Design
There are no rumors of design changes, and we are expecting the upcoming M5 MacBook Pro models to look just like the M4 versions. Apple will continue to offer 14-inch and 16-inch size options, both of which should come in M5 Pro and M5 Max varieties.
M5 Max and M5 Pro Chip
We already got the base model 14-inch MacBook Pro with the new M5 chip in October, so what we're expecting are upgraded 14-inch and 16-inch models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips.
The M5 family is built on a more advanced N3P 3-nanometer process from TSMC, and it offers speed and efficiency improvements. The M5 chip is up to 20 percent faster in multi-core CPU performance than the M4 chip, and we could see similar improvements for the M5 Pro and M5 Max chip options. GPU performance is up to 30 percent faster.
With the M5, Apple added a Neural Accelerator to each GPU core, improving the speeds of GPU-based AI workloads. The chip also supports third-generation ray-tracing, second-generation dynamic caching, and enhanced shader cores.
The 16-core Neural Engine is more energy efficient than before, and unified memory bandwidth has improved significantly. These are all features that we're likely to see with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips as well.
Other Possible Updates
We haven't heard rumors about any other features coming to the MacBook Pro line. Apple did update SSD speeds for the M5 MacBook Pro models, so we could see the same upgrade to the M5 Pro and M5 Max machines.
Why You Shouldn't Buy an M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro
If you're not in serious need of a new MacBook Pro right away, early 2026 is a bad time to upgrade. The next-generation MacBook Pro after the early 2026 models is expected to feature an OLED display and touchscreen capabilities, both of which will mark a major upgrade in display quality. It's expected to include a Dynamic Island instead of a notch, and macOS will be optimized for touch interactions.
Most people shelling out extra money for a MacBook Pro with a higher-end M5 Pro or M5 Max chip need the extra performance or display quality, so it is worth waiting for the huge update that's coming.
The transition to OLED will also likely bring a design update along with M6 Pro and M6 Max chip technology, which is another reason to wait.
Of course, the new features could be limited to higher-end MacBook Pro models or could be significantly more expensive. If you're on a budget, need a Mac now, or don't care about OLED, the M5 Pro and Max models could still be worth considering.
Launch Date
The new MacBook Pro models could be announced via press release next week ahead of Apple's Special Experience.
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This article, "M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro: What to Expect" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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