Apple M5 Launch, Windows 10 End of Support, Walmart OpenAI Shopping

Apple’s hardware refresh centered on the new M5 chip dominates today’s headlines, but the week’s other major stories — Microsoft’s official end of support for Windows 10 and Walmart’s move to let shoppers buy directly through ChatGPT — are just as consequential for PC users, IT teams and everyday consumers.

Background / Overview​

Apple’s October refresh places the new Apple M5 system-on-chip into three headline products: the 14‑inch MacBook Pro, the iPad Pro, and an updated Vision Pro headset. Apple positions the M5 as a generational step for on‑device AI and sustained creative workflows, with higher memory bandwidth and a bigger emphasis on neural acceleration than its M4 predecessor. Independent press coverage and wire reporting confirms Apple announced the M5 updates on October 15, 2025, with preorders opening immediately and product availability set for October 22.
On the PC side, Microsoft has reached a clear milestone: Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. That means Microsoft will no longer issue regular security patches, feature updates, or offer technical support for Windows 10 Home and Pro outside of specific extended-security programs. Microsoft’s lifecycle pages and support articles spell out the timeline and the consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) window available as a stopgap.
Finally, in a major retail-tech tie‑up, Walmart announced a partnership with OpenAI that lets customers buy Walmart products directly inside ChatGPT using an “Instant Checkout” flow. The program ramps up ChatGPT’s commerce capability and is intended to make routinely purchased items available via conversational AI, with Sam’s Club and certain categories included at launch. Both Walmart’s corporate release and multiple press outlets covered the deal.

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Apple M5: what changed, and why it matters​

M5 at a glance​

• Built on a third‑generation 3 nm process and tuned for a mix of single‑thread performance and on‑device AI acceleration.
• A 10‑core architecture reported in early coverage (mix of performance and efficiency cores), paired with a 10‑core GPU and an improved Neural Engine for AI workloads.
• Increased memory bandwidth numbers are a central claim — Apple says the M5 moves the platform forward for multi‑stream media, real‑time inference and multitasking. Early reporting cites higher bandwidth than the M4 family.

These raw changes are important because Apple’s strategy since the M1 has been to make unified memory and on‑die AI acceleration the differentiator for real-world creative and productivity workloads. By pushing more bandwidth and neural compute into lower‑power envelopes, Apple aims to run larger models locally, improve responsiveness for features that rely on on‑device inference, and shrink the latency gap versus cloud‑dependent AI.

Device-by-device updates​

14‑inch MacBook Pro​

The 14‑inch MacBook Pro receives the M5 bump while retaining the same chassis and I/O layout as the previous model. Apple’s messaging highlights:

• Substantial gains in AI and graphics throughput (vendor claims of multiple‑times faster AI inference workloads vs M4).
• Higher sustained multi‑core performance for long creative exports.
• Continued battery life claims that match or exceed prior generation numbers.
• Pricing remained steady at the same starting MSRP in Apple’s public materials and in press reporting.

Practical takeaway: for creative professionals who use AI‑enabled tools, large native machine‑learning workloads or heavy video/3D export tasks, the M5 MacBook Pro is positioned as a compelling upgrade — but the changes are evolutionary rather than a wholesale redesign.

iPad Pro​

Apple also introduced an M5‑equipped iPad Pro with iPadOS 26 features tuned to take advantage of the new neural throughput:

• Larger on‑device model performance targets for generative and assistive AI features.
• Upgrades in wireless connectivity (Wi‑Fi 7 support reported) and cellular modem improvements on cellular SKUs.
• A continuation of Apple’s tablet-as-creator pitch: more power, longer field‑work battery life and new multitasking UI elements in iPadOS 26.

For power iPad users who value low-latency local inference — image editing, generative media or advanced productivity features — the new iPad Pro reduces the need to offload models to the cloud.

Vision Pro​

Apple quietly refreshed the Vision Pro with an M5 variant aimed at improving graphical fidelity and enabling more local AI processing in visionOS:

• Reported improvements in frame rates, rendering pipelines and on‑device generative experiences.
• Apple framed the update as part of an ongoing product refinement to boost mixed‑reality capabilities.

The Vision Pro update is noteworthy because mixed reality benefits heavily from low latency and local sensor fusion; adding a more capable SoC directly addresses those constraints.

