Apple may launch new MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and Max chips next week: What to expect

MacBook Pro

• Apple to unveil M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros next week
• No design changes, focus is on faster M5 chips
• Major OLED upgrade expected for MacBook Pro in 2026

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Apple is reportedly preparing to unveil updated MacBook Pro models powered by the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips as early as next week. The refresh is expected to arrive via a press release ahead of the company’s “Special Experience” scheduled for March 4. While performance gains are likely, the design may remain unchanged, and a more dramatic OLED upgrade could be on the horizon for 2026.

MacBook Pro buyers could soon see new 14-inch and 16-inch models equipped with Apple’s higher-end M5 Pro and M5 Max silicon. The base 14-inch version with the standard M5 chip was introduced in October, so this refresh would complete the M5 family rollout across the Pro lineup.

No design overhaul, focus on performance

There are no indications of a design change. The upcoming models are expected to retain the same chassis as the current generation, with 14-inch and 16-inch variants continuing as the core options.

The headline upgrade is the chip. Built on TSMC’s advanced N3P 3-nanometre process, the M5 family delivers notable gains in speed and efficiency. The standard M5 chip is said to offer up to 20 percent faster multi-core CPU performance compared to M4, along with GPU improvements of up to 30 percent. Similar gains are expected for the M5 Pro and M5 Max.

Apple has also introduced architectural improvements such as a Neural Accelerator integrated into each GPU core to boost AI workloads, third-generation ray tracing, second-generation dynamic caching and enhanced shader cores. The 16-core Neural Engine is more energy efficient, and unified memory bandwidth has reportedly improved.

SSD speeds were upgraded in the base M5 model, so the Pro and Max versions may benefit from the same boost.

Why waiting could make sense

Despite the performance bump, 2026 may be a pivotal year for the MacBook Pro. The next-generation models are widely expected to feature OLED displays and touchscreen support, a significant shift for Apple’s professional laptops.

Rumours also point to a Dynamic Island replacing the notch and macOS receiving touch optimisations. A move to OLED would likely bring a redesign alongside next-generation M6 Pro and M6 Max chips, marking a more substantial upgrade than this year’s refresh.

For users investing in higher-end Pro or Max variants primarily for display quality and long-term value, waiting could be the smarter choice.

That said, if you need a machine immediately, are upgrading from a much older Intel or early Apple silicon Mac, or are less concerned about OLED, the M5 Pro and M5 Max models should still offer meaningful performance gains.

Expected announcement timeline

Apple is likely to announce the updated models through a press release ahead of its March 4 “Special Experience” event.