Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
Expert rating7.5 / 10
- CPU:
- M5 Pro
- GPU:
- Apple M5 Pro 16-core GPU
- RAM:
- 24GB Unified Memory
- Display:
- 14.2" 3024x1964 Liquid Retina XDR 120Hz
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Manufacturer: Apple Last updated: 2026-10-08
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Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch Review
The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch is a 14.2-inch mobile workstation from 2026 built around the Apple M5 Pro. It uses a 3024x1964 Mini-LED panel at 120Hz. It weighs 1.60 kg.
What it does well: a 15-core processor for heavy work and a bright Mini-LED screen. Where it falls short: soldered memory, storage you cannot upgrade and PWM flicker at lower brightness.
Processor performance
The Apple M5 Pro has 15 cores. That covers 4K and 8K video editing, large code builds and big music projects.
PugetBench (creative apps). These are Puget Systems' public results for the Apple M5 Pro (15 Cores) in its standard test, pooled across every system it was tested in, so this laptop's power limits can move them up or down. Higher is better.
| App | PugetBench score | Results |
|---|---|---|
| Premiere Pro | 101,044 | 26 |
| DaVinci Resolve | 75,868 | 18 |
| Photoshop | 14,308 | 14 |
| Lightroom Classic | 11,452 | 13 |
Graphics and gaming
The 16-core GPU shares the 24GB unified memory pool with the CPU at 307GB/s, so large 3D scenes and high-resolution timelines are not squeezed into a small VRAM buffer. The catch for gaming is software: many Windows games still do not run on macOS.
Memory, storage and upgrades
Memory: fixed. 24GB of LPDDR5X-9600 is built into the chip package, so buy the amount you will need for the life of the laptop; configurations go up to 128GB.
Storage: fixed. The 1TB SSD cannot be replaced or added to later.
Only the fans and battery are realistically serviceable.
Display
The 14.2-inch Mini-LED panel runs at 3024x1964 (254 pixels per inch) and 120Hz. It is rated at 1000 nits.
In NotebookCheck's review of the 16-inch M5 Pro, the Mini-LED screen stood out for very high HDR and SDR brightness and accurate colors, but it flickered via PWM at all brightness levels and had slow pixel response times.
macOS and Apple silicon
The Apple M5 Pro is a system on a chip: CPU, GPU and memory share one package, which is why nothing can be upgraded later. Apple's own pro apps run natively, but check your Windows-only tools before switching.
Battery life
The battery is 72.4Wh, smaller than 83% of the mobile workstation laptops we list. Apple's own battery rating: Up to 22 hours video streaming, up to 14 hours wireless web (M5 Pro). Fast charging: Fast-charge capable with a 96W or higher USB PD power source.
Design and build
Materials: 100% recycled aluminum enclosure. At 1.60 kg it is lighter than 83% of the mobile workstation laptops we list. It measures 312.6x221.2x15.5 mm.
Keyboard and touchpad
The backlit Magic Keyboard has a full row of 12 full-height function keys and a Touch ID sensor built into the top-right key.
Apple fits a large Force Touch trackpad that senses pressure, so it supports Force clicks, pressure-sensitive drawing and the usual macOS multi-finger gestures. Sign-in: Touch ID.
Ports and connectivity
It has 3x Thunderbolt 5, which runs docks, fast external drives and displays over one cable. It can drive up to 3 external displays. It charges over USB-C.
Full list: 3x Thunderbolt 5 with charging, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 5 up to 120Gb/s and USB4, 1x HDMI, 1x SDXC card slot, 1x MagSafe 3, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack. Wireless: Wi-Fi 7.
The SD card reader runs at UHS speeds but does not support the newer SD Express standard.
Webcam, speakers and extras
Webcam: 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View, 1080p video. Speakers: Six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers, Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio support.
Which configuration to buy
The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch name covers several builds. Processors: Apple M5 Pro 15-core CPU with 16-core GPU, Apple M5 Pro 18-core CPU with 20-core GPU, Apple M5 Max 18-core CPU with 32-core GPU and Apple M5 Max 18-core CPU with 40-core GPU. Graphics: 16-core, 20-core, 32-core and 40-core. Memory: 24GB (M5 Pro), 36GB (M5 Max 32-core GPU), 48GB (M5 Pro or M5 Max 40-core GPU), 64GB (M5 Pro 20-core GPU or M5 Max 40-core GPU), 128GB (M5 Max 40-core GPU). Screens: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, 3024x1964, up to 120Hz ProMotion, glossy; 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, 3024x1964, up to 120Hz ProMotion, nano-texture option. Check the exact configuration on the listing before you buy.