Cross-checking claims — what’s verified and what still needs time​

Apple’s launch materials and the initial press cycle emphasize big percentage gains in AI tasks and graphics. Reuters and The Verge published the launch details and reiterated Apple’s claims, but independent, sustained benchmarks are still pending. Early promotional numbers should be treated as vendor statements until third‑party testing validates sustained performance under real workloads (full exports, long compiles, multi‑hour AI inference). Readers should expect independent reviews and sustained‑load benchmarks in the coming weeks.

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Practical implications for Windows users and IT teams​

Windows 10 end of support: the facts​

Microsoft’s official guidance is clear: Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. After that date:

• Microsoft will no longer publish security updates or provide technical support for Windows 10 Home and Pro.
• Devices will continue to operate, but they will be at higher risk as new vulnerabilities are discovered.
• A Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program exists as a temporary safety valve, offering security updates until October 13, 2026, with enrollment options described by Microsoft.

Windows 10’s end of support impacts consumers, SMBs and enterprises differently — but for all organizations it creates a hard date for remediation planning.

How many PCs are still on Windows 10?​

Market share estimates vary by source, but multiple outlets reported a significant portion of PCs still running Windows 10 at the time of end of support. That means a sizable base of machines will need decisions: upgrade, replace, or enroll in ESU. Because usage-share numbers move daily and vary by measurement method, treat any single percentage as an estimate; verify with your own telemetry and inventories before acting.

Options and recommended steps (consumer and IT playbook)​

• Inventory and triage
• Identify devices running Windows 10 and prioritize by role, sensitivity and software dependencies.
• Run the Windows PC Health Check to assess compatibility with Windows 11 and collect TPM/UEFI/CPU info.
• Decide on a path for each device
• If compatible: plan in‑place upgrade to Windows 11 (test apps, drivers, and update firmware).
• If not compatible: evaluate hardware replacement, purchase refurbished systems that meet Windows 11 requirements, or plan migration to Linux/ChromeOS Flex for low‑risk workloads.
• If immediate replacement is impossible: enroll eligible devices in the consumer ESU program as a temporary measure.
• Back up, test, and phase deployment
• Backup critical user data, create pilot groups, validate core apps, and confirm vendor support for Windows 11 images.
• Stagger upgrades to reduce support load and maintain rollback paths.
• For businesses: update security posture
• Re-evaluate endpoint detection, network segmentation, patch cadences and identity protections — unsupported OSes increase risk surface.
• If keeping Windows 10 devices with ESU, treat that as time‑buying only and earmark budgets for replacement within the year.
• Long‑term: align with Copilot+ and AI readiness
• Windows 11 and many new Windows PCs are being positioned as Copilot+ capable; organizations intending to leverage on‑device AI should factor NPU and hardware compatibility into buying guides. For Windows users considering platform switches, Apple’s refreshed M5 machines provide an alternative path for AI-first workflows, but swapping platforms has migration and management costs.

Special notes for Apple/Windows interoperability​

Apple’s Windows-side tooling (such as the Apple Devices app for device backups and updates) still expects modern Windows versions and Microsoft Store distribution; historically, Apple’s Windows device-management apps required Windows 10 or 11 to run reliably. That matters if you plan to manage iPhones or iPads from a fleet still running older Windows builds.

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Walmart + ChatGPT: what the partnership means for shoppers and retailers​

The announcement in plain terms​

Walmart and OpenAI are integrating commerce into ChatGPT using a conversational Instant Checkout flow. Customers will be able to:

• Link their Walmart accounts to ChatGPT.
• Ask the chatbot to build shopping lists, plan meals or find items and then complete purchases directly from the chat interface.
• Use the flow for Sam’s Club members and for a broad set of typical grocery and household categories at launch; third‑party marketplace sellers will be supported later.

This is a deliberate move to make shopping more conversational and to capture more routine, repeat transactions inside a chat experience rather than through web search and traditional e-commerce funnels.

Benefits and consumer-facing upsides​

• Faster, less frictional checkout for routine lists and repeat buys.
• The potential for personalized recommendations and planning help (meal planning, pantry restocking).
• Accessibility improvements for users who prefer conversational interactions over navigating long product lists.

Risks, privacy and fraud considerations​

• Account linking requires careful handling of payment credentials, authorization tokens and privacy preferences; shoppers should confirm the data that’s shared between ChatGPT/OpenAI and Walmart when they link accounts.
• Conversational shopping can increase impulse buys through suggestion-driven flows; budget‑conscious shoppers should review cart contents before confirming Instant Checkout.
• Fraud and account‑takeover risks remain a concern whenever third‑party apps can complete purchases; users should enable multifactor authentication and monitor payment methods closely.

