Apple is reportedly working on a new MacBook Pro refresh, as they tend to do almost every year. This refresh is quite minor, but if you’re in the market for a new laptop, we’ll be breaking down everything you need to know about the next MacBook Pro update.
What’s new
As always, these new MacBook Pro models will come with a new generation of Apple Silicon. That means we’ll see the introduction of M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max.
These chips will still be based on TSMC’s 3nm process, specifically N3P, the third generation of 3nm manufacturing. Expect similar numbers to the A19 and A19 Pro chips seen in the iPhone 17 lineup.
Other than internal improvements, there will be nothing new with this MacBook Pro refresh. For that, you’ll have to wait another ~13 months. In late 2026, Apple will update the MacBook Pro with an OLED display, thinner design, and more. You can learn more about that overhaul in our dedicated roundup.
While not rumored, it’s likely that these new MacBook Pro models will support Wi-Fi 7, just like the iPhone 16 and 17 lineup. The M4 MacBook Pro models missed out on that upgrade.
Release date
While typical 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro refreshes release in October, Apple may be bucking that trend this year. According to Bloomberg, Apple is now planning to launch this model in early 2026, likely around January:
Apple has often released new versions of its MacBook Pro in the fall, but the company might change things up a bit this time and launch the updated models early next year. It’s not unprecedented: The company introduced early-in-the-year MacBook Pros in 2023.
That said, the new iPad Pro refresh with M5 is still expected as early as next month, meaning that’ll be the first product to showcase Apple’s new M5 chip. We also saw this happen with the launch of M4, though at the time we assumed this would be a one off.
Wrap up
In short, the M5 MacBook Pro will be yet another minor MacBook Pro refresh. You’re likely better off buying an existing MacBook Pro model, or waiting out for the larger refresh in late 2026 – especially given the later than normal launch schedule.
If buying a current model is on your mind, you can take a look at great deals on existing MacBook Pro models, including the M4 14-inch model starting at just $1299 – an all time low. The M4 Pro 14-inch model is also available at $1799 on Amazon, and you can grab an M4 Pro 16-inch model starting at $2249.
Even if you already have an Apple Silicon MacBook Pro, I’m of the opinion that the M4 model still makes a wonderful upgrade, largely in part to its much brighter displays, new Center Stage webcams, and massive performance gains.
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