In his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman provided an updated release timeline for the new MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and M5 Max. Previously, these models have been expected to launch before the spring.
MacBook Pro to launch soon
According to Gurman, a new MacBook Pro is planned to launch roughly alongside macOS 26.3, though he doesn’t necessarily give a strict timeline:
I’m told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from February through March.
This isn’t necessarily groundbreaking information. Other leakers have reported the macOS 26.3 launch schedule in the past. However, it serves as yet another source to suggest that the new MacBook Pro is potentially launching soon.
This is mostly significant because of the fact that macOS 26.3 is set to release in the coming weeks. Typically, spring Apple products are tied to the x.4 release cycle. Those releases tend to debut in late March or April.
So, while this isn’t necessarily a confirmation of MacBook Pros launching prior to the spring, it is a pretty solid datapoint. Apple has also been running low on inventory for higher-end configurations for M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pros. That tends to happen when a new model is fast approaching.
Release date
We’ll never have a “for sure” release date until Apple actually announces it, though it seems rather likely that these MacBook Pros will debut sometime this month. Gurman also hints at the possibility of the Studio Display refresh coming soon since it’s also in low supply, though he stops short of saying anything for certain.
After these product launches, Apple will kick off its much larger product launch cycle, where iPhone 17e, M5 MacBook Air, new iPad and iPad Air models, and more are expected.
For now, we’ll just have to wait and see what happens. At the end of the day, this is a very no-thrills launch. Most MacBook buyers are better off waiting for the redesigned models that’ll launch as soon as October.
My favorite Apple accessory recommendations:
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