When is Apple releasing the more powerful M5 MacBook Pro models?

Chance Miller | Jan 19 2026 - 7:36 am PT

No, the EU didn't ban Apple from including a charger with the M5 MacBook Pro | Apple promo image shown

Apple released the new M5 MacBook Pro last October, but we’re still waiting on the more powerful M5 Pro and M5 Max variants of that machine. Here’s when to expect that update to be released …

Apple Creator Studio

One theory making the rounds is that Apple could announce and/or release the new M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models on January 28. Why? Because that’s the same day it’s releasing its new Apple Creator Studio bundle.

This is pure speculation, but it’d make a lot of sense for Apple to tie the two launches together from a marketing perspective. Apple could launch a media blitz promoting its latest software bundle and latest hardware, both of which are targeted towards creatives.

Shipping times

Over the weekend, MacRumors spotted that shipping times for many of Apple’s existing M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pro variants are facing extended shipping delays. For example, select higher-end M4 Max configurations are delayed until the second week of March.

This is usually a good indicator of an imminent refresh by Apple. The company is known for meticulously managing its supply to ensure that nothing ever goes to waste. The fact that these higher-end configurations are delayed is as good an indication as any that the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro updates are coming soon.

What to expect from the new MacBook Pros

We aren’t expecting many changes to the new MacBook Pro other than the M5 Pro and M5 Max chip options. That upgrade will likely bring improvements to things like SSD performance and memory bandwidth as well.

The next big MacBook Pro overhaul is set for the end of the year or in early 2027. That update will bring an all-new design, the M6 chip, an OLED touchscreen, and more.

Are you planning to buy an M5 Pro or M5 Max MacBook Pro when it’s announced? Let us know down in the comments.