Other World Computing (OWC) has launched a new line of storage and connectivity solutions built to match the power of Apple’s latest M5-powered MacBook Pro and iPad Pro.
The new M5 chips, announced this week by Apple, will enhance on-device AI performance, and OWC’s updated lineup is designed to help users take full advantage of that power, without overspending.
OWC, a long-time company in the Mac ecosystem, is rolling out updated Thunderbolt hubs, portable docks, and SSDs that work seamlessly with Apple’s new hardware. Each accessory has been optimised for creators, developers, and everyday users who need faster workflows, more ports, and expandable storage options.
Larry O’Connor, founder and CEO of OWC, said: “Apple just took a big step forward in performance and on-device AI. Our mission is to make that intelligence and power easy to use everywhere. With OWC hubs and docks, users can plug in everything they need or want, and then some. And with OWC storage, users get the smartest way to scale capacity, without overpaying – while enjoying unrivalled performance and reliability.”
Built for the M5 Generation
The company’s latest range includes three docking solutions:
- OWC Thunderbolt Hub ($128.99) – adds three Thunderbolt 4 ports and one USB port, expanding users’ connectivity options.
- OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock ($249.99) – combines three Thunderbolt 4 ports, three USB-A ports, a USB-C port, and 2.5G Ethernet, enabling full-scale desktop setups.
- OWC USB-C Travel Dock ($49.99) – a five-port portable hub that connects displays, transfers data, and delivers up to 100W power through a single USB-C cable.
For users who need portable, high-speed storage, OWC also revealed several SSD options:
- OWC Express 1M2 (up to 8TB, from $119.99) – an ultra-fast USB4 NVMe SSD enclosure that can be built or bought ready-to-use.
- OWC Envoy Pro FX (480GB–4TB, from $199.99) – a rugged, waterproof SSD offering speeds up to 2800MB/s via Thunderbolt or USB.
- OWC Envoy Pro Elektron (480GB–4TB, from $129.99) – a pocket-sized SSD with desktop-class performance for editing and backups.
- OWC Envoy Pro mini (500GB–2TB, from $94.99) – a thumb-sized drive offering professional-grade speed and compatibility.
These devices make it easier to connect external displays, import large media files, power multiple accessories, and edit projects directly from external storage, all while keeping pace with the features of Apple’s new M5 chip.
A Perfect Match for Apple’s Leap in AI Performance
Apple’s M5 chip, built on third-generation 3-nanometre technology, introduces a 10-core GPU with a Neural Accelerator in each core. The company claims it delivers “over 4x the peak GPU compute performance for AI compared to M4” and up to “45 percent faster graphics performance.”
Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Technologies, said: “M5 ushers in the next big leap in AI performance for Apple silicon. With the introduction of Neural Accelerators in the GPU, M5 delivers a huge boost to AI workloads.”
The M5 chip also features a faster Neural Engine, improved CPU architecture, and increased unified memory bandwidth, allowing devices like the new MacBook Pro and iPad Pro to handle larger AI models and graphics-heavy tasks entirely on-device.
Value and Versatility
OWC says its solutions give users professional-grade performance at a fraction of the cost of Apple’s built-in upgrades. For example, the 4TB Express 1M2 costs $599, “about 50% less than comparable upgrades from the prevailing vendors,” according to the company.
Since its founding in 1988, OWC has been known for delivering reliable, high-performance tools for professionals in video, photography, and audio. This latest range continues that legacy, giving M5 users more leverage over how they expand and optimise their systems.