As of September 2026 Apple's MacBook Pro page still sells the M5, M5 Pro and M5 Max models, so this M5 Pro 14-inch (introduced in 2026) is the current generation.
Alternatives to consider
- Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 (Core Ultra 9 185H, RTX 4070, 64GB): Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, heavier at 1.82 kg, a bigger 90Wh battery and upgradeable RAM.
- Dell Precision 5690 (Core Ultra 7 165H, RTX 3500 Ada, 32GB): Core Ultra 7 165H, heavier at 2.17 kg, a bigger 99.5Wh battery and a 16-inch screen.
- HP ZBook Fury 16 G11 (Core i9-14900HX, RTX 5000 Ada, 64GB): Core i9-14900HX, heavier at 2.40 kg, a bigger 95Wh battery and upgradeable RAM.
Sources
NotebookCheck has not reviewed this exact 14-inch model, so this page uses Apple's specifications and leaves out measured numbers from other configurations.
Our verdict
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating7.5 / 10
The 14 inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro has 24GB of unified memory, 1TB of storage and a Liquid Retina XDR display at 1000 nits and 120Hz. Thunderbolt 5, WiFi 7 and a 72.4Wh battery at 1.6 kg suit video, photo and music work in Apple's pro apps.
The memory and storage cannot be upgraded later, so pick the amount you need now. It runs macOS only, so Windows-only software and most PC games are not an option.
Best for
- Video, photo and music work in Apple's pro apps
Not for
- Anyone who wants to upgrade memory later
- Windows-only software and most PC games
Specifications
What these specs meanIdentity and variant
| Brand | Apple |
|---|---|
| Series | MacBook Pro |
| Series ID | apple-macbook-pro-14-2026 |
| SKU Name | Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5 Pro, 24GB, 1TB) |
| Chassis Code | MacBook Pro 14 (2026) |
| Region Sold | Global |
Class and platform
| Laptop Class | Mobile Workstation |
|---|---|
| Release Year | 2026 |
| Operating System | macOS |
| Weight | 1.6 kg |
Processor
| CPU Brand | Apple |
|---|---|
| CPU Model | M5 Pro |
| CPU Cores | 15 |
Sustained power
| Sustained Power Source | Not Measured |
|---|---|
| Power Adapter Wattage | 70 W |
Graphics
| GPU Brand | Apple |
|---|---|
| GPU Model | Apple M5 Pro 16-core GPU |
| Graphics Switching | Integrated Only |
Memory
| RAM Capacity | 24 GB |
|---|---|
| RAM Type | Unified Memory |
| RAM Speed | 9600 MT/s |
| Memory Form Factor | On Package Unified |
| Memory Soldered | Yes |
| Max RAM Supported | 128 GB |
Upgradability
| RAM Slots | 0 |
|---|---|
| RAM Slots Free | 0 |
| Storage Slots | 0 |
| Storage Slots Free | 0 |
| Storage Form Factor | Soldered |
| Storage Interface | PCIe 5.0 x4 |
| SATA Bay Present | No |
Storage as shipped
| Storage Capacity | 1000 GB |
|---|---|
| Storage Type | Soldered NVMe |
Display
| Display Size | 14.2 inches |
|---|---|
| Resolution Width | 3024 px |
| Resolution Height | 1964 px |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Panel Type | Liquid Retina XDR |
| Brightness | 1000 nits |
| Brightness Condition | SDR Typical |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Colour Gamut | P3 wide color |
Battery and ports
| Battery Capacity | 72.4 Wh |
|---|---|
| Thunderbolt Support | Thunderbolt 5 |
| WiFi Standard | WiFi 7 |
FAQs
Is the RAM upgradeable on the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch?
No. The memory is part of the chip package, so choose the amount you need when you buy (up to 128GB).
Can you add a second SSD?
No. Storage is fixed at purchase.
Which fast ports does it have?
3x Thunderbolt 5.
How powerful is the charger?
A 70W adapter. It can also charge from a USB-C charger.
How heavy is it?
1.60 kg.
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