Apple Anticipates Multiple New Product Releases, Including M5 MacBook Pro Models and Redesigned OLED Laptops

Apple is reportedly preparing to launch several new hardware products, with a particular focus on updated MacBook Pro models featuring M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. Industry reports and analyst speculation suggest a release window ranging from late January to early March for these high-end laptops, alongside potential updates to the MacBook Air, Mac Studio, Mac mini, and Studio Display.

Apple is set to refresh its high-end MacBook Pro lineup with new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with a launch window anticipated between late January and early March. Longer-term plans include a redesigned MacBook Pro with an OLED display projected for late 2026, and a new lower-cost MacBook model powered by an A-series chip.

Upcoming MacBook Pro Models with M5 Pro and M5 Max Chips

The 14-inch MacBook Pro with a base M5 chip (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB or 24GB memory, 512GB or 1TB SSD storage) was introduced in October of last year. Apple is now expected to announce higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, which are anticipated to feature M5 Pro and M5 Max chips.

Multiple sources offer varying timelines for these significant releases, creating a dynamic speculative landscape for the launch window.

• Analyst Roman Loyola has speculated January 28 as a potential launch date, citing the concurrent introduction of the Apple Creator Studio subscription and Apple's historical use of Wednesdays for product releases.
• An "Apple Experience" event for select creators in Los Angeles, scheduled from January 27 to 29, has fueled speculation regarding new MacBook Pro announcements.
• The launch of Apple's Creator Studio bundle of professional Mac applications is set for January 28, aligning with some release forecasts.
• Apple's quarterly earnings call is slated for January 29, a period during which new products have historically been introduced.
• Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and other reports suggest a release within weeks, aligning with the macOS 26.3 software cycle which runs from February to March.
• An Apple Premium Reseller has indicated low MacBook Pro stock, attributing it to an imminent new product introduction. Bloomberg previously stated new MacBook Pros would launch during the February/March timeframe in conjunction with macOS Tahoe 26.3.
• More recently, reports from Mark Gurman suggest a product launch as early as the week of March 2.

Launch window speculation for the M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pros ranges from late January to early March, with specific dates like January 28 and the week of March 2 being cited by various analysts and reports. This aligns with software cycles and previous Apple product introduction patterns.

For this upcoming refresh, no significant design changes are expected, with the 2021 MacBook Pro design anticipated to be maintained. The primary focus is on performance enhancements for professional users in areas such as video editing, software development, 3D art, and AI-intensive tasks.

Key features and specifications reportedly include:

• Chips: M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, reportedly built on TSMC’s third-generation 3nm process. These are anticipated to offer 15–25% performance gains over predecessors, along with improvements in graphics and AI capabilities.
• Internal Layout: A redesigned internal layout for M5 Pro and M5 Max models, separating CPU and GPU blocks, is reportedly aimed at enabling more flexible configurations and enhancing thermal management.
• Memory: Memory options are expected to be substantial, with up to 48GB RAM on the M5 Pro and up to 128GB on the M5 Max.
• Storage: Storage options could reach up to 8TB. The base 14-inch M5 model already includes PCIe 5.0 storage, offering up to twice the SSD read and write speeds of the prior generation.
• Connectivity: Anticipated upgrades include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and continued support for Thunderbolt 5.
• Display: Displays are expected to remain largely consistent, with a minor increase in peak brightness possible.
• Camera: The existing 12MP FaceTime camera is expected to be carried over without changes.
• Pricing: Pricing is projected to remain at a premium level, similar to current models.

Longer-Term MacBook Pro Redesign and OLED Display

A more significant redesign for MacBook Pro models is projected for release by late 2026. These future models are rumored to feature groundbreaking advancements.

• OLED displays, potentially utilizing Apple's two-stack tandem OLED display technology, which is currently used in the iPad Pro.
• A thinner chassis.
• A hole-style camera, replacing the existing notch.
• Touch screen capabilities.
• A Dynamic Island.
• M6 Pro and M6 Max chips.
• Built-in cellular connectivity.

The last major redesign of the MacBook Pro occurred in 2021. Apple has previously updated the MacBook Pro line twice within a single year, as observed in 2023 with the M2 Pro/Max and M3 Pro/Max models.

Other Anticipated Mac Updates

Beyond the MacBook Pro, Apple reportedly plans updates for several other Mac models and a display in the first half of the current year, with further refreshes expected later in the year.

• MacBook Air: Both 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models are expected to receive an M5 chip update in March or April. No design changes are rumored for this year's MacBook Air.
• Mac Studio: Anticipated to integrate higher-end M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips, with a refresh expected later this year.
• Mac mini: An updated Mac mini is also anticipated, with a refresh expected later this year.
• Studio Display: A new Studio Display is reported to be under development, potentially featuring mini-LED backlighting, ProMotion support for up to a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR support, and an A19 or A19 Pro chip. This display was reportedly identified in a Chinese regulatory database. A refresh for the Studio Display is expected later this year.

Planned Lower-Cost MacBook

Apple is reportedly planning to release a new, more affordable MacBook model this year. This device is intended to broaden Apple's laptop accessibility.

Key details from reports and leakers suggest:

• It would be powered by a version of the iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro chip.
• The model is expected to be positioned below the MacBook Air in Apple's product lineup.
• It is anticipated to feature a 13-inch display, with some rumors specifying 12.9 inches.
• Potential color finishes include silver, blue, pink, and yellow.
• The design may be ultra-thin and lightweight, similar to the discontinued 12-inch MacBook.
• The A18 Pro chip, with its 6-core CPU and 6-core GPU, is expected to offer performance comparable to the M1 chip.
• This new model could serve as a replacement for the M1 MacBook Air.
• Expected starting price points are $699 or $799.
• The device might feature 8GB of RAM and regular USB-C ports without Thunderbolt support.

Expected iPad Updates

Apple is also preparing for a series of iPad hardware announcements, with a product launch reportedly scheduled for as early as the week of March 2. These announcements are expected to include:

• Upgrades for the entry-level iPad, which may feature an A18 chip to support Apple Intelligence.
• The iPad Air is anticipated to receive the M4 chip.