Apple iPad Pro M5 instead of MacBook Pro M5 in 2025
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple doesn’t plan to update the MacBook Pro M5 or any other Mac with the M5 chipset in 2025. Instead, the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro will receive a major update in the first half of 2026. Gurman previously stated that Apple would unveil the MacBook Pro M5 in late 2025. However, his latest report suggests that Apple is considering delaying them to 2026. Now it is said that Apple is internally aiming for a market launch at the beginning of next year.
The current Apple MacBook Pro M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max were introduced in October 2024 and went on sale in November 2024. Delaying the M5 models to 2026 would mean Apple would forgo an annual refresh. New Macs typically appear in October or November, following the iPhone event in September.
Gurman doesn’t give a reason why Apple might delay the launch of the MacBook Pro M5, but says the timing is flexible, so the new Macs could be available before the end of the year.
The Apple MacBook Pro M5 models will have few changes besides the chipset update, as Apple plans to make larger changes to the M6 model of the MacBook Pro. The next MacBook Pros are expected to switch to OLED displays and new chassis designs. Rumors suggest the OLED model of the MacBook Pro is expected to be released next year. The M5 MacBook Pro would launch in 2026. However, if Apple plans to launch the M5 MacBook Pro models in 2026, the OLED model could be delayed until 2027. Alternatively, Apple could introduce the M5 MacBook Pro in early 2026 and the OLED version in late 2026, although this would be unusual.
Apple also plans to launch the M5 MacBook Air models in 2026, replacing the current M4 models. Other rumors suggest that Apple is working on a low-cost MacBook with the A18 Pro chip for 2026, which Gurman did not mention.
The MacBook Pro M5 and MacBook Air M5 could also launch with a new display. Apple is also working on the successor to the 2022 Studio Display, which is also scheduled for launch in early 2026.
Apple iPad Pro M5 instead of MacBook Pro M5
Gurman, however, had good news about the next iPad Pro. Instead of the Apple MacBook Pro M5, the updated iPads will be the first devices to receive Apple’s new chipset. The Apple iPad Pro M5 could launch as early as October. Apple last updated the iPad Pro lineup in May 2024 with the M4 chip and OLED display technology. There will be around 17 months between the market launch of the M4 and that of the M5.
Since the Apple iPad Pro 2024 received a comprehensive design overhaul in addition to the new OLED display, the 2025 models are unlikely to feature any visual changes. They will have the same slimmer chassis and OLED display, but will be equipped with the faster M5 chip. The M5 chip is based on TSMC’s improved 3 nm process and is expected to deliver performance and efficiency improvements.
Apple is also working on a new display technology that will reduce the bezels of the iPad Pro M5. However, it is currently still questionable whether the new panels will actually be available in time for mass production of the M5 models.
