Apple appears to be quietly preparing for another major MacBook Pro refresh, and the signs are becoming increasingly clear. The company has developed a consistent pattern over the years, where stock depletes before the arrival of a new model. Now, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has pointed out that the M5 MacBook Pro launch might be closer than we expected.
Limited stock for the base 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro hints that Apple is gearing up to launch the M5 models soon
Mark Gurman wrote on X that the custom configurations for the 14-inch MacBook Pro are restricted until the end of October, while the higher-end 14-inch M4 Pro and M4 Max variants remain unaffected alongside the 16-inch models.
This kind of selective delay often happens when Apple begins transitioning production to a new generation, suggesting that the company may be finalizing preparations for the next wave of MacBook Pro models powered by the M5 chip. The M5 chip is shaping up to be another calculated step in Apple's silicon evolution, and we have prior leaks to prove the notion.
Recently, a Russian YouTuber posted a full-fledged unboxing of the M5 iPad Pro, comparing its design and performance to the M4 variant. These early performance estimates indicate that users can expect around 10 to 15 percent faster CPU speeds and as much as 35 percent better GPU performance compared to the M4 chip. These improvements would deliver smoother performance in creative workflows, faster rendering times, and improved power efficiency for professionals who push their machines to the limit.
Apart from the performance, Apple seems to be content with the current design language of the MacBook Pro models, which means that the M5 versions are expected to retain the same aluminum chassis, display sizes, and port selection introduced with the M2 redesign. However, there could be subtle yet useful enhancements under the hood, including Thunderbolt 5 support, a more advanced thermal system, an upgraded 12MP front camera, and possibly a new color option.
When it comes to the launch, most reports have previously suggested that Apple could introduce the new models by late 2025, though an early 2026 release window has also been mentioned. Gurman also hinted that Apple might take a phased-out approach, which means that the base M5 model could be announced first, while the M5 Pro and M5 Max variants will be announced in the Spring of next year.
The company is also expected to announce its OLED MacBook Pro models next year, which will truly redefine Apple's notebook lineup. However, it is not clear if the OLED variants will be delayed until 2027 or if the company will announce the M5 and M6 versions in the same year. Would you upgrade to the M5 MacBook Pro for its performance gains or wait for the OLED redesign next year?
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
Follow Wccftech on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds.