What to do if you plan to use it​

• Review and harden account security (strong password, MFA, review saved cards).
• Read the privacy prompts during account link to see what information is shared.
• Start small: use Instant Checkout for low‑risk, familiar purchases before relying on it for larger orders.
• Businesses and developers building commerce experiences should evaluate how agentic commerce affects conversion funnels, attribution and customer service workflows.

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Critical analysis: strengths, weaknesses and risks across the three stories​

Apple’s M5 refresh — strengths​

• On‑device AI focus: Increasing neural throughput is the correct strategic bet for latency‑sensitive, privacy‑aware AI features.
• Incremental product improvement: By slotting M5 into existing lines, Apple minimizes engineering disruption while upgrading performance for demanding users.
• Ecosystem leverage: macOS/iPadOS + Apple Intelligence features tie hardware gains to a software story that benefits from Apple’s tight integration.

Apple’s M5 refresh — risks and caveats​

• Vendor performance claims need independent validation. Marketing numbers for AI or graphics are useful for positioning but not definitive for real workloads; sustained benchmark testing is required.
• Upgrade calculus: Many buyers will weigh incremental gains vs cost — the M5 MacBook Pro is an attractive in‑line upgrade for owners of older Intel machines or very old M1 units, but M4 owners should evaluate workload-specific gains.
• Developer dependence: The real advantage of local AI is unlocked only when developers ship optimized pipelines and apps that use Apple’s neural APIs at scale.

Windows 10 EOL — strengths (as a forcing function)​

• Clear timeline: Microsoft’s end-of-support date forces organizations to modernize, which can improve long‑term security posture.
• Paths forward: Windows 11, hardware refresh, ESU and alternative OSes give multiple migration strategies.

Windows 10 EOL — risks​

• Fragmentation: A large installed base still on Windows 10 increases exposure to threats; ESU is temporary and expensive for many.
• Compatibility and cost: Some legacy machines and peripherals will not upgrade easily to Windows 11, forcing capital spend and migration work for vendors and internal IT.

Walmart‑OpenAI collaboration — strengths​

• Reduced friction: Instant Checkout can meaningfully lower the barrier to conversion for routine shopping.
• Scale: Walmart’s catalog + ChatGPT’s conversational UI is a big test of agentic commerce at scale.

Walmart‑OpenAI collaboration — risks​

• Privacy and merchant controls: Conversations that include personal context raise new questions about consent, data retention and personalization drift.
• Customer support and dispute flows: Conversational purchases must reconcile with returns, disputes and fraud detection systems that are typically optimized for web checkouts.
• Concentration risks: Consolidating commerce inside conversational platforms means a lot of customer intent and payment flow goes through a limited set of AI providers; that raises strategic questions for retail competition.

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Actionable takeaway checklist​

• For potential Apple buyers:
• If you rely on AI‑heavy local workflows (ML models, photo/video generation, on‑device inference), add the M5 MacBook Pro / iPad Pro to your shortlist.
• Wait for independent sustained benchmarks if your workload is multi‑hour, high‑thermal or highly GPU‑dependent.
• For Windows 10 users (consumers and admins):
• Inventory machines today and identify critical systems still on Windows 10.
• Run the Windows PC Health Check and categorize devices: upgradeable / replace / ESU candidate.
• Back up, pilot and stage upgrades; enroll mission‑critical endpoints in ESU only as a last resort.
• For shoppers considering ChatGPT Instant Checkout:
• Link accounts only after enabling MFA and understanding what data is shared.
• Use Instant Checkout for familiar, repeat purchases first; review carts before confirming.
• Monitor statements and order histories as you would with any new checkout channel.

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Conclusion​

This week’s headlines tell a consistent story about where consumer and professional computing is heading: faster local AI, clearer platform timelines and a blurring of retail and conversational AI. Apple’s M5 push underscores hardware vendors’ race to put neural engines and high memory bandwidth at the center of their roadmaps. Microsoft’s closure of the Windows 10 chapter forces a broad migration that will shape buying decisions and security postures for months to come. And Walmart’s partnership with OpenAI signals a shift in how commerce may be performed — a move from search-and-click to conversational, agentic flows.
All three moves demonstrate a common theme: decision windows are narrowing. For buyers, IT leaders and consumers, that means prioritizing inventories, testing new hardware and services against real needs, and treating vendor performance claims as invitations to validate rather than as final answers. The immediate actions are pragmatic — inventory, secure, test, and phase — but the strategic implications will influence device choices and shopping behavior for years.

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Source: ZDNET Apple updates several products with the new M5 chip, what you need to know about Windows 10 & more | tech today - Video