Apple will reportedly launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max processors within weeks, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The laptops are expected to debut alongside macOS 26.3, which could arrive as early as February or March 2026.
The new models, codenamed J714 and J716, will retain the current MacBook Pro design but feature faster processors. They will target professionals performing intensive tasks like video editing and 3D rendering, building on Apple's M4 Pro and M4 Max architecture from late 2025.
Supply chain indicators suggest an imminent launch. Higher-end MacBook Pro configurations are reportedly running low at retailers, with shipping delays extending into late February and early March. Apple Stores worldwide have also experienced dwindling inventory of current models.
Bloomberg's Power On newsletter reports the new MacBook Pros have already been staged in global shipping warehouses. Their release awaits macOS 26.3, which reached its third public beta in late January 2026. Apple typically transitions from beta to release candidate status shortly before official launches.
The M5 Pro and M5 Max chips will offer more flexible CPU and GPU configurations than previous generations. Customers could potentially select base M5 Pro CPUs with maximum GPU options, a departure from previous tiered upgrade requirements. Apple recently revamped its online Mac purchasing system to accommodate these configuration changes.
Industry sources indicate the new processors will use Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's advanced SoIC packaging technology. This could reduce packaging costs slightly while delivering meaningful power gains for professional workflows.
The launch timing represents an acceleration from Apple's typical fall hardware cycle. Previous pro-level MacBook Pro chips debuted in October 2024, making this February-March window unusually early. The company appears to be responding to competitive pressure in the professional computing market.
Alongside the MacBook Pro refresh, Apple may introduce updates to other professional products. The current Studio Display is reportedly in short supply at retailers, suggesting a new model could arrive soon. Updated Mac Studios and Mac minis are also expected in the coming months.
For consumers considering MacBook Pro purchases, analysts recommend waiting for the new models. Existing M4 Pro and M4 Max units are likely to see price reductions once the M5 generation arrives. Retailers typically discount previous-generation hardware to clear inventory after new releases.
The macOS 26.3 update will include system-level improvements that complement the new hardware capabilities. Point-three version updates often introduce substantial under-the-hood enhancements rather than cosmetic changes, enabling new professional workflows and performance characteristics.
Apple's professional computing division faces mounting pressure from competitors who have introduced machines with impressive specifications and competitive pricing. While Apple has maintained strong loyalty among creative professionals, technical professionals in fields like data science and software development have shown increasing willingness to consider alternatives.
The company's vertical integration advantage, coordinating silicon design, operating system software, and professional applications, remains a key differentiator. The macOS 26.3 and M5 Pro/Max combination suggests Apple plans to leverage this integration more extensively, potentially introducing capabilities requiring tight hardware-software coordination.
Longer-term redesigns featuring OLED displays and slimmer bodies are reportedly planned for later in 2026. These more substantial visual changes would represent Apple's most significant MacBook Pro transformation since introducing Apple Silicon processors in 2020.
Apple has not officially announced the new models or provided specific release dates. The company typically maintains tight control over product launch information until formal announcements. However, supply chain patterns and industry reporting consistently point to an imminent February-March timeframe for the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros.
