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Apple plans to upgrade its entire Mac lineup with the latest internals, centered around the M5 chip. While the exact launch schedule is not final, reports paint a clear picture of when we should expect new hardware and which machines are first in line. If you’re planning an upgrade, it’s worth knowing about the timeline for the M5 MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini, iMac, and Mac Pro models.
### Apple’s Upcoming M5 Chip Will Power New Macs Between 2025–2026
The M5 chip is expected to be introduced as early as late 2025. Full adoption across the Mac range may stretch into 2026. Initially, Apple usually starts with its flagship laptops before gradually introducing smaller form factors like the Air, mini, and eventually the iMac.
#### MacBook Pro (14-Inch and 16-Inch)
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The MacBook Pro is set to lead the lineup. Reports suggest both base M5 and more powerful M5 Pro and M5 Max variants will be part of the upgrade. Earlier speculations pointed to a late-2025 debut, but higher-end models with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips may slip into early 2026 due to production challenges.
In terms of design, changes are not expected to be dramatic. Apple will likely keep the same chassis introduced with the M1 Pro MacBook Pro, complete with a notch, wide port selection, and a mini-LED display. The real upgrade will come from inside, with support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and possibly Thunderbolt 5.
#### MacBook Air (13-Inch and 15-Inch)
The MacBook Air has been Apple’s best-selling Mac and usually gets its refresh later. Recent rumors point to the M5 variant arriving in early 2026 following the Pro models. The company typically launches the Air lineup in spring, which we expect this year as well.
Apple will stick with the same slim design introduced in 2022, with flat edges and new color options. The big upgrade for users who want a portable Mac with long endurance rather than peak horsepower will be efficiency gains and battery life improvements from the M5 variant.
#### Mac mini
The Mac mini is shaping up to be one of the first desktops to see the M5 update. Reports hint at a late 2025 launch, possibly alongside the M5 MacBook Pro. The refresh is expected to include both M5 and M5 Pro options, catering to entry-level buyers and those who want more performance without jumping to a Mac Studio. Apple is unlikely to change its compact aluminum shell but will focus on bringing the next generation of Apple Silicon into the mix.
#### 24-Inch iMac
Apple updated the 24-inch iMac with an M4 chip in 2024, and an M5 refresh is expected for early 2026. It will likely follow the same design as the current version with the same enclosure, a 4.5K Retina display, but a big leap in performance and efficiency. However, there may be new color options to set it apart from the M4 variants.
#### Mac Pro
The Mac Pro remains a wildcard for now. Some reports point to identifiers hinting at a new model as early as late 2025, though details are sparse. If introduced, it would potentially feature the M5 Ultra, giving Apple’s workstation-class machine the necessary horsepower for pro workflows. Given its niche audience, Apple may time the Pro differently from other Macs but the move to M5 seems inevitable.
### Conclusion
Apple’s roadmap is rarely straightforward, and with manufacturing hurdles in play, the M5 rollout could extend further than anticipated. Whether it’s late 2025 or early 2026, the next wave of Macs will bring performance, efficiency, and longevity. We’ll keep you updated on the launch timeline.
Do you think the performance gains with the M5 chips will be enough to justify upgrading from M4 variants?
