The next-generation MacBook Pro with M5 chip will arrive in late 2025, bringing significant performance enhancements to Apple’s flagship laptop. With Apple’s consistent annual release cycle, industry insiders and analysts have shared insights into what users can expect from the upcoming MacBook Pro refresh. Let’s dive into the most credible rumors and features that may define the next MacBook Pro.
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Early Arrival of M5 Chip in MacBook Pro
Apple has typically introduced its Apple Silicon updates first in Macs, but the M4 generation saw a surprising deviation when the iPad Pro was the first device to receive the upgrade. The MacBook Pro followed nearly six months later.
For the M5 chip, reports suggest that Apple will likely revert to its earlier approach, ensuring that Mac users get priority access to the latest silicon advancements. A February 2025 Bloomberg report stated that Apple will begin rolling out Macs with the M5 processor in fall 2025, aligning with its past release trends.
Further reports indicate that the iPad Pro with M5 could arrive between late 2025 and early 2026, meaning the MacBook Pro M5 might debut ahead of or alongside the iPad Pro update. While Apple has yet to confirm any official specs, industry expectations point toward a spec-bump upgrade, where the MacBook Pro retains its familiar 14-inch and 16-inch designs but with enhanced internal hardware.
Future MacBook Pro Models Could Feature Built-in Modems
One of the long-awaited features of the MacBook Pro is cellular connectivity. While iPads and iPhones have long had built-in modems, MacBook users have had to rely on Wi-Fi or iPhone tethering.
Apple has been working on its modem technology, recently debuting the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e, replacing Qualcomm’s modem. This Apple-designed modem boasts superior integration with Apple Silicon and could enhance network efficiency and battery life.
The potential for a MacBook Pro with built-in cellular connectivity has been speculated for years. A December 2024 report suggested that Apple was exploring the feasibility of a cellular-enabled MacBook but that it likely wouldn’t arrive before 2026. By February 2025, further reports hinted that Apple might integrate its proprietary modem into A-series and M-series chips, possibly setting the stage for MacBook Pro models with LTE or 5G connectivity shortly.
MacBook Pro with OLED Display: Still Years Away
One of the most persistent rumors about future MacBook Pro models is the transition from mini-LED to OLED displays. While the current mini-LED technology offers impressive brightness and contrast levels, OLED panels provide additional benefits such as thinner screens, better power efficiency, and deeper blacks.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo initially predicted that OLED MacBooks could arrive by late 2024, but subsequent reports pushed this timeline back. By mid-2023, speculation pointed to Samsung as the likely supplier for OLED MacBook Pro panels, with production expected between mid-2025 and mid-2026.
In February 2024, South Korean publication The Elec projected that an OLED MacBook Pro wouldn’t launch before 2027, citing concerns over declining Mac sales. However, by early 2025, revised predictions suggested that a Hybrid OLED MacBook Pro could debut as early as 2026.
Although reports remain inconsistent, the 2026 timeline appears the most realistic. Apple could easily justify an OLED MacBook Pro update at any time, and once it arrives, it is expected to impact the notebook market significantly.
What to Expect from the M5 MacBook Pro Update
While major design overhauls seem unlikely, the M5 MacBook Pro is expected to focus on performance upgrades and efficiency improvements. Based on previous Apple Silicon advancements, the M5 chip may bring:
- Improved CPU and GPU performance for professional users.
- Enhanced AI and machine learning capabilities to support on-device processing.
- Better battery efficiency compared to the M4 generation.
- Faster memory and storage speeds for seamless multitasking.
Final Thoughts: Should You Wait for the M5 MacBook Pro?
For users considering an upgrade, the M5 MacBook Pro could be worth the wait if you seek cutting-edge performance and the latest Apple innovations. However, the M4 MacBook Pro remains a powerful option if you need a new MacBook now.
With an expected release window in late 2025, the M5 MacBook Pro will likely be one of Apple’s most significant hardware announcements of the year. Stay tuned for further updates as more details emerge about the next-generation MacBook Pro with M5 chip.
