Skip to main content

Apple preparing M5 MacBook Pro refresh later this year, ahead of ‘overhaul’ in 2026

Avatar for Michael Burkhardt  | Mar 30 2025 - 6:03 am PT
22 Comments
M5 MacBook Pro

Apple is reportedly working on a new M5 MacBook Pro refresh, which is set to debut ‘later this year.’ While this update will just be a small chip upgrade, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reaffirms that we’ll see a larger MacBook Pro overhaul in 2026.

Gurman describes this new M5 MacBook Pro refresh as “a lock”, and that it’ll probably happen “around the same time of year that it received the M4 processor in 2024 and the M3 in 2023.”

That means October, for those of you who aren’t keeping tally. Apple is also working on an M5 MacBook Air refresh, as is tradition.

Top comment by Adam Williams

Liked by 5 people

Everything about the M6 redesign sounds bad to me. Thinner. less battery and thermal quality. Oled, less HDR brightness and burnin risk for avid users who spend lots of time coding on static screens for 8+ hours a day. Personally apples mini led tech was top notch. I'll likley get M5 this year and then skip M6 and hope by m7 or m8 we finally see a technology good enough to put oled to rest such as qdel maybe.

View all comments

While neither of these refreshes will introduce new designs, Gurman once again mentions that the MacBook Pro will receive an ‘overhaul’ in 2026. This refresh will introduce an M6 chip, an OLED display, and a thinner design, according to past reporting:

 In terms of major new Mac designs, I don’t expect the MacBook Pro to get an overhaul until around 2026 — when the M6 model is due to come out.

In case you don’t feel like waiting another 6 months to pick up a new MacBook Pro with M5, you can take a look at great deals on existing MacBook Pro models, including the M4 14-inch model starting at just $1399, and the M4 Pro 14-inch model starting at $1779. These are both over $200 off compared to standard pricing.

My favorite Apple accessory recommendations:

Follow Michael: X/Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram

Add 9to5Mac as a preferred source on Google Add 9to5Mac as a preferred source on Google

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

Comments

Guides

MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro

Apple's premium laptop comes in 13- and 16-inch …

Author

Avatar for Michael Burkhardt Michael Burkhardt

Michael is a 9to5Mac Reporter, leading all of our Apple news coverage on weekends and reviewing the newest Apple products and accessories. He got started in the world of Apple news during the pandemic, and it became a growing hobby. He’s also an indie iOS developer, and started the weekly Indie App Spotlight series, which has covered hundreds of blooming new apps since it launched. In his free time, he enjoys shooting street photography around New York City on his Sony A7RV.

Michael Burkhardt's favorite gear

Anker 25K Compact Battery Bank

Featuring two built in cables, a built in display, multiple ports, a 25,000mAh capacity, and up to 100W of output - this is one of the best battery banks for recharging your entire Apple ecosystem on the go.

AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)

AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)

Despite a new version reportedly being around a corner, I still personally believe AirPods Pro 2 are a great deal. They're already equipped with USB-C, and continually gain new software features. With them consistently going on sale, it's a great purchase to make. Features like Adaptive Audio are incredible.