Apple's plans for its professional laptop are moving again and signs point to the MacBook Pro with M5 chip won't arrive this yearVarious supply chain sources and well-researched analysts maintain that the jump to the M5 in the 14- and 16-inch models is being rescheduled for later than expected.
According to recent reports from Ming-Chi Kuo and information from Mark Gurman, the integration of the M5 into the MacBook Pro hardware is moving forward, but The commercial launch would be moved to 2026This fits with a scenario in which Apple prioritizes silicon quality, coordinates production with TSMC, and avoids rushed iterations that bring few tangible changes to users.
What is known about the delay and the current schedule
Analysis notes cited by outlets such as 9to5Mac and MacRumors indicate that Apple continues to refine the M5 in TSMC Advanced Nodes (N3P), with prototypes already underway, but with full-scale production of the Pro and Max variants set for the second half of 2025 or even later.
This compass would explain why the MacBook Pro M5s target 2026, a date Gurman had also hinted at in his updates, after more aggressive windows had been handled internally. The result: the pace of annual or near-annual updates the range had been following with Apple Silicon is broken.
The relevant thing here is that the M5 is not cancelled, but rather framed as a transitional update within the life cycle of the current design, without drastic external changes but with Measurable improvements in CPU, GPU, and efficiency compared to the M4.
Technical and supply chain factors
A key piece of the puzzle is in the chip packaging. Kuo points out that the M5 Pro and M5 Max will continue to use separate processes underfill and molding, rather than the WMCM (Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module) technique Apple plans for the A20 in the iPhone 18. This more traditional approach tends to be more complex and time-consuming.
Added to this are the challenges of AI thermal and function optimization in increasingly thinner chassis, in addition to the need to balance capacity with TSMC's advanced packaging partners. Some inventory monitoring suggests component volumes are still "moving," an indication that production is not fully stabilized.
Industry sources also point out that Apple prefers to avoid bottlenecks in a key year and have margins of maneuver in performance and efficiency to justify the jump from the M4 to the M5 in professional flows such as video editing, 3D or development.
Impact on Apple's roadmap
An M5 in 2026 means extending the current cycle and facilitating a release that could serve as a bridge to a major overhaulMarket analysts speculate that Apple will use the time to strengthen its neural engines and align its offering with Windows laptops with AI-centric chips like the Snapdragon X Elite.
It also fits with a first half of 2026 potentially loaded with products (more affordable iPhone, iPad, external monitor) and with a strategy of stagger the news on Mac to maximize visibility and impact. The company has already demonstrated its ability to adjust its schedule when technological maturity warrants it.
With these changes, the recently launched M4s will continue in the catalog until 2025, while Apple reorganizes its priorities to prepare for the next major iteration of the MacBook Pro.
Market reactions and the buyer's dilemma
The news of the delay has caused slight movements in key suppliers such as TSMC, reflecting investors' sensitivity to any changes in production times. Among enthusiasts and professionals, the feeling is mixed: some recommend waiting, while others opt for the M4s, which are sufficient for most loads.
There are precedents for Apple launching two generations in the same year - in 2023 the M2 Pro/Max in January and M3 in October—but with the M5 out of the picture, the likelihood of such a tight run decreases. For those needing to upgrade now, the M4s are competitively priced, with the base 14-inch model on sale for around $1299.
For profiles that demand a larger GPU and NPU, waiting for the M5 may make sense; however, for those who prioritize availability or price, the M4 is a sensible choiceIt all depends on whether the M5 delivers improvements in performance and efficiency that justify the wait.
What would come next: OLED and redesign
The most cited roadmaps place the major redesign with OLED displays and a slimmer chassis between late 2026 and early 2027, associated with future M6s. With the M5 pushed to 2026, it's worth considering postponing this overhaul until early 2027 to avoid overlaps.
Although it is not ruled out that Apple will present several models in the same year, the main trend is a phased deployment: First the M5 with the current design, then the full revision with OLED, thinner frames, and perhaps changes to the camera or notch.
Those looking for a complete screen upgrade will have to wait. The adoption of OLED will offer deeper blacks, better contrast and potentially greater efficiency, although it requires coordinated planning to ensure supply.
Meanwhile, Apple continues to fine-tune its strategy: the M5 would be an intermediate step that paves the way for a complete redesign, delivering additional performance and neural enhancements for AI workloads on macOS and professional applications.
However, the picture that emerges indicates that the MacBook Pro with M5 will arrive later, in a planned move to balance technological maturity and supply chain; and the aesthetic and display changes are being reserved for later, allowing users to decide between purchasing an M4 now or waiting for the next major update.
