Rumored Apple M5 Pro & M5 Max Chips Featuring Distinct CPU and GPU Configuration for Customization, May Not Launch Alongside Standard M5

Recent delays in the custom configurations of the M4 MacBook Pro suggest that Apple may soon unveil its M5 models. Early glimpses of the new chipset were provided during an unboxing video featuring the refreshed iPad Pro, revealing subtle differences from the M4. As anticipation builds, it’s expected that the M5 Pro and M5 Max will introduce significant enhancements that cater to user customization.

Customization and Value for MacBook Pro Users

According to emerging rumors, the M5 Pro and M5 Max chipsets will incorporate a novel design that allows users to opt for customized configurations without incurring extra costs. This development enables those needing specific core counts in their MacBook Pros to choose hardware options tailored to their performance requirements.

Reports indicate that the M5 Pro will be manufactured using TSMC’s advanced SoIC-MH packaging and produced with the company’s cutting-edge 3nm ‘N3P’ process, similar to the A19 and A19 Pro chipsets. Notably, while the M5 will lack this high-end packaging technology, the M5 Pro and M5 Max will leverage these advancements, offering exclusive benefits:

Reduced size and weight, making it ideal for sleek and portable devices like the MacBook Pro.
Standardized design leading to lower manufacturing costs.
Streamlined assembly process.
Increased component density for more functionality in smaller devices.
Enhanced performance through minimized capacitance and improved signal integrity.
Superior heat transfer capabilities thanks to an exposed pad, promoting better sustained performance.

While Vadim Yuryev has hinted at these design changes in a post on X, the details suggest that the new chip design will support separated CPU and GPU blocks. This adjustment allows users the flexibility to configure their MacBook Pro with an optimal number of graphics and processing cores. For instance, one user may opt for the maximum GPU count while keeping the base CPU configuration at nine cores, which is the standard for the M5.

M5 Pro and M5 Max will have a new chip design with separated CPU and GPU blocks, allowing customers to mix and match core counts.(ie: Maxed out GPU with base CPU) M5 chip will not be getting any of this new chip tech/design language. This explains M5 Pro/Max delay into 2026.https://t.co/FWPFEHMY2W

— Vadim Yuryev (@VadimYuryev) October 7, 2025

Conversely, users may choose to have a higher number of CPU cores while reducing the GPU count. However, it’s yet to be confirmed whether users will also have the freedom to adjust the unified RAM configurations. A potential downside to this innovative design is the reported delay in the launch of the M5 Pro and M5 Max.

If these rumors hold true, this would mark the first time Apple has not debuted its three-chip lineup, which typically kicks off with the MacBook Pro. It seems unlikely that significant competition will emerge during this period; Qualcomm’s latest 18-core Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme struggled against the M4 Max in both single-core and multi-core tests on Cinebench 2024.

Adding to this, the M4 Pro’s 20-core GPU outperformed the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme by margins of up to 45% in 3DMark benchmarks like Steel Nomad Light Unlimited and Solar Bar Unlimited. In summary, even with a delayed launch for the M5 series, Apple appears to retain its position at the forefront of processing power without facing serious challengers.

For further updates, follow Vadim Yuryev on Twitter.

Source & Images