Apple's MacBook Pro M4 Max configurations face delivery delays up to two months as the company prepares for imminent M5 Pro and M5 Max launches. Current 128GB RAM models show March delivery dates, while 64GB versions slip to February, according to Apple's online store.
The extended wait times signal Apple clearing inventory for next-generation chips expected within weeks. M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models are scheduled for first half 2026 release, with Bloomberg's Mark Gurman indicating potential arrival in coming days.
Performance estimates suggest significant generational leaps. The M5 Max could become Apple's first GPU to exceed 250,000 points on Geekbench 6 compute tests, surpassing even the 80-core M3 Ultra configuration.
Benchmark projections suggest the 40-core M5 Max GPU could outperform NVIDIA's laptop RTX 5070 Ti in some gaming tests, though results vary by title. CPU estimates show approximately 4,500 single-core and 31,000 multi-core scores, positioning Apple silicon against high-end AMD Threadripper processors.
Apple will implement TSMC's advanced SoIC-mH chip packaging for M5 Pro models, enabling more flexible configurations. This manufacturing shift follows Apple's pattern of announcing Pro and Max variants shortly after base chip releases.
The current delays affect primarily higher-memory configurations, with 128GB unified RAM models showing March 10-17 delivery windows. Lower-tier 64GB versions face mid-to-late February estimates, though exact dates vary by region.
Industry analysts interpret the inventory constraints as strategic preparation rather than supply chain disruption. Apple typically announces Pro and Max variants within weeks of base chip availability, mirroring the M2 Pro/Max January 2023 launch timeline.
While global DRAM shortages impact PC manufacturers, Apple's unified memory architecture provides some insulation from component price volatility. The company reportedly plans to absorb potential DRAM cost increases through 2026 to maintain retail pricing stability.
The M5 generation represents Apple's continued push into professional workstation territory. Estimated performance metrics suggest the M5 Max could deliver 34 percent faster GPU performance than its M4 predecessor while maintaining power efficiency advantages over traditional desktop components.
Early adopters face a strategic decision between immediate M4 Max availability with extended wait times or holding for potentially substantial M5 performance gains. The timing aligns with Apple's historical first-quarter product refresh cycles, suggesting imminent official announcements.
