The MacBook Pro is expected to be upgraded with faster M5 Pro or M5 Max processors, but the laptop has not been launched this week, despite hot speculation that it will. And we have to be patient because it’s likely we’ll be waiting until February and possibly beyond. A critical feature is apparently not ready yet: macOS Tahoe 26.3.
M5 Pro/M5 Max MacBook Pro: Release date?
The first MacBook Pro with the M5 debuted in October, but this is the entry-level model. It uses the base M5 chip and the only available screen size is 14 inches. The wait for variants with faster M5 Pro or M5 Max processors continues. Expect these chips to deliver remarkable improvements in CPU and GPU performance, benefiting creative professionals and their demanding workflows.
Apple held an event for a select group of content creators on Wednesday. There was a lot of speculation in the previous days that it would be a surprise launch of an upgraded MacBook Pro. And Monday’s debut of the new AirTag 2 turned the excitement up to 11 — we could be a week away from the product launch!
No.
Waiting for macOS 26.3
What is Apple waiting for? Mac sales fell 7% last quarter as so many customers switch to the M4 models while holding off on the upgraded top-of-the-line MacBook Pro with improved M5 variants. Well, wonder no more: information leaked from Apple in October could provide the answer. We all seem to have forgotten that.
According to information leaked months ago, the M5 Pro/M5 Max MacBook Pro will launch with macOS Tahoe on 26.3. AppleInsider.
UPDATE: on Sunday BloombergMark Gurman agreed. Speaking about the next MacBook Pro models, he said: “I’m told that the new models – codenamed J714 and J716 – are designed for the macOS 26.3 software cycle” in his Turn on bulletin.
However, the latest version is macOS 26.2, with version 26.3 still in beta testing. And the launch is weeks away. There is no release candidate, and even if it reaches developers in early February, the debut of macOS Tahoe 26.3 cannot be before the second week of February. So the new top-tier MacBook Pro won’t hit store shelves until then.
Of course, this is based on an unconfirmed report from a few months ago. If this is incorrect, Apple could launch the M5 Pro/M5 Max MacBook Pro with macOS 26.2 whenever it wants.
The M5 MacBook Air may be the first
If AppleInsider leak is correct, we really shouldn’t expect a new MacBook Pro just yet – the MacBook Air upgraded from the M4 to the base M5 is said to be the first. It will reportedly launch with macOS Tahoe 26.2, so it could be out any day now.
And while the MacBook Pro generally gets the lion’s share of attention, Apple’s marketing team keeps referring to the MacBook Air as “the world’s most popular laptop.” So more people care about its launch.
Several “chip-and-ship” MacBook upgrades.
Coverage of the updated MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models expected in the coming weeks will focus on the chips, as that’s expected to be the only significant change.
Rumors suggest that Apple will stick with the current designs of both laptops for the time being, although major changes are expected for the next-generation MacBook Pro, which will arrive in late 2026 or early 2027.