Apple has once again raised the bar for professional laptops with the latest MacBook Pro models—the 14-inch and 16-inch variants. Packed with cutting-edge M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max chips, these machines are designed for creatives, developers, and power users who demand unparalleled performance. However, while the base configurations are impressive, one often-overlooked detail is the additional cost of the power supply, which isn’t always included in the box.
In this article, we’ll break down the key features of the new MacBook Pro models, their pricing, and why you might need to budget extra for the right charger.
The New MacBook Pro: A Powerhouse for Professionals
Apple’s latest MacBook Pro lineup is built around the M5 series chips, which deliver up to 2.5x faster performancethan the previous M1 models. Whether you’re editing 8K video, compiling complex code, or running AI-powered workflows, these machines are engineered to handle it all.
Key Features of the New MacBook Pro (14″ and 16″)
1. Stunning Displays with ProMotion
- 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR (3024 x 1964 resolution)
- 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR (3456 x 2234 resolution)
- 120Hz ProMotion for ultra-smooth scrolling and responsiveness
- Up to 1600 nits peak brightness (HDR content) and 1000 nits sustained brightness
2. M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max Chips – Unmatched Performance
- M5 (Base Model) – 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 24GB unified memory (max)
- M5 Pro – 11 or 12-core CPU, 14 or 18-core GPU, 36GB unified memory (max)
- M5 Max – 14 or 16-core CPU, 30 or 40-core GPU, up to 128GB unified memory (for extreme workloads)
- Hardware-accelerated ray tracing for 3D rendering and gaming
- Dynamic Caching for optimized GPU performance
3. All-Day Battery Life
- Up to 18 hours of video playback (14-inch)
- Up to 22 hours of video playback (16-inch)
- Fast charging (50% in ~30 minutes with a 96W or 140W adapter)
4. Ports & Connectivity
- 3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) – Supports charging, DisplayPort, and high-speed data transfer
- HDMI 2.1 – For 8K displays or 4K at 240Hz
- SDXC card slot (UHS-II) – A must for photographers and videographers
- MagSafe 3 – Magnetic charging with fast reconnection
- Wi-Fi 6E & Bluetooth 5.3 – Faster wireless speeds
5. Improved Cooling & Quiet Operation
- Larger fans and heat pipes for sustained performance
- Redesigned thermal architecture to keep the laptop cool under heavy loads
6. Enhanced Audio & Camera
- Six-speaker sound system with spatial audio
- Studio-quality three-mic array
- 1080p FaceTime HD camera with improved low-light performance
Pricing: What’s Included (and What’s Not)
Apple’s pricing for the new MacBook Pro models starts at £1,699 for the 14-inch and £2,699 for the 16-inch. However, the power adapter is not always included in the box, depending on the configuration.
MacBook Pro 14-inch Pricing (Starting at £ 1,699)
| Model | Chip | RAM | Storage | Price | Power Adapter required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | M5 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU) | 16GB | 1TB | ** £ 1,699** | 70W USB-C Power Adapter (Not included) |
| M5 Pro | M5 Pro (15-core CPU, 16-core GPU) | 24GB | 512GB | ** £ 2,199** | 70W USB-C Power Adapter (Not included) |
| M5 Pro | M5 Pro (18-core CPU, 20-core GPU) | 24GB | 1TB | ** £ 2,399** | 96W USB-C Power Adapter (Not included) |
| M5 Max | M5 Max (18-core CPU, 32-core GPU) | 36GB | 2TB | £3,599 | 96W USB-C Power Adapter (Not included) |
| M5 Max | M5 Max (18-core CPU, 40-core GPU) | 48GB | 2TB | £4,099 | 96W USB-C Power Adapter (Not included) |
MacBook Pro 16-inch Pricing (Starting at £ 2,699)
| Model | Chip | RAM | Storage | Price | Power Adapter required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | M5 Pro (18-core CPU, 20-core GPU) | 24GB | 1TB | ** £ 2,699** | 140W USB-C Power Adapter(included) |
| M5 Max | M5 Max (18-core CPU, 32-core GPU) | 36GB | 2TB | ** £ 3,899** | 140W USB-C Power Adapter(included) |
| M5 Max | M5 Max (18-core CPU, 40-core GPU) | 48GB | 2TB | ** £ 4,399** | 140W USB-C Power Adapter(included) |
Nano -Texture Display option for all types +£150
Machine Colour – Space black or Silver (Space Grey has gone 😔 )
Mag Safe 3 Cable (included in all laptops)
The Hidden Cost: Power Adapters Are Extra
Apple changed their policy on all the new laptop hardware on the March 26 refresh of the product line. Apple does not include power adapter in the box for any of their laptops. Standard power adapter is the 70W for the base end 14″ MBP You will need a higher-wattage adapter for the 16″ machines (like the 96W or 140W).
