While Apple quietly kicked off the M5 MacBook Pro era last October, that launch only covered a single configuration. Notably absent were the more powerful Pro and Max variants, along with any refresh to the 16-inch MacBook Pro.
New speculation now suggests those higher-end models could arrive very soon, potentially as early as January 28.
The M5 Rollout So Far
Back in October, Apple introduced its first M5-powered MacBook Pro with a 14-inch model aimed at professionals who want strong performance without stepping into flagship pricing. Apple positioned the M5 as a major leap forward for AI workloads, highlighting faster on-device machine learning, improved graphics performance, and a more capable Neural Engine.
Apple says the M5 chip delivers up to 3.5 times better AI performance and up to 1.6 times faster graphics compared to the previous generation.
Despite those gains, the current M5 MacBook Pro lineup remains limited. All available configurations share the same 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, with buyers only able to choose between 16GB or 24GB of memory and either 512GB or 1TB of storage.
What’s Still Missing?
What Apple has not announced yet is arguably what many power users are waiting for.
There is still no M5-based 16-inch MacBook Pro, and no sign of M5 Pro or M5 Max chips across either screen size. Historically, these higher-end models arrive shortly after the base chip debut, bringing more CPU and GPU cores, expanded memory options, and significantly higher performance ceilings for professional workflows.
That gap has led many to believe that Apple is holding back a second MacBook Pro announcement.
Why January 28 Stands Out
According to Macworld, Apple may be lining up those missing MacBook Pro models for a January 28 announcement. The theory is tied to Apple’s upcoming Creator Studio subscription, which launches on the same date.
Related: Apple’s Mac Roadmap Leaked: 15 New Macs Coming Through 2026, Including M5 and M6 Models
The reasoning is simple. Creator Studio and the MacBook Pro both target creative professionals. Launching new high-end MacBook Pro models alongside a creator-focused software initiative would allow Apple to frame the hardware and services as part of a single professional ecosystem.
There is also a historical pattern at play. Apple frequently schedules product announcements on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and January 28 falls neatly into that window.
To be clear, there is no official confirmation yet. Even Loyola describes the timing as educated speculation. Still, the alignment of audience, timing, and Apple’s usual launch habits makes the idea far from far-fetched.
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What to Expect If It Happens
If Apple does move forward with a late-January launch, the update would likely include:
- The first-ever 16-inch MacBook Pro powered by M5
- New 14-inch and 16-inch models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips
- Significant performance gains for AI, graphics, and sustained workloads
For professionals who skipped the October release, waiting may soon pay off.
For now, all eyes are on January 28 to see whether Apple turns this speculation into reality.
