If you crack the Liquid Retina XDR display, you’re looking at a similar bill. You must be extremely careful or get AppleCare+ if your importer offers it.
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
The 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro is an “AI-powered endurance machine.” It’s not the most powerful Pro, but it’s the smartest and longest-lasting.
You should buy the M5 MacBook Pro if:
- You are a developer, student, or business professional.
- Battery life is your absolute #1 priority.
- You are excited about using the new on-device AI features.
- You are upgrading from an Intel, M1, or M2 Mac.
You should NOT buy the M5 MacBook Pro if:
- You are a professional video editor or 3D artist (Get the M4 Pro/Max).
- You are on a tighter budget (An M3 or M4 Air is better value).
- You can’t stomach the financial risk of a no-warranty, non-repairable device.
For those who fit the profile, the M5 MacBook Pro is a technological marvel. For everyone else, the “Pro” in its name is a bit misleading. In this case, the M4 Pro model, for a bit more money, is still the true “Pro” machine for creative power users.