Apple took innovation to the next level with the release of its new MacBook Pro models and iPad Mini releases, introducing upgraded hardware, display technology, and user experiences. The new models were unveiled through two separate announcements from Oct. 27 to 28, alongside other additions to their product lineup.
Groundbreaking brilliance
The MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display makes its industry debut as the “world’s best laptop display,” according to Apple’s chief hardware officer, Johny Srouji. Integrating tandem OLED technology with advanced algorithms, the model delivers Extreme Dynamic Range (XDR) capabilities with up to 2,000 nits of peak SDR brightness and a 10,000,000:1 contrast ratio engineered to display exceptional true-to-life HDR content. Additionally, it also utilizes ProMotion technology designed to support adaptive refresh rates from 10Hz to 120Hz.
For the first time in its lineup, Apple introduced a touchscreen functionality that allows users to scroll and zoom directly on the screen. The touch sensor is integrated into the display panel, reducing latency and increasing interactivity. Furthermore, the Dynamic Island is also featured in this design, and just like on an iPhone, it provides a quick way to view and interact with important notifications.
The latest flagship is powered by the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips and features a lighter, thinner design. It also features an industry-leading six-speaker audio system with a new woofer design dedicated to providing a premium audio experience.
The MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display comes in space black and silver. The 14-inch model starts at ₱214,990 (M5 Pro) and ₱329,990 (M5 Max). The 16-inch model starts at ₱249,990 (M5 Pro) and ₱344,990 (M5 Max). Upgrading to the nano-texture glass display adds ₱9,750 to the total price.
A new frontier
The MacBook Pro runs on the new M6 chip, featuring a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU designed to handle more demanding activities with greater speed and efficiency. Compared to its M5 predecessor, the processor delivers up to 30% better performance. The device is also integrated with a Dual 16-core Neural Engine that is up to 1.9 times faster in Neural Engine performance and delivers 25% faster on-device AI performance compared with the M5.
The MacBook Pro is available only with a 14-inch display in space black and silver with the price point starting at ₱144,990. Upgrading to thenNano-texture display adds ₱9,750.
Pocket power
The latest generation iPad Mini features substantial advancements, boasting an A20 Pro chip with up to 6-core CPU, 9-core GPU, and Dual 16-core Neural Engine—an upgrade from the previous model powered by the A17 Pro chip. Models with 128GB or 256GB of storage are equipped with a 5-core CPU consisting of 2 super cores and 3 efficiency cores, a 7-core GPU, Neural Accelerators, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and a 16-core Neural Engine.
Models with 512GB of storage feature a 6-core CPU with 2 super cores and 4 efficiency cores, a 7-core GPU, Neural Accelerators, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and a Dual 16-core Neural Engine. The updated lineup is also slightly larger, featuring an 8.5 Super Retina XDR display and a nano-texture display glass option on the 256GB and 512GB models.
Other new features include a landscape 12MP Center Stage camera, an acoustic sound display, and Wi-Fi 73 to support faster speeds and wider channels that improves real-time tasks.
The iPad mini is available in two colors: midnight and starlight. Pricing starts at ₱49,990 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model and ₱59,990 for the 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The 256GB version costs ₱56,990 (Wi-Fi) and ₱66,990 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), while the 512GB model is ₱70,990 (Wi-Fi) and ₱80,990 (Wi-Fi + Cellular). Upgrading to nano-texture glass costs an additional ₱7,000.
Preorder dates have yet to be announced in the Philippines, but the devices will be available soon through Apple Philippines and local Apple-authorized resellers.
