For a long time, Apple’s MacBook Pro lineup has been considered one of the best options for business professionals, content creators and users who need a machine that can handle whatever is thrown at it without hiccups. In October last year, Apple refreshed the MacBook Pro 14-inch by introducing the M5-powered model, marking another step forward in its custom silicon journey. The launch left many users waiting for the more powerful M5 Pro and M5 Max variants that cater to people who need extra CPU and GPU muscle in their devices. Since then, expectations around a higher-end MacBook Pro refresh have been steadily growing. Now, if recent reports are to be believed, that long wait for the M5 Pro and M5 Max-powered MacBook Pro models could finally be nearing its end.
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The latest buzz around Apple’s upcoming MacBook Pro models comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who has a long track record of accurately reporting on Apple’s product roadmap. In his recent Power On newsletter, Gurman says that Apple is preparing to launch “faster” MacBook Pro models as part of the macOS 26.3 release cycle. According to the report, these next-generation MacBook Pro devices are assigned internal code names J714 and J716 and are expected to arrive either by the end of this month or sometime in March.
Another indicator pointing towards an imminent launch is Apple’s current MacBook Pro inventory situation. Gurman says that supplies of the existing flagship MacBook Pro have been significantly tightened on Apple’s official online store. In the US, shipping timelines for the laptop are reportedly slipping into February and even March, which is often seen as a classic sign of an upcoming refresh.
Adding more weight to the rumours, a separate tipster known as Fixed-focus digital cameras has claimed that Apple is planning to unveil its high-end M5 Pro and M5 Max processors in March. The leaker also suggests that these chips could use TSMC’s advanced System on Integrated Chips (SoIC) packaging technology. While this manufacturing approach may help Apple optimise packaging costs, the savings are expected to be marginal rather than dramatic.
Interestingly, earlier reports had suggested that Apple might introduce the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models in late January alongside a new Creator Suite subscription. Since that launch did not materialise, it now appears that the company may have pushed its plans forward to March for reasons that remain unclear.
When Apple does eventually unveil the M5 Pro and M5 Max-powered MacBook Pro models, expectations are fairly clear. The new laptops are widely expected to retain the current design language, meaning no major visual overhaul is likely this time around. Instead, Apple’s focus is expected to remain firmly on performance gains under the hood.
The biggest upgrade will naturally be the new chipsets. The M5 Pro and M5 Max processors are expected to result in noticeable improvements in CPU and GPU performance, making them better suited for demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, software development and AI-based workloads. Improved efficiency is also likely, which could translate into better sustained performance and battery life during heavy use.
Beyond the processors, Apple may continue offering high memory and storage configurations. Software optimisation with macOS 26.3 is also expected to play a key role, ensuring that the new hardware takes full advantage of Apple’s tightly integrated ecosystem.
The upcoming M5 Pro and M5 Max models will be for users who want immense power in their devices. With March shaping up to be a key month, Apple fans and professionals alike may not have to wait much longer to see what the next MacBook Pro refresh brings to the table.
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