Apple is gearing up to launch its entry-level MacBook Pro equipped with the M5 chip, codenamed J704, which is now on the brink of release and currently being tested with the new macOS 26.0.2. According to AppleInsider, the more powerful 14-inch and 16-inch models featuring the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are set to debut early next year, preloaded with macOS 26.3. This strategy aligns with past practices, opting to roll out the base model and the higher-end versions separately, diverging from the earlier approach of updating all models at once, as seen with the M3 and M4 generations.
Apple’s past release strategy shows that the brand prefers to roll out products in batches. The 13-inch MacBook Pro updated with the M1 chip in 2020 exemplifies this approach, while the M1 Pro and M1 Max models didn’t appear until 2021. If this pattern continues, we can expect to see the M5 MacBook Pro’s base model launched soon. Recent FCC documents have also revealed an unannounced model, A3434, further supporting this notion.
As for the new generation of the M5 chip, leaked test videos indicate that its multi-core CPU performance has improved by about 12% compared to the M4 chip, while graphic processing performance can achieve a boost of up to 36%. Utilizing TSMC’s third-generation 3nm process, the M5 chip has scored 4,133 points for single-core performance and 15,437 points for multi-core performance, with a clock speed reaching up to 4.42GHz.
Regarding further updates on future models, the buzz around the M6 model revolves around anticipated significant improvements, including an OLED display, touchscreen functionality, and a sleeker design, all powered by a 2nm M6 chip that promises to deliver a notable boost in performance.
In addition, the iPad Pro and Vision Pro powered by the M5 chip are expected to receive updates later this year, while the new models of the MacBook Air, iMac, Mac mini, and Mac Studio may not be released until next year. Meanwhile, there are currently no details regarding the update plans for the Mac Pro desktop, and it’s unclear whether Apple will hold a launch event in October.