Apple’s Power Adapter Options & Pricing
| Power Adapter | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 70W USB-C Power Adapter | £59 | Standard for M5 Pro 14″ |
| 96W USB-C Power Adapter | £79 | Fast charging for 14″ M5 Pro and Max |
| 140W USB-C Power Adapter | £99 | Best for 16″ MacBook Pro |
Note the power adapter does not come with the Mag Safe 3 cable (included with all new MacBook Pro’s). An addition cost for a 2 meter will set you back £49. For that price you do get the choice of 6 colors (Silver, Sky Blue, Space Grey, Midnight, Starlight, Space Black)
Why Would You Need a Separate Power Adapter?
- If you upgrade from the base M5 14-inch and want faster charging.
- If you lose or damage the included charger.
- If you need a spare charger for home/office.
Who Should Buy the New MacBook Pro?
1. Creative Professionals (Video Editors, Photographers, 3D Artists)
- M5 Max with 128GB RAM is ideal for 8K video editing, 3D rendering, and AI workflows.
- SD card slot & HDMI 2.1 make it perfect for pro photographers and videographers.
- ProRes acceleration speeds up Final Cut Pro workflows.
2. Developers & Engineers
- Up to 128GB RAM allows for massive virtual machines and large codebases.
- Hardware-accelerated ray tracing helps with game development and simulations.
- Thunderbolt 4 ports support multiple 6K displays for coding setups.
3. Music Producers & Audio Engineers
- Six-speaker sound system with spatial audio for immersive mixing.
- Low-latency performance for DAWs like Logic Pro and Ableton.
- Studio-quality mics for podcasting and voiceovers.
4. Power Users Who Need Portability
- 14-inch model is great for travelers who need power without bulk.
- 16-inch model is better for desktop replacement with a larger screen.
Pros:
✅ M5 chips deliver industry-leading performance
✅ Stunning Liquid Retina XDR displays with ProMotion
✅ All-day battery life (up to 22 hours on 16-inch)
✅ MagSafe, HDMI, and SD card slot return
✅ Excellent cooling for sustained workloads
Cons:
❌ No power charger
❌ High-end configurations are expensive
❌ No touchscreen (unlike some Windows alternatives, however is there a need for such items with the iPad range available)
Who Should Buy?
✔ Professionals who need raw power (video editors, developers, 3D artists)
✔ **Users who want a desktop replacement with portability
✔ **Those who need long battery life and premium build quality
Who Should Wait?
❌ Casual users (consider the MacBook Air M5 instead might be cheaper)
❌ Budget-conscious buyers
❌ **Those who don’t need pro-level performance
Final Thoughts: A Powerhouse with a Hidden Cost
The new MacBook Pro (14″ and 16″) is a monster of a machine, perfect for professionals who demand the best, offering blazing-fast performance, stunning displays, and all-day battery life. However, none of the machines come with a power adapter, cost start at £59 depending on the model of the MacBook Pro.
If you’re investing in a high-end M5 Pro or M5 Max model consider Apple care + when you buy it covers accidental damage which can be expensive.
Overall, the new MacBook Pro is a worthy upgrade for power users—but make sure to factor in the cost of the right charger!