MacBook Pro M5 Leaks, First Look, Price, Features, Camera and Specifications

The MacBook Pro lineup is set for a major upgrade with the introduction of Apple’s M5 chipset. According to recent leaks, the MacBook Pro M5 will be the first device to feature the new chip, marking another step forward in Apple’s silicon advancements. Looking back, the MacBook Pro’s current design debuted in 2021, bringing the M1 Pro and M1 Max. This information is also featured on 9to9trends YouTube, so don’t forget to check it out.

Subsequent updates introduced the M2 and M3 series, and by the end of 2024, Apple had refreshed the lineup with the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max. Despite these internal upgrades, the design has remained largely unchanged, featuring three USB-C ports (Thunderbolt 4 or 5, depending on the model), an SD card slot, HDMI, a high-quality keyboard, excellent speakers, and a mini-LED ProMotion display.

MacBook Pro M5 Design Changes Expected

With the M5 series, expectations for design changes remain low. The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros will likely retain the same chassis, with the only possible change being the introduction of a new color, similar to how Apple transitioned from Space Gray to Space Black. A potential battery life improvement is expected, primarily due to the M5’s efficiency rather than any hardware modifications.

Performance and Chip Upgrades

The M5 chipset will likely be based on an enhanced version of the existing 3nm architecture rather than an all-new 2nm process, suggesting a performance jump similar to the transition from M1 to M2. Overall, an approximate 25% increase in performance is anticipated, with AI processing seeing the biggest leap, followed by graphics and then CPU improvements of around 10-15%. Apple may also increase the number of CPU cores, as seen in previous chip iterations.

Originally, it was believed that the iPad Pro would debut the M5, but new reports indicate that the MacBook Pro will lead the transition, possibly launching before the end of 2025. While an annual refresh cycle for the MacBook Pro is becoming more common, Apple still needs to complete the M4 rollout, including updates to the MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro with the M4 Ultra. These devices are expected before mid-2025, clearing the path for the M5 MacBook Pro later in the year.

Connectivity and Additional Features

In addition to the new chip, Apple may also introduce WiFi 7 and Thunderbolt 5 for the entry-level model, though a 5G modem is unlikely before 2026. The M4 MacBook Pro brought notable upgrades like 16GB base RAM, a 12MP FaceTime camera, and Thunderbolt 5 for the Pro and Max models, along with a Nano-texture glass option. These features are expected to remain in the M5 models, maintaining Apple’s focus on premium performance and display quality.

No products found.

Major Upgrades Planned for 2026

Apple is saving major design changes for 2026, including a camera hole replacing the notch, and a thinner design alongside the M6 chip. As for display technology, OLED production for the MacBook Pro has reportedly begun but won’t debut until 2026, meaning mini-LED will remain the standard for at least another generation. This delay suggests that while the M5 MacBook Pro will focus on performance enhancements, the real design evolution will come with the M6 in 2026.

No products found.

Production and Release Timeline

According to recent reports, Apple’s M5 chip has entered mass production, with ASE leading the packaging process. The base M5 model is being produced first, with high-end variants to follow. The MacBook Pro with M5 is expected to launch between October and November 2025, followed by new iPad Pro models in the first half of 2026.

Pricing Expectations

Apple has maintained consistent pricing across its MacBook Pro lineup for the past several years, and the M5 models are expected to follow suit. The base 14-inch MacBook Pro will likely start at around $1,999, while higher-end configurations with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips could go significantly higher depending on RAM and storage options.

Final Thoughts

While the M5 MacBook Pro may not bring radical changes to design, it is expected to deliver meaningful performance improvements, particularly in AI processing and battery efficiency. Apple’s strategy seems to be focusing on annual chip upgrades while reserving major design changes every few years. With OLED MacBook Pros on the horizon and significant changes planned for 2026, the M5 MacBook Pro is shaping up to be a solid, if incremental, upgrade before the next big leap in Apple’s laptop evolution.

Last update on 2025-10-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API