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Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Max)
Apple

Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch

Expert rating8.8 / 10

View on Best BuyView on apple.com
CPU:
Apple M5 Max (18-core)
GPU:
M5 Max GPU (32-core)
RAM:
36GB unified
Storage:
2TB soldered
Display:
16.2" Liquid Retina XDR 120Hz

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Manufacturer: Apple Last updated: 2026-10-10

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Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch Review

Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch M5 Max chip, 18-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 36GB unified memory, 2TB SSD, 16.2 inch Liquid Retina XDR display, 100Wh battery, Thunderbolt 5, macOS, for professional video and 3D work.

The flagship configuration: M5 Max's 32-core GPU in the 16-inch chassis with the biggest battery Apple makes, for professionals who need the most sustained GPU throughput in a laptop.

Performance

M5 Max with a 32-core GPU (a 40-core bin is also offered) in the chassis best able to sustain it thermally. This is the highest sustained GPU performance available in a MacBook, ahead of the same chip in the 14-inch body.

Upgradability

36GB unified memory and 2TB SSD are fixed at purchase, both soldered/on-package. Configurable to 128GB memory and 8TB storage at checkout only, nothing can be changed later.

Battery life

100Wh battery. Apple rates Max-tier video playback slightly below the Pro tier due to higher GPU power draw, but the larger battery than the 14-inch keeps real-world runtime competitive.

Display

16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, 3456x2234, ProMotion up to 120Hz, 1000 nits sustained / 1600 nits HDR peak.

Design and ports

2.15kg. Three Thunderbolt 5, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3, headphone jack. Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.

Our verdict

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Expert rating8.8 / 10

The 16 inch MacBook Pro with M5 Max has an 18-core CPU, 36GB of unified memory, 2TB of storage and a Liquid Retina XDR display at 1000 nits and 120Hz. A 100Wh battery, Thunderbolt 5 and WiFi 7 serve colorists, 3D artists and ML professionals who need the most GPU a MacBook offers.

At 2.15 kg with a 16 inch footprint it is a heavy carry, and memory and storage cannot be upgraded.

Best for

  • Colorists, 3D and ML professionals who need the most GPU a MacBook offers
  • Studios standardizing on a single top-tier laptop for heavy pipelines
  • Buyers who value battery life alongside maximum performance

Not for

  • Anyone who doesn't saturate GPU cores day to day, M5 Pro is enough
  • Portability-first buyers, heaviest and priciest MacBook configuration
  • Budget-conscious buyers by a wide margin

Specifications

What these specs mean

Identity and variant

BrandApple
SeriesMacBook Pro
Series IDmacbook-pro-16-m5
SKU NameM5 Max (18-core CPU/32-core GPU) / 36GB / 2TB
Chassis Code16-inch, 2026
Region SoldGlobal

Class and platform

Laptop ClassThin and Light
Release Year2026
Operating SystemmacOS
Weight2.15 kg

Processor

CPU BrandApple
CPU ModelApple M5 Max (18-core CPU)
CPU Cores18

Graphics

GPU BrandApple
GPU ModelApple M5 Max GPU (32-core)
VRAM0 GB
Graphics SwitchingIntegrated Only

Memory

RAM Capacity36 GB
RAM TypeUnified Memory
Memory Form FactorOn Package Unified
Memory SolderedYes
Max RAM Supported128 GB

Upgradability

RAM Slots0
RAM Slots Free0
Storage Slots0
Storage Slots Free0
Storage Form FactorSoldered
SATA Bay PresentNo

Storage as shipped

Storage Capacity2000 GB
Storage TypeSoldered NVMe

Display

Display Size16.2 inches
Resolution Width3456 px
Resolution Height2234 px
Refresh Rate120 Hz
Panel TypeLiquid Retina XDR
Brightness1000 nits
Brightness ConditionSDR Sustained Full Screen
TouchscreenNo
Colour GamutP3 wide color

Battery and ports

Battery Capacity100 Wh
Thunderbolt SupportThunderbolt 5
WiFi StandardWiFi 7

FAQs

Can you upgrade the RAM in the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch?

No. The memory (36 GB of Unified Memory) is on the processor package and there are no memory slots, so it cannot be upgraded after purchase. Choose the capacity you need when you buy.

Can you upgrade the SSD in the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch?

No. The storage is not in a replaceable slot, so it cannot be swapped after purchase.

What display does the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch have?

The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch has a 16.2-inch, 3456x2234, Liquid Retina XDR, 120 Hz non-touch display (P3 wide color).

Does the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch have Thunderbolt?

Yes. It supports Thunderbolt 5.

How big is the battery in the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch?

The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch has a 100 Wh battery.

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