MacBook Pro: What to Know as Wait Continues for M5 Pro and M5 Max

[MacRumors]

The launch of Apple Creator Studio on Wednesday would have been a fitting opportunity for Apple to unveil new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, but unfortunately it looks like that was nothing more than wishful thinking.

For now, all we have is a broad timeframe from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who expects new MacBook Pro models "in the first half of the year."

The next window for Apple to update the MacBook Pro might be tied to the upcoming release of macOS 26.3. In October, AppleInsider's Marko Zivkovic said the MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are "expected to ship with macOS 26.3," at least as of the time that he wrote that. macOS 26.3 remains in beta testing, but it should be coming out soon, with a public release expected in the first half of February.

Like the Apple Creator Studio launch, though, the release of macOS 26.3 could come and go without any new MacBook Pro models. But, until a more specific release date is rumored, this is all we have to go on for now.

Keep in mind that Apple's marketing chief Greg Joswiak has often put out a social media teaser for upcoming launches lately, including for the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the standard M5 chip most recently. He did not put out a teaser before the new AirTag, but that was merely an accessory. So, perhaps we will have to wait for that.

Beyond the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the next MacBook Pro models are not expected to have any major changes. We recommend skipping the next models, unless you really need to upgrade, as the MacBook Pro is expected to receive a major redesign with an OLED touch screen, a thinner case, and more as soon as late 2026.

While reports have said there is a chance that the redesigned MacBook Pro does not arrive until 2027, there is precedent for two MacBook Pro refreshes in one year. In 2023, Apple released MacBook Pro models with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips in January, followed by models with M3 Pro and M3 Max chips in October.

In the meantime, the wait for the models with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips continues.

Update — February 1: Apple plans to release the new MacBooK Pro models alongside macOS 26.3, which is expected to be released in February, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Article Link: MacBook Pro: What to Know as Wait Continues for M5 Pro and M5 Max

 

[DocMultimedia]

It's going to be a long wait. May.

 

[johnrlaporta]

Just release it, darn it all.

 

[Kylo83]

im just waiting for the redesign m6 so want this released as soon as possible so the timeframe will be October

 

[KrisLord]

When we got the AirTag on Monday, thought it was the start of a week of some new stuff.

How disappointing it was in the end.

 

[ellsworth]

Apple needs to work on their hype campaigns a bit more.

 

[picxar]

People dont get it. Just because Apple did something before, doesnt mean they do it again. The transition to Apple Silicon is finished, why would they rush the release of the M5 Pro/Max just to release the M6 Pro/MaX 6 months later. That makes no sense. Either they skip M5 Pro/Max, dont believe it, or they release the M5 Pro/Max together with the redesigned Mac Book Pro at wwdc or sometime in Fall. So M6 Pro/Max wont happen this year.

 

[Nick A]

Disappointing week.

My 14” M1 Pro’s display randomly died so I need to buy a new laptop.

I have a feeling they intended to release it this week and it was delayed for some reason. All indicators pointed towards this week making the most sense.

 

[Falhófnir]

Given the shipping times for the M4 equivalents (2-3 weeks out) it's surely got to be soon, as in days, not weeks...

 

[oosamon]

People just dont get it. Just because Apple did something before, doesnt mean they do it again. The transition to Apple Silicon is finished, why would they rush the release of the M5 Pro/Max just to release the M6 Pro/MaX 6 months later.

If Apple can do a thing, and if that thing brings max profits, they'll do it. Otherwise, they won't -- and shouldn't.

 

[BPCasey]

How much performance difference is expected form M5 to M5 Pro I wonder. Currently running an M4 pro Mini with 24Gb ram and was looking at the M5 with additional ram to allow the running of local LLM. My m4 Pro mini handles my other workload well up to and including 3D rendering. I gave my MacBook Air to my kid for Uni so I'm laptop less at the moment.

 

[HouseLannister]

Just remember that Gurman ALWAYS gets his dates wrong unless it is the day before an announcement. His saying an M6 is coming this year means it is definitely coming in 2027. 🙂

 

[socialwill]

The longer the wait for the M5 Pro and Max MBP means the greater reality of the redesign to moving to 2027, unless they jump to M6 as that has been rumored to be coming quickly as well but that seems less likely.

 

[jz0309]

"in the first half of the year."

Well, that was a bold prediction Gurman.
And for all who wonder, 1st half of the year ends on Jun 30 😱 😎

 

[BPCasey]

Just release it, darn it all.

I mean how hard can it be to produce a computer based on features etched on impossibly flat semi conductor wafers at 3nm scale using bespoke ASML laser technology. Get it together Apple!

 

[VisceralRealist]

My prediction: M5 Pro/Max in September, M6 Pro/Max in October 😉

 

[JPack]

The launch of Apple Creator Studio on Wednesday would have been a fitting opportunity for Apple to unveil new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, but unfortunately it looks like that was nothing more than wishful thinking.

Uh, no. Did anyone seriously think $12.99/month “Creator” apps would pair well with launching $3,000+ MacBook Pros?

M5 Pro/Max is expected to come with new chip level packaging allowing more than 128GB RAM and much higher bandwidth. The target market is data scientists, AI, people running Premier Pro, Resolve, Fusion, etc.

 

[cpnotebook80]

Didn't they have some invites go out to some youtubers for this week..imagine getting there for just airtags and creator studio..one would think more still to come hopefully.

 

[Ursadorable]

Sounds like it's going to come out the same time as the Mac Studio with the M5 Max and M5 Ultra in that case.

 

[hajime]

If Apple can do a thing, and if that thing brings max profits, they'll do it. Otherwise, they won't -- and shouldn't.

Exactly. To predict what TC is going to do, think in terms of profits. This is what drives this guy's actions. We need a passionate, tech-oriented CEO to run Apple.

 

[MacsRgr8]

Disappointing week....

But... but... we got treated to these lovely subscriptions! /s

 

[JPack]

Didn't they have some invites go out to some youtubers for this week..imagine getting there for just airtags and creator studio..one would think more still to come hopefully.

Better than the guys that headed out to Colorado for nothing.

Apple Hosts Unusual Colorado Event to Showcase Latest Hardware

Apple has invited a group of social media influencers to Colorado this week for an unusual event involving group hiking, trail running, and other outdoor activities designed to showcase the company's recently launched iPhone 17 Pro Max, AirPods Pro 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3. An invitation was...

www.macrumors.com

 

[eXoenDo]

I'm more excited about the M6 Refresh!

 

[Tearpusher]

I'm still over here huffing copium and hoping that it launches within the next couple weeks. And enjoying the shared brain damage that is the Macbook Pro sub on Reddit.

I get that there's always something to wait for—but this being tantalizingly close adds a vibration to the decision that a lot of people are feeling. Hopefully we get it by February, but anyone who claims to know is either here huffing copium with me, or laughing from the luxury of their M4 Max Macbook Pros.

 

[DIMEZ]

People dont get it. Just because Apple did something before, doesnt mean they do it again. The transition to Apple Silicon is finished, why would they rush the release of the M5 Pro/Max just to release the M6 Pro/MaX 6 months later. That makes no sense. Either they skip M5 Pro/Max, dont believe it, or they release the M5 Pro/Max together with the redesigned Mac Book Pro at wwdc or sometime in Fall. So M6 Pro/Max wont happen this year.

I keep saying this...it doesn't make sense for apple to release the m5 the have a redesigns with m6 chips. Mr seems to be powerful.. I would wait until redesigns to put the m5 chips. and there gonna keep the same for factor of the current for the base. So why release the m6. also have another MacBook laptop releasing. and still have the Macs. it would be so much confusion.