Apple hasn’t publicly confirmed the existence of a new MacBook Pro, but leaks and reports suggest that the company is preparing a refresh of its high-performance laptops. While the update is expected to focus primarily on internal components, particularly the introduction of the M5 chip, some minor enhancements may also be in store.
Here’s what we know so far about the potential release and features of the M5 MacBook Pro.
When Could an M5 MacBook Pro Come Out?
While Apple hasn’t announced the M5 MacBook Pro release date, we could make an estimate, considering the company’s previous product cycles and recent reports. But nothing is set in stone.
- Late 2025: Apple has a history of releasing new MacBook Pro models in October. We saw this with the M3 and M4 versions, which suggests that the MacBook Pro M5 will follow the pattern.
- Early 2026: In July, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple is “internally targeting” a launch in early 2026. Additionally, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has referred to 2026 when talking about MacBooks with M5 chips, further cementing the idea that we might be waiting until next year.
What Others Are Saying About the M5 MacBook Pro Features
Although Apple hasn’t disclosed details about the M5 MacBook Pro, various tech sites and analysts have shared insights and predictions about what we could see in this year’s iteration.
- Macworld reports that the M5 MacBook Pro will primarily be a chip upgrade with a performance boost of 15-25% over the M4. Other features could include Wi-Fi 7 (an update from the M4’s Wi-Fi 6E) and Thunderbolt 5 for the base model.
- Tom’s Guide notes that the M5 chip will use TSMC’s advanced N3P 3nm process, which could lead to improved power efficiency and performance, especially compared to older MacBooks. The design is expected to remain largely unchanged, with a major overhaul (OLED and M6) expected the following year.
- MacRumors indicates that the M5 MacBook Pro will come in three variants for different performance needs: M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max. The same 14-inch and 16-inch screens are expected.
Other Rumors About the M5 MacBook Pro
Rumors around the M5 MacBook Pro suggest this update will mostly focus on internal changes, with no major redesign expected. Several sources, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, believe the M5 chips will be the main headline, with Apple likely saving bigger changes, like OLED, for next year or the year after, with the release of the M6 MacBook Pro.
Until Apple announces anything, it’s hard to know which features will make the cut. But based on how these cycles usually go, it’s safe to assume a familiar design with faster performance this year, and then some grander changes next year.
