New MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max to launch as early as late February

Apple is preparing an update to its MacBook Pro lineup. The flagship models powered by the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are expected to arrive as early as late February to early March 2026. This was reported by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman in the latest issue of his Power On newsletter.

February launch is the primary scenario

According to Gurman, Apple plans to unveil the new MacBook Pro models alongside the release of macOS 26.3. The devices carry the internal codenames J714 and J716. The main announcement window is late February, with March considered a fallback option.

A shift to March would only occur if macOS 26.3 is delayed for technical or organizational reasons. For now, February remains the most likely timeframe.

What the new MacBook Pro models will offer

The laptops are expected to feature Apple’s M5 Pro and M5 Max processors, the next generation of Apple Silicon designed specifically for professional systems. Traditionally, the Pro and Max variants deliver noticeable gains in performance and energy efficiency over the previous generation, and the M5 series is expected to follow that pattern.

The biggest improvements are anticipated in AI-related workloads, video editing, 3D rendering, and machine learning. While exact specifications have not yet been disclosed, the new chips are likely to offer higher CPU and GPU core counts, an upgraded Neural Engine, and support for larger amounts of unified memory.

Connection to other updates

The MacBook Pro launch will be synchronized with the release of iOS 26.3. Shortly afterward, developers are expected to gain access to the iOS 26.4 beta, which will introduce an updated Siri powered by Google Gemini AI. This update is also expected to bring deeper personalization and improved contextual awareness.

In brief

Apple is set to introduce MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips in late February or early March 2026, alongside macOS 26.3. February is the primary target, with March serving as a backup if the operating system is delayed. The new models, codenamed J714 and J716, will be the first Apple laptops powered by M5 Pro and M5 Max processors and are aimed squarely at professional users. This is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated MacBook Pro updates in recent years.

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