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In which month do you expect M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro to launch?

In which month do you expect M5 Pro/Max MBP to launch?

  • January 2026

    Votes: 32 34.4%

  • February 2026

    Votes: 6 6.5%

  • March 2026

    Votes: 39 41.9%

  • Later

    Votes: 12 12.9%

  • Apple will skip M5 Pro/Max MBP

    Votes: 4 4.3%
  • Total voters
    93
ArcticBlue00

ArcticBlue00

macrumors regular
Original poster
Mar 4, 2016
155
107
Planet Earth
Hi everyone,
I’m currently holding out for the M5 Pro / M5 Max MacBook Pro refresh.

From what I’ve read, the general consensus seems to point to a Spring 2026 launch. That said, I’ve seen conflicting speculation: some suggest a quiet January press release (similar to the M2 Pro/Max launch) while others are betting on a more formal March event alongside the M5 MacBook Air updates.

I know none of us has a crystal ball, but I’d love to hear your thoughts:
• Based on Apple’s recent release patterns and the latest rumors, which month do you think is the most likely?
• Is there any realistic chance that Apple skips the M5 Pro/Max MBP to focus on the rumored OLED redesign with the M6 later in 2026 or early 2027?
 
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MacHeritage said:
Apple is now taking a month to ship out higher end 14 and 16-inch MBP (beginning of February now!). Maybe January is it.
Click to expand...
Just checked in the UK—two day delivery for standard config, ten days for mild custom config, early Feb for absolute top end M4 Pro Max with 40-core GPU, 128GB RAM, 8-TB SSD, nano screen

I'm still running my M1-based 16-in MBP but am running short on SSD space. I will likely either (a) try to hold on for a redesigned (lighter) M6 model, or (b) buy a 15-in MBA if they allow 4-TB SSDs.
 
I'm guessing early, so Q1.

The standard M5 is out and already in the existing Macbook Pro form factor. The M4 Pro and Max date back to November 2024, so now over a year without an update.

Assuming that there might be a form factor change to Macbook Pro in future, delaying M5 Pro and Max for that release means being at the whim of the development timeframe (and any delays) for the new form factor, and means that updates to the processors in the Mac Mini and Mac Studio are possibly held back also. I don't think Apple like having variance in the processors across the line up (with the obvious exception of the Mac Pro of course, which Apple has woefully neglected yet again just like the 2013 model)

The M5 uses a new manufacturing process, so maintaining M4 and M5 means maintaining separate fabs/processes which isn't efficient.

I think we'll see a small refresh of M4 Pro and Max to M5 Pro and Max in the coming months, ahead of major form factor changes later.
 
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Just a really random thought, but since they gonna redesign the mbp line up at the end of the year I assume they rather release the mast „classic ones“ rather earlier than later.
 
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I really think we are not getting the redesign models this year (the M6's). So they can take their time with M5 a bit, probably March but I still hope January (may be upgrading, not sure work will wait for next year for the M6).
 
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M4 MBA is still fully stocked and BTOs are quick to ship, so it can't be January.

MBP is facing slightly longer delivery times, but nothing points to an imminent launch.
 
m1maverick said:
Perhaps the M5 Pro and Max will be the redesigned MacBook Pro? It may explain why the M5 MacBook Pro was released prior to the Pro and Max versions.
Click to expand...

I hope you are right. It is strange that Apple separates the CPU and GPU cores in the last generation before the redesign rather then the usual 10-15% improvement in "minor" upgrade. Then, release the rumored redesign later this year or earlier next year.
 
hajime said:
I hope you are right. It is strange that Apple separates the CPU and GPU cores in the last generation before the redesign rather then the usual 10-15% improvement in "minor" upgrade. Then, release the rumored redesign later this year or earlier next year.
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The way I am thinking about it is: Why release the base 14" Macbook Pro with an M5 processor but not the more capable M5 Pro and M5 Max systems. Previously Apple released all three at the same time. Why is this time different?

That said this is Apple so who knows, they do their own thing regardless if we think it makes sense.
 
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I read that it takes more time to make the Pro and Max versions this time!!! Very strange. If they did not separate the CPU and GPU cores, they could release both at the end of last year. Why separate the cores at M5 which is the last batch before redesign? Why postpond and have the redesign to be released within a year? I read that the redesign is to celerate an 20th? anniversary of the MacBook Pro so it should not be postponded to 2027.
 
Im thinking march... But apple usually introduces new laptops oct/nov. I dont see why drop an m5 pro so late with m6 just months away.

confusion
 
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curnalpanic said:
Where did you find this new price? Still $1599 on the Apple store (US).

Edit: Ah I see, it's on Amazon.
Click to expand...

If they do it in Apple stores, many of those who bought it under the extended holiday return period (end tomorrow) might return. Since Apple does not do price match, they would just return and buy.
 
does it really matter unless you 'must' replace a old/failing system soon - I thought at least one poster would mention that it will be handicapped by Tahoe rendering it at least esthetically unusable (ie rounded corners etc)
 
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Will just be a cpu bump, OLED's will be next year however they stated it would be end of this year with M6 but that doesn't seem plausible. I wouldn't mind a thinner Pro, tried two Pro's but couldn't stand them and went for the Air instead.
 
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m1maverick said:
Perhaps the M5 Pro and Max will be the redesigned MacBook Pro? It may explain why the M5 MacBook Pro was released prior to the Pro and Max versions.
Click to expand...
The rumor mill is pretty solid on this one. M6 Pro/Max will get the redesign (about a year away). M5 launched on its own because they had that chip ready, and the M5 Pro/Max needed more time.

I think that if the launch was imminent, there would be more rumor activity. January is thus looking more and more unlikely. However, I wouldn't be surprised if we start hearing about it any time now.
 
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Mac_fan75 said:
Will just be a cpu bump, OLED's will be next year however they stated it would be end of this year with M6 but that doesn't seem plausible. I wouldn't mind a thinner Pro, tried two Pro's but couldn't stand them and went for the Air instead.
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Lighter please.
 
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PotentPeas said:
The rumor mill is pretty solid on this one. M6 Pro/Max will get the redesign (about a year away). M5 launched on its own because they had that chip ready, and the M5 Pro/Max needed more time.

I think that if the launch was imminent, there would be more rumor activity. January is thus looking more and more unlikely. However, I wouldn't be surprised if we start hearing about it any time now.
Click to expand...

Perhaps after the holiday return period has ended.
 
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hajime said:
I read that it takes more time to make the Pro and Max versions this time!!! Very strange. If they did not separate the CPU and GPU cores, they could release both at the end of last year. Why separate the cores at M5 which is the last batch before redesign? Why postpond and have the redesign to be released within a year? I read that the redesign is to celerate an 20th? anniversary of the MacBook Pro so it should not be postponded to 2027.
Click to expand...

Everybody is doing chiplets. It's the only path forward because chips are getting so big, which means power and yield problems.
 
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