Stop me if this seems familiar: The newest M5 Apple devices feature heightened speed and power compared to their earlier models, with built-in AI tools improving the user experience. Yet, for many, they aren’t a must-have upgrade.

Earlier this year, I made comparable remarks about headphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, and TVs. We’re in a phase of gradual enhancements, where companies roll out new products quicker than consumers can keep pace. The latest M5-powered MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro illustrate this pattern, equipped with additional AI functionalities.

Apple has raised the standard with its prior M-series chips (M1 through M4), making the necessity for the M5 debatable. In my household, tablets are primarily utilized for streaming Netflix or playing The Sims, and even the older M2 chip is adequate for daily tasks. I know professional video editors who are still satisfied with M1 and M2 MacBook Pros.

This places reviewers like me in the situation of commending these products while suggesting you remain with your current Apple devices.

Is this a praise or critique of Apple? Perhaps both.

Are these products subpar? Quite the contrary. They rank among the finest gadgets ever crafted. Would I buy them? Under specific circumstances, yes. But as a consumer worried about inflation, rent, and health insurance, I plan to continue using my old laptop and tablet. The Vision Pro is certainly out of my price range.

So, who is the new MacBook Pro and iPad Pro intended for?

I’ve lauded the new M5-powered MacBook Pro and assessed the new iPad Pro. I also spent over an hour engaging with the refreshed Vision Pro, rounding out the M5 lineup.

The iPad Pro is remarkable, with a sleek aesthetic and vibrant OLED display. However, everything I appreciate about it was also found in last year’s M4 model. Even Liquid Glass is now accessible on M4 models, courtesy of iPadOS 26. Similarly, the new MacBook is striking but almost identical to last year’s version, as is the Vision Pro.

These products are geared towards professional users handling AI models, editing media, crafting social videos, and utilizing 3D rendering software. For filmmakers and social creators requiring a portable reference monitor, the iPad Pro is unparalleled. But for playing The Sims? It’s excessive.

Unless you can categorize the MacBook Pro or iPad Pro as a business expense or charge it to a corporate card, you likely don’t need them.

The new M5 MacBook Pro has another drawback. It’s only available in a 14-inch variant, while many video editors favor a 16-inch laptop, iMac, or Mac Studio. You might achieve better performance from M3 Ultra or M4 Max devices.

If the M5 MacBook Pro or iPad Pro don’t fit your budget this year, don’t fret. You can hold out for next year’s M6 version.