It looks like Apple will not be refreshing its MacBook lineup with the soon to be launched M5 chips this year. According to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the tech giant is now planning to release the updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models in the first half of 2026.
Initially, it was thought that the M5 MacBook models would be launched in late 2025, but now it seems the bitten fruit company is considering delaying them until early next year. Pushing the release of these models to 2026 would mean a break in tradition as Apple typically launches new Macs in October or November, following the iPhone event in September.
The Bloomberg report does not specify a reason for the potential delay, although apparently the timing is fluid, so there might still be a slight chance of the Macs arriving later this year. That said, the new MacBook Pro models will only have minor upgrades aside from the updated M5 chip.
This is because bigger changes are planned for the M6 MacBook Pro lineup. This iteration of Macs are expected to feature new case designs and OLED displays. These screens utilise a higher contrast technology and have been used in iPhones and the iPad Pro. According to rumours, this lineup is set to arrive in 2026, but with the delayed launch of the M5 versions, the OLED upgrade may end up coming in 2027.
In the meantime, the M5 MacBook Air models are expected to launch next year, replacing the current M4 versions. Apple is also reportedly working on an external monitor as a follow-up to the 2022 Studio Display, which could debut along with the Macs.
