After weeks of guessing games, we may finally have a clearer launch window for Apple’s next high-end MacBook Pro models.
According to Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter, the new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are currently slated to launch as early as the week of March 2. That lines up with the macOS 26.3 release cycle, which runs through March.
Why the timing makes sense
Earlier speculation pointed to a January release, but that never materialized. What we did know is that these machines are tied to macOS 26.3, meaning they need to arrive before macOS 26.4 rolls out publicly.
Gurman now says the launch is targeted for early March, which narrows things down significantly.
Apple typically announces new products on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. If this timeline holds, that suggests a reveal sometime between March 2 and March 4.
A sign new models are coming
There’s also a classic Apple clue in play.
The current M4 MacBook Pro models are reportedly in short supply, which often happens when Apple is preparing to transition to new hardware. It’s not confirmation, but historically, that kind of inventory tightening has signaled an incoming refresh.
What to expect from the M5 MacBook Pro
This update is expected to focus primarily on performance gains from the new chips rather than a major redesign.
Here’s what’s likely:
- M5 Pro and M5 Max chips
- Improved performance and efficiency
- Same overall design as the current generation
The big redesign with OLED, a thinner chassis, touch display support, and M6 chips is rumored for later this year. So if you’re waiting for a dramatic overhaul, that may still be months away.
Other Macs on the horizon
The M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro won’t be the only new Macs launching soon.
Gurman also reiterates that Apple is preparing:
- M5 MacBook Air
- New Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra
- New Studio Display with HDR and higher refresh rate
- A cheaper MacBook powered by the A18 Pro chip
- A new Mac mini refresh later this year
- OLED iMac
In short, the Mac roadmap for 2026 is stacked.
Suggested: 15 New Macs Are Coming: Here’s What Apple’s M5 and M6 Roadmap Looks Like
Should you wait?
If you’ve been eyeing a high-end MacBook Pro and care about having the latest silicon, it might be worth holding off just a little longer. The launch window is now close enough that waiting could pay off.
But if you need a machine today, the current M4 lineup and the M5 MacBook Pro is still extremely capable. Either way, early March could be a very interesting week for Mac fans.
