Apple is expected to unveil the new MacBook Pro with the newly developed M5 chip as early as early February. This model is anticipated to be released in two versions: the M5 Pro and M5 Max, both of which offer improved performance compared to previous models. It is highly likely that their release will coincide with the official unveiling of the new operating system, macOS Tahoe 26.3.
AppleInsider, a media outlet specializing in Apple, reported last mid-year that the product identifiers (model codes) of the next-generation MacBook Pro had been confirmed in internal development data. Subsequently, in October, additional information was released stating that Apple plans to announce the new M5 Pro and Max models in conjunction with the release of macOS 26.3.
Mark Gurman, a journalist at Bloomberg, also mentioned in his weekly newsletter “Power On” that the new MacBook Pro equipped with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips will be unveiled around the same time as macOS Tahoe 26.3. He stated, “Even if the operating system update and product release do not occur on the exact same day, they are likely to coincide closely in timing.”
On January 26, Apple distributed the third developer beta version of macOS Tahoe 26.3. Typically, Apple releases the official version one to two weeks after beta 3. Last year, macOS 15.3 followed a similar pattern, being released in the first week of February. Based on this schedule, there is strong speculation that the new MacBook Pro will also be introduced in early to mid-February.
Apple has shown a consistent pattern when announcing new products, generally unveiling them on a Tuesday and starting pre-orders on the following Friday, with shipments beginning the Friday after that. The market anticipates a similar schedule for these releases.
The new MacBook Pro is more focused on performance enhancements rather than changes in appearance. It is expected to have no major design modifications from the existing models, with its main feature being the Apple-designed M5 chip. This chip is noteworthy for enhancing computing speed while improving power efficiency. Experts analyze that this product will be an upgrade centered on practical performance improvements.
Meanwhile, it is known that Apple is preparing a new MacBook Pro with the M6 chip and an OLED touchscreen for the end of next year. Therefore, the M5 model is likely to be a transitional product preparing for next-generation technology.
Gurman also noted that this is not his first mention of the M5 MacBook Pro release date. In earlier newsletters, he explained, “With the M5 series, Apple is completing efficient performance optimization, and in the M6 generation, they will focus on hardware innovations such as displays.”
Apple has steadily developed its chips, applying them sequentially to the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro series. Typically, the base model chip is released first, followed by the Pro and Max models several months later. The M5 series is in preparation following this schedule.
Currently, within the developer community, there is a positive assessment that macOS Tahoe 26.3 has entered a stabilization phase. If the final beta version is released in early February, the official announcement of the new MacBook Pro is expected to happen almost simultaneously.
The upcoming MacBook Pro with the M5 chip is set to enhance its competitiveness with two core elements: speed and power efficiency. Apple is anticipated to continue its strategy of strengthening its own silicon ecosystem with this model.