The new Mac mini is almost certainly coming

[CWallace]

I think the iMac has to be involved in this conversation and in that case the iMac should perhaps get the m5 too. In a world of Mac mini and Mac Studio shortages the iMac seems to be the poor cousin - always available.

My guess is Apple might skip M5 (like they skipped M2) and go straight to M6. On the other hand, if M6 production is constrained, they might update to M5. There is precedent for either strategy.

To be fair the story about a19 production for iPhone 17 winding down could pave the way for another MacBook Neo if they felt there was revenue there instead of making more m5 chips.

Per reports, Apple has ordered a few million more A18 Pros to continue MacBook Neo production (at a significant premium, which is likely why the price went up $100). But you are correct in noting that the model should eventually be updated in 2027 or 2028 with (binned?) A19 Pros.