MacBook Pro 2026: New M5 Pro and M5 Max Chips Expected!

Apple recently unveiled its 14-inch MacBook Pro featuring the new M5 chip, which delivers a significant boost in performance. However, the high-end models are currently sticking with the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. There had been speculation about a phased launch for this new generation of MacBook Pros, and it appears that the wait for the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips won’t be long; they are expected to be released at the beginning of 2026, before spring.

Performance Enhancements with the M5 Chip

The new Apple M5 chip offers a modest increase in raw power, approximately 15% according to Apple’s figures. The GPU, however, sees a more dramatic improvement. Thanks to the inclusion of a neural engine accelerator in each core, graphics performance is up to 1.6 times better, and artificial intelligence computations can be up to 3.5 times faster. These advancements are significant in both areas. For more details and practical examples, please refer to the full article.

Similar performance enhancements are expected for the upcoming M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. It’s also possible that Apple may incorporate SSDs with double the data transfer speed as seen in the M5 model. As for the standard amounts of RAM and storage, that remains speculative, but no changes have been noted in the entry-level configurations.

Possible Cellular Connectivity

A less certain development is the possibility of cellular options for a Mac for the first time. Now that Apple is designing its own modems, there are strong rumors that the company might introduce 5G connectivity to the Mac. Various sources point to a launch in 2026 alongside a redesigned MacBook Pro, but MacWorld recently discovered traces in Apple’s code of a cellular model equipped with an M5 generation chip. This could be a prototype to test modem integration on Macs before finalizing the M6 chip. A cellular MacBook Pro M5 Pro/Max remains a possibility, though it’s not guaranteed.

It is likely that MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips will no longer come with a USB-C charger, just as with the M5 model (only the USB-C to MagSafe cable is provided). This change currently only affects the European Union and the United Kingdom, where local legislation is evolving to make chargers optional.

Future Design and Technology Innovations

The MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips expected early in 2026 are likely to be the last models with the current design, which dates back to 2021. The next generation is set to debut a redesigned MacBook Pro. This will coincide with the arrival of the M6 generation chips, which will be the first to be manufactured using TSMC’s 2-nanometer process technology, enhancing energy efficiency. This will likely include a redesigned chassis with better heat dissipation and slimmer profile. Expect to also see the integration of the N1 chip (or future N2 chip) for improved management of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread network, and possibly the new C2 modem for cellular versions.

This redesign would also be an opportunity to switch from Mini-LED to a Tandem OLED display technology (featuring two emitting layers to prevent image retention) offering perfect contrast, increased brightness, reduced power consumption, and greater thinness. It’s likely that the notch will be replaced by a Dynamic Island like on the iPhone, and the display might also be touch-sensitive with a macOS version adapted for touch interactions.

This should logically be accompanied by an increase in battery life and, as always, a boost in performance with the new Apple Silicon chips. If your current equipment allows you the flexibility to wait for the M6 generation (between late 2026 and early 2027), be aware that the upcoming MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips will then seem quite dated. However, it’s likely that this new design will be reserved for high-end models: the future 14-inch model with the M6 chip might retain the current design to keep a competitive starting price while encouraging upgrades.

Current Promotions on M4 Models

If you cannot wait to upgrade your equipment, be aware that M4 Pro and M4 Max models are often on sale at various retailers. You can find all the details on our price comparison tool, and we also share the best deals in our promotions section. Patience might be needed before the first discounts on the MacBook Pro M5 appear at retailers, but initial savings might start becoming available by the end of the year.