M5 Mac Launch Timeline: New Models Expected from October

Apple is preparing to launch its next-generation M5 chip. The new silicon is expected to debut in several Mac models starting soon. This marks the next major performance leap for Apple’s computers.

According to Bloomberg, the first M5 Macs could arrive before the end of the year. The transition will continue throughout 2026, refreshing the entire Mac lineup.

First M5 Macs Could Arrive This Year

The MacBook Pro may be the first to get the M5 chip. An unannounced MacBook Pro model recently appeared in an FCC database leak. This is a strong indicator of an imminent release.

Supplies of the current 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro are also dwindling. Shipping estimates for custom configurations have slipped to late October. This supply constraint often precedes a new product launch.

Wider Mac Lineup Refresh in 2026

The popular MacBook Air is slated for an M5 update in early 2026. This follows Apple’s typical refresh cycle for its consumer notebooks. The new 13-inch and 15-inch models are expected around March or April.

Apple’s all-in-one desktop, the iMac, is also a candidate for an early update. It received the M4 chip in October 2024. The Mac mini may see an M5 refresh around the same time as the MacBook Air.

High-End Desktops Face Longer Wait

The Mac Studio received new chips very recently. It was updated with M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips in March 2025. A further upgrade to M5 chips is not expected until late 2026 at the earliest.

The Mac Pro remains the most outdated Mac. It still uses the M2 Ultra chip from 2023. An upgrade to an M5 Ultra chip appears to be the most likely path, but it requires more development time.

The M5 chip will begin a new era for Apple silicon. Its rollout across the Mac lineup will be a gradual process through 2026. This ensures each product gets a significant performance boost.

Info at your fingertips

Which Mac will be the first to get the M5 chip?

The MacBook Pro is expected to be the first model updated. Evidence from an FCC listing and supply constraints point to a late 2025 launch for the first M5 MacBook Pro.

When will the M5 MacBook Air be released?

New 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models with M5 chips are anticipated in early 2026. A release around March or April aligns with the previous update cycle.

Is the Mac Pro getting an update soon?

The Mac Pro is due for an update but will likely be one of the last models to transition. An M5 Ultra chip version probably will not arrive until late 2026.

What is the benefit of the M5 chip?

The M5 chip will offer faster CPU and GPU performance over the M4. It will also likely improve power efficiency, leading to better battery life in laptops.

Will there be an M5 Ultra chip for desktops?

Yes, an M5 Ultra chip is expected for high-end desktops like the Mac Studio and Mac Pro. Its development takes longer, so a launch is not expected until 2026.