Apple fans and professionals who live on the cutting edge of technology are already gearing up for the next iteration of the MacBook Pro M5, expected to feature the upcoming M5 chip. Even though the M4-powered MacBook Pro only made its debut in November 2024, the Apple community has swiftly turned its attention to what’s next. And it looks like history is repeating itself. Just like previous years, the next MacBook Pro is expected to launch in late October or early November 2025, aligning with Apple’s recent annual release cycle. This information is also featured on 9to9trends YouTube, so don’t forget to check it out.
While the current MacBook lineup has delivered solid performance upgrades over time, particularly in terms of CPU and GPU power, it has been criticized for looking and feeling just a bit too familiar. And unfortunately, that trend appears to continue with the M5 generation. The last release, powered by the M4 chip, was significant in one specific way: it marked Apple’s first time increasing the baseline CPU core count from 8 to 10. This new chip was a performance leap, built with six efficiency cores and four performance cores.
It offered faster multitasking and better thermal efficiency, which made it a favorite among creative professionals. However, despite the improved internals, the M4 MacBook Pro retained the same design Apple introduced back in 2021. The only visual flair came in the form of a new Space Black finish. So, if you were expecting an external makeover, the M4 generation was a bit of a letdown. And unfortunately, early leaks suggest that the M5 MacBook Pro won’t be any different in terms of design.
No Design Overhaul Until 2026
Design enthusiasts and minimalists hoping for a sleeker chassis, smaller bezels, or a thinner profile will need to hold off until 2026, which is when Apple is expected to roll out its long-awaited OLED MacBook Pro models, finally. These OLED MacBooks will also likely be paired with the M6 chip, bringing not only major visual upgrades but also deeper contrast, improved power efficiency, and potentially better battery life due to the screen technology shift. Until then, Apple appears content to stick with its current hardware aesthetics and display technology. That means the mini-LED displays, large notches, and aluminum chassis are here to stay through the M5 generation.
In terms of ports, don’t expect any surprises either. Apple seems to have settled into a reliable rhythm, having already reintroduced HDMI, MagSafe, and SD card slots with the M1 Pro/Max generation. The extra USB-C port that came with the M3 models will still be available, offering a bit more flexibility for users who rely on multiple peripherals. However, overall, the port configuration, display size, and form factor are expected to remain unchanged for this upcoming release.
MacBook Pro M5 Performance Boosts: Subtle Yet Significant
While the external shell stays the same, under the hood, the MacBook Pro M5 is expected to deliver a noticeable performance uplift. Apple generally boosts CPU, GPU, and Neural Processing Unit (NPU) speeds by about 20–25% each year, and the MacBook Pro M5 chip is likely to follow suit. This means faster workflows, quicker rendering times, and more efficient multitasking—ideal for professionals who rely on demanding software like Final Cut Pro, Adobe Creative Suite, and complex 3D modeling tools.
Unlike the M4, which introduced a bump in CPU core count, the M5 isn’t expected to take that leap again. However, GPU improvements could steal the spotlight this time. One of the more credible rumors suggests that Apple may finally break the 10-core GPU plateau that’s been in place for several generations and introduce a 12-core GPU for the baseline M5 MacBook Pro. This upgrade, though unconfirmed, would make a lot of sense, especially as gaming and machine learning tasks become increasingly important to both developers and consumers. The increased graphics performance would also benefit those working with real-time video effects, high-res photo editing, and augmented reality applications.
No Big Changes to Memory—But Storage Might Get a Boost
As far as RAM and memory configurations are concerned, don’t hold your breath for any major upgrades. Apple only recently made 16GB of unified memory the new baseline, and it’s expected to stick with this configuration for the MacBook Pro M5 generation. That said, professional users will still have the option to upgrade to 32GB, 64GB, or even 128GB, depending on their needs. What’s more interesting, however, is the speculation around baseline storage capacity.
Currently, Apple starts its MacBook Pro M5 line with 512GB of SSD storage, which has started to feel a bit dated considering the ever-growing size of creative files, apps, and system backups. There’s a growing expectation that Apple will bump the default storage up to 1TB for the M5 MacBook Pro models. While not confirmed, this move would be widely welcomed and would help justify the MacBook Pro’s premium price tag. It would also give professionals a bit more breathing room without immediately needing to opt for costly storage upgrades.
Will the iPad Pro Jump the Queue?
One of the most interesting questions right now is which Apple device will debut the M5 chip. While the MacBook Pro seems like the obvious candidate, some recent leaks have suggested that the iPad Pro might beat it to market. This wouldn’t be entirely unprecedented—Apple has occasionally introduced new chips in the iPad line before rolling them out to the MacBook line. If that’s the case again, it could mean a minor delay for the M5 MacBook Pro, potentially pushing its launch into spring 2026. Still, most indicators and Apple’s historic patterns suggest that the MacBook Pro release will remain on track for Q4 2025.
It’s also worth noting that Apple has been placing a stronger emphasis on positioning the iPad Pro as a laptop alternative. Giving it the M5 chip first could help cement that identity, but it would likely only be a temporary lead. MacBooks still dominate in terms of thermal performance, extended workloads, and professional software compatibility.
Pricing: What Should You Expect?
Finally, we come to the big question: How much will it cost? If Apple sticks to its current pricing structure and avoids introducing expensive new tech like OLED displays early, then the MacBook Pro M5 should start at the same price point as the M4 models. That means the 14-inch version would begin around $1,999, with prices rising depending on your chosen specs. Of course, all of this hinges on external factors like tariffs, inflation, and global supply chain stability. If anything tips the scales, such as component shortages or new import duties, Apple might be forced to bump the price slightly.
However, when the OLED MacBook Pro does arrive in 2026 with a fresh design and M6 chip, expect a noticeable price jump. OLED displays are more expensive to manufacture, and Apple will likely pitch them as the “ultra-premium” choice for creative professionals and early adopters.
Final Thoughts: The Calm Before the OLED Storm
The MacBook Pro M5 is shaping up to be a classic Apple move—evolutionary in performance, but conservative in design. It’s a solid, reliable update for those who care about what’s inside the machine more than how it looks. While it won’t bring the dramatic design changes many users crave, it will offer meaningful speed improvements and possibly better GPU and storage specs that professionals will appreciate.
But make no mistake: 2026 is the real year to watch. That’s when Apple is expected to unleash its long-awaited OLED MacBooks with sleeker designs and likely the M6 chip. Until then, the M5 generation will serve as a final chapter in the current era of MacBook Pro design. Are you planning to upgrade or holding out for the OLED refresh?
No products found.
Last update on 2025-06-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
