For months, rumours around Apple’s upcoming MacBook Pro laptops have been doing rounds on the internet. Earlier, the new MacBook Pro laptops powered by M5 Pro and M5 Max chips were said to launch on January 28, the same day when the Apple Creator Studio went live. But that didn’t happen. Now, as per recent rumours, the next-gen MacBook Pro models are expected to launch in March. Here is everything we know so far about Apple’s revised MacBook Pro launch plans and what they could mean for those waiting to upgrade.
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As per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s upcoming M5-powered MacBook Pro laptops could launch in March this year. Earlier, the devices were expected to launch in December 2025 or January this year.
One possible reason for this delay could be Apple’s aggressive development timeline for its next generation chips. Apple reportedly wants the M5 platform to be ready across multiple product categories before launching high end laptops built around it. Launching the MacBook Pro earlier could mean tighter supply or compromises that Apple would rather avoid.
An early year launch also gives the MacBook Pro more breathing room. Apple’s autumn events are dominated by iPhones, Apple Watch models, and major software updates. Releasing a MacBook Pro in spring allows Apple to give its professional hardware more attention. It also aligns better with upgrade cycles for creative professionals and developers who plan hardware purchases early in the year.
Leaks so far suggest that the M5 MacBook Pro will not feature any major design changes. The current flat edged chassis, Mini LED display, and port selection including HDMI, SD card slot, and MagSafe charging are all expected to remain. Apple appears satisfied with the current design and is instead focusing on internal improvements.
The real gains are expected to come from efficiency and sustained performance. The M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are likely to deliver faster speeds with better power management, which directly impacts battery life during heavy workloads like video editing, coding, and 3D rendering. AI related tasks are also expected to see improvements, an area where Apple has been investing heavily across macOS and its silicon.
Beyond the MacBook Pro, the M5 chip is expected to roll out across other devices. Mac Studio and Mac mini are both tipped to receive M5 upgrades later in 2026. Apple is also expected to bring the M5 to the iPad Pro, continuing its strategy of sharing chips across laptops and tablets.
For users on older Intel Macs or early Apple Silicon machines, the M5 MacBook Pro could be a solid long term upgrade. Those already using M2 Pro or M3 Pro models, however, may not feel immediate pressure to switch. As always, Apple has confirmed nothing yet, but if these leaks hold up, 2026 could be a quietly important year for the Mac.
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