Apple’s new 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 Max chip combines a huge boost in SSD performance with incremental CPU improvements, enhanced connectivity, and extended battery life. Attractive to creatives and power users, it also carries a higher starting price and raises intrigue for rumored future innovations.
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Hardware Reviews
16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Max) review: Ultra speed with shocking reads
Photo by Macworld
Key Takeaways:
- Incremental CPU gains over the M4 Max, but still industry-leading performance
- Significantly faster SSD performance for data-intensive tasks
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 introduced for improved wireless capability
- Battery life surpasses 24 hours in a continuous video loop test
- Price increases correspond to storage upgrades, but power users may find it worthwhile
A Powerful New MacBook Pro
Apple’s 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 Max chip steps confidently into the role of the company’s fastest laptop. Priced at a premium, this machine’s performance often rivals desktop workstations, offering top-tier speed to those on the go.
Performance Benchmarks and CPU/GPU Gains
Benchmarks confirm incremental CPU improvements over the M4 Max. Geekbench 6 tests show about a 12 percent multi-core gain and single-core improvements of 7 percent. Apple’s 40-core GPU also delivers a notable jump, with one test noting a 32 percent increase in Cinebench 2024 performance compared to its predecessor. While some gains may feel subtle in daily tasks, professionals working with large-scale media or data will benefit.
Significantly Faster SSD
By far, one of the most dramatic highlights is the SSD upgrade. According to Blackmagic Disk Speed Test results, the M5 Max shows “drastic” read and write improvements, making data-intensive tasks—such as managing massive video files or complex database work—considerably faster.
M5 Max Specifications
Below is a snapshot of the high-end configuration featured in this review:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | M5 Max, 18-core (6 super, 12 performance), 16-core Neural Engine |
| GPU | 40-core |
| Memory | 128GB unified memory |
| Storage | 4TB SSD |
| Display | 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR (3456×2234) |
| Networking | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 6, Thread |
| Ports | 3× Thunderbolt 5/USB-C, MagSafe 3, HDMI, SDXC, 3.5mm audio |
| Battery & Weight | Up to 22 hours of video streaming, 4.7 pounds |
| Price (as tested) | $6,149/£6,149 |
Connectivity and Battery Life
Apple introduced Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 in this iteration, offering faster, more reliable wireless connections. In terms of battery, the 16-inch model handled continuous video streaming for over 24 hours before running out of juice. While stress-heavy tasks shorten that runtime, it’s a strong showing for a laptop packed with so much horsepower.
Growing Price Tags
Accompanying the hardware enhancements are higher starting prices. The base 14-inch and 16-inch configurations both rose by $200 from the previous generation, though these new entry-level models now double the storage (1TB for M5 Pro, 2TB for M5 Max). Power users who require unwavering speed are likely to absorb the cost for the cutting-edge performance.
Looking Ahead: M6 Rumors
Future rumors point to an upcoming M6 MacBook Pro that could bring an OLED touchscreen display and a revamped design. While that prospect may tempt those who can wait, professionals in need of immediate speed and capacity will find the M5 Max MacBook Pro unmatched in Apple’s laptop lineup today.
Who Should Buy the M5 Max MacBook Pro
From video editing and 3D rendering to database management, the M5 Max machine excels for tasks that rely on raw speed and ample memory. Current M4 Max users might see only moderate CPU gains, but if storage performance is critical, the improved SSD may justify an upgrade. For anyone jumping from older M-series models (or Intel-based Macs), this laptop is a robust leap forward in Apple’s ever-evolving notebook landscape.
