Apple has launched its MacBook Pro, iPad Pro and Vision Pro powered by its new M5 chip, which it says significantly boosts performance for artificial intelligence processes.
The latest 14-inch (35.6cm) MacBook Pro's performance is three and a half times better than the M4 version, particularly for AI workflows, the California-based company said on Wednesday.
The laptop's higher bandwidth will be able to accelerate the running of on-device large language models, the underlying technology of generative AI that powers Apple Intelligence, it added in a statement.
Apple has maintained an annual refresh of the MacBook Pro line since 2019. The 16-inch MacBook Pro is still available with the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips.
“M5 marks the next big leap in AI for the Mac,” said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering.
Separately, Apple announced the M5 iPad Pro, whose performance boost is similar to the new MacBook Pro.
It also has a refreshed wireless networking chip, which supports the latest wireless technologies and provides 50 per cent faster cellular data performance, Apple said.
The 11-inch iPad Pro is on its sixth iteration, while the top-end 13-inch version is on its eighth generation.
The M5 MacBook Pro and iPad Pro have improved battery life and run on the latest macOS Tahoe and iPadOS 26, both of which feature the Liquid Glass overlay.
Apple has held its prices, despite constant talk of the company raising them.
“The most advanced and versatile iPad experience … pushes the boundaries of what iPad can do yet again,” Mr Ternus said.
Apple also introduced an M5 version of its Vision Pro augmented reality headset, which also features longer battery life, plus improved display rendering as the company continues its development in the niche category.
The company said the M5 chip allows "an even faster, smoother and more responsive experience", providing developers additional incentive to create "more advanced spatial and immersive experiences".
There are currently more than 1,000 native apps on visionOS, in addition to more than 1 million iOS and iPadOS apps that are compatible with the headset, according to latest data from Apple.
In the UAE, all new devices are ready for orders, with retail availability on October 22.
Apple continues to ramp up its AI services amid the technology's boom. The launch of the M5 MacBook Pro and iPad Pro also continue the tradition of Apple's busy end-of-year stretch. It rolls out hardware in the lead-up to the key holiday quarter that the company counts on to boost sales.
The company launched its in-house M series chips in 2020 as part of its efforts to streamline its hardware in order to have greater control and customisation of its features.
Last month, Apple unveiled the iPhone 17 line-up and iPhone Air, a slimmer version of its flagship device that it says has “MacBook-level” capabilities.
The company also continues to expand its retail footprint, particularly in the Middle East. Last month, Apple opened its fifth UAE store in Al Ain, while pledging to support the Emirates' sustainability agenda.
It has also started retail operations in Saudi Arabia, launching its online channel in July, in preparation for the opening of its first physical store in the kingdom, in Diriyah.
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Xpanceo
Started: 2018
Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality
Funding: $40 million
Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
ALRAWABI%20SCHOOL%20FOR%20GIRLS
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