Apple to Launch M5 Pro, M5 Max MacBook Pro Soon

Apple may be gearing up for a new MacBook Pro refresh sooner than expected, even though the company has not officially sent out event invites yet. According to recent reports, Apple could introduce new MacBook Pro models powered by the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips within the next few weeks.

The latest hint comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who says Apple is preparing new MacBook Pro models during the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs between February and March. With macOS 26.3 expected to roll out shortly, the timing suggests Apple may quietly align the software update with a hardware launch.

MacBook Pro Launch Timing: Why February–March Looks Likely

While Gurman does not specify an exact launch date, the expected window is notable. Apple usually announces spring hardware closer to late March or April, making an earlier launch stand out.

Another strong indicator is Apple’s inventory situation. Higher-end M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pro configurations are already running low in several global markets. Historically, such stock shortages have preceded Apple hardware refreshes, as the company clears older inventory ahead of new releases.

No Major Design Changes Expected This Year

Same Design, Possibly New Colours

If Apple launches the new MacBook Pro models soon, the update is expected to be performance-focused rather than visual. Apple last redesigned the MacBook Pro in 2021, and that design has remained consistent across multiple chip generations.

The upcoming M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros are expected to look identical to current models, with the only possible change being the addition of a new colour option, if Apple chooses to introduce one.

Major Redesign Reserved for 2026

According to earlier reports, Apple is saving its next major MacBook Pro redesign for 2026, when the M6 series arrives. That future generation is expected to feature:

• OLED displays

• A thinner chassis

• Possibly a hole-style camera instead of the notch

For now, Apple appears content with its current industrial design.

Display and Camera: Minor or No Changes

The display on the upcoming MacBook Pro models is expected to remain largely unchanged. There are no strong rumours pointing to new screen technology this year. At most, Apple could push peak brightness slightly beyond the current 1,600 nits.

Camera upgrades are also unlikely. The 12MP FaceTime camera introduced with the M4 MacBook Pro is expected to carry over unchanged. While Apple may eventually adopt a different camera design, any meaningful upgrade seems reserved for future generations.

Performance Is the Main Focus of the M5 Update

Built for Sustained Professional Workloads

Unlike the base M5 MacBook Pro that arrived last year with minimal changes, the M5 Pro and M5 Max variants are designed for sustained high-performance tasks. These models are aimed at:

• Video editors

• Software developers

• 3D artists

• AI and machine-learning workloads

New Chip Layout and Better Thermal Control

Reports suggest Apple is working on a new internal layout for the M5 Pro and M5 Max, where the CPU and GPU sit on separate blocks. This design could:

• Enable more flexible configurations

• Allow stronger GPU pairings with standard CPU setups

• Improve heat management, especially in 14-inch and 16-inch models with dual-fan cooling systems

TSMC 3nm Process and Performance Gains

The M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are expected to be built using TSMC’s third-generation 3nm process, delivering:

• Better power efficiency

• Slightly higher clock speeds

Performance gains of 15–25 per cent over the M4 Pro and M4 Max are widely expected, along with:

• Stronger graphics performance

• Improved AI handling

Apple is also reportedly working on deeper AI acceleration at the GPU level, targeting demanding professional workloads rather than everyday tasks.

Memory, Storage, and External Display Support

Memory and storage options are expected to remain generous:

• M5 Pro: Support for at least 48GB RAM

• M5 Max: Up to 128GB RAM

• Storage options up to 8TB

External display support will continue to differentiate the models:

• M5 Pro: Expected to support at least two 6K displays

• M5 Max: Could support up to four external displays, making it ideal for advanced desk setups

Connectivity Upgrades: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 Expected

Connectivity is one area where users may see notable improvements. The new MacBook Pro models are expected to feature:

• Wi-Fi 7

• Bluetooth 6

These could arrive via Apple’s new N1 chip, which has already appeared in the iPhone 17 lineup. Thunderbolt 5 is expected to remain standard on Pro and Max models, while entry-level versions may stick with Thunderbolt 4.

A 5G-enabled MacBook is still in development, but it is not expected before 2026.

Expected India Pricing

In India, pricing is expected to remain broadly unchanged. The current:

• M4 Pro MacBook Pro launched at ₹1,89,900

• M4 Max MacBook Pro launched at ₹2,09,900

The upcoming M5 Pro and M5 Max models are expected to sit close to these figures, keeping the MacBook Pro firmly positioned in the premium segment.