Apple rumoured to launch M5-powered MacBook Pro, Air, Mac mini and Studio in early 2026

MacBook Pro

Apple is reportedly readying its most extensive Mac refresh in years, with the upcoming M5 chipset set to power a new generation of devices across the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini and Mac Studio lines. According to a detailed report from AppleInsider, the rollout will begin later this year and continue into early 2026, marking a significant milestone in Apple’s silicon transition roadmap.

The first product to feature the new M5 processor is expected to be the MacBook Pro. Sources familiar with internal testing have revealed that Apple is currently finalising a model identified as “J704,” which succeeds the M4-powered “J604.” This new MacBook Pro is reportedly being tested with a custom build of macOS Tahoe 26.0.2, indicating that the device is close to release. Analysts expect Apple to unveil the entry-level M5 MacBook Pro before the end of 2025, followed by versions equipped with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips in early 2026.

Signs of an imminent launch are already surfacing. Several Apple retail stores in the United States have begun showing limited stock of existing MacBook Pro models, a familiar sign that updated hardware is around the corner. Meanwhile, a newly leaked model number listed by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) appears to correspond to the unreleased M5 MacBook Pro, reinforcing speculation about a late-2025 release window.

Once the MacBook Pro refresh is complete, attention will shift to the MacBook Air lineup. Apple is reportedly developing two M5-powered models, internally labelled “J813” and “J815,” which will retain the 13-inch and 15-inch display sizes from the current generation. These variants are expected to ship with macOS 26.2 in the first quarter of 2026, bringing performance improvements while maintaining the lightweight, fanless design that defines the Air series.

In the premium segment, Apple plans to launch M5 Pro and M5 Max configurations of the MacBook Pro in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, coded “J714” and “J716.” These devices will continue to cater to professionals requiring advanced graphics performance, sustained power efficiency and improved AI acceleration for creative workloads.

Beyond laptops, Apple is also preparing updates to the desktop side of its Mac range. Refreshed Mac mini models (coded “J873s” and “J873g”) and Mac Studio variants (“J775c” and “J775d”) are expected by mid-2026, potentially alongside macOS 26.4. Insiders also suggest that Apple may be testing a new iMac, referred to as “J833ct,” although details on its specifications or display size remain limited at this stage.

The upcoming M5 series is expected to build on the performance and efficiency gains of the M4 architecture, further improving neural engine capabilities and graphics power. If Apple sticks to its current schedule, 2026 will see the most comprehensive refresh across the Mac lineup since the company’s transition to Apple Silicon began.