M5 MacBook Pro No Longer Coming in 2025
Apple Pushes Back M5 MacBook Pro and Air Release to 2026
According to renowned Apple analyst Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple has revised its release schedule for the highly anticipated M5 chip-powered MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. Instead of a 2025 launch, as previously suggested, these updated models are now slated for the first half of 2026. This marks a significant departure from Apple's typical yearly refresh cycle for its Mac lineup.
A Shift in Apple's Timeline
Gurman's initial prediction pointed towards a late 2025 unveiling of the M5 MacBook Pro. However, his latest report indicates a strategic shift within Apple. The company is now reportedly "internally targeting" an early 2026 launch for both the M5 MacBook Pro and the M5 MacBook Air. This delay means Apple will skip its typical October/November release window, a notable change considering the established pattern of new Mac releases following the September iPhone event.
The current M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max MacBook Pro models were introduced in October 2024 and shipped in November 2024. Therefore, pushing the M5 models to 2026 would represent a significant break from Apple’s usual annual update schedule.
Reasons for the Delay
While Gurman doesn't explicitly state the reason behind this delay, he emphasizes the fluidity of the situation. This suggests that the timeline isn’t set in stone, and there might still be a possibility of seeing the new Macs before the year's end. However, the current internal target points firmly towards an early 2026 release.
What to Expect from the M5 Macs
The M5 MacBook Pro and Air models are expected to offer incremental upgrades primarily focused on the new M5 chip itself. Apple is apparently reserving more substantial changes for the subsequent M6 generation of MacBook Pros. This next iteration is rumored to include a significant leap forward with the incorporation of OLED displays and redesigned chassis. This is a crucial development worth highlighting to those considering an upgrade.
OLED MacBook Pro and Beyond
Previous rumors suggested the arrival of the OLED MacBook Pro in 2026. However, if the M5 MacBook Pro launch is indeed moved to 2026, it’s plausible that the OLED model could be pushed back to 2027. Alternatively, Apple might launch the M5 MacBook Pro early in 2026 and the OLED version later in the same year. This scenario, while less likely, remains a possibility.
Alongside the M5 MacBook Pro and Air, Apple is also anticipated to release an M5-powered MacBook Air in 2026, replacing the current M4 models. Furthermore, there are whispers about a MacBook featuring an A18 Pro chip being in development for a 2026 release, though Gurman didn't mention it in his report. This leaves the door open to various exciting possibilities for the Apple ecosystem.
A New Display on the Horizon
The launch of the new M5 MacBooks may be accompanied by another Apple product: a new external display. Apple is reportedly developing a successor to the 2022 Studio Display, slated for release in early 2026. This external display adds further anticipation to the upcoming year's Apple releases.
Conclusion: Waiting for the M5 Macs
The delay of the M5 MacBook Pro and Air to 2026 signals a strategic shift in Apple’s release strategy. While disappointing for those eagerly awaiting an upgrade this year, the wait might be worth it for significant advancements expected in subsequent generations. With the potential for OLED displays and new case designs on the horizon for the M6 MacBook Pros, this change in timeline should be viewed within the larger context of Apple's long-term product strategy.
Keep an eye on future reports for potential updates on the release dates and precise features of these highly-anticipated devices.
This article, "M5 MacBook Pro No Longer Coming in 2025" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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