If you’re considering buying a MacBook Pro, you might be wondering whether to pick up the current M4 model or wait for the rumored M5 MacBook Pro. With Apple’s chip roadmap evolving fast, knowing when to buy—and when to wait—is more important than ever.
No MacBook Pro M5 in 2025?
If you were hoping for an M5-powered MacBook Pro in late 2025, there’s disappointing news:
MacBook Pro models with M5 chips are now expected in early 2026, not this year. This delay aligns with a leaked internal roadmap and industry expert commentary from Mark Gurman and Notebookcheck.
So if you were banking on an upgrade this fall, that timeline has officially shifted.
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What We Know About the M5 MacBook Pro
Even though it’s not arriving in 2025, there’s still a good amount of leaked information about the M5 MacBook Pro lineup:
Expected Launch:
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Early 2026 (January–April likely)
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Models: 14-inch and 16-inch, just like the M4 lineup
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Chip options: M5, M5 Pro, M5 Max
Rumored Features and Improvements:
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15–25% performance boost over M4 Pro and M4 Max chips
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Built using TSMC’s 3nm second-gen process with advanced chiplet packaging
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Wi‑Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 5 expected across the lineup
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Battery life gains through better efficiency
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No major redesign: chassis will remain the same as the current MacBook Pro
What’s Not Coming (Yet):
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No OLED displays in the M5 generation (expected with M6 in late 2026)
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No touchscreen or radical form-factor change
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No built-in 5G modem—still likely reserved for the MacBook of the future
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MacBook Pro M4 Overview (2024–2025)
Apple launched the M4-powered MacBook Pros in late 2024, offering major improvements in performance and efficiency:
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Models: 14-inch and 16-inch with M4, M4 Pro, M4 Max options
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Up to 12-core CPU and 40-core GPU
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Massive improvements in neural engine and AI tasks
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Mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display
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Ports: HDMI, MagSafe 3, SD card reader, 3× Thunderbolt 4
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Wi‑Fi 6E, up to 128GB unified memory (M4 Max)
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Starting price: $1,599 for 14-inch M4 Pro, $2,499 for M4 Max variant
This lineup remains Apple’s most powerful laptop offering in 2025.
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Should You Upgrade or Wait?
Here’s the bottom line:
Buy the M4 Now If:
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You need a MacBook Pro immediately for work or school
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You want powerful performance and don’t care about minor gains in future models
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You plan to keep your machine for 3–5 years
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You're eligible for a Back-to-School discount or find it on sale
Wait for M5 If:
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You’re not in a rush and want newer connectivity standards
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You upgrade regularly and want the newest chip cycle
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You're planning a major investment and want to delay until 2026
Wait for M6 If:
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You want OLED displays, new design, or a major visual change
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You're holding off until late 2026
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You value future-proofing above immediate performance
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Final Thoughts
While the M5 MacBook Pro promises faster performance and newer wireless standards, the MacBook Pro M4 is still an exceptional machine—one that will remain relevant and powerful for years to come.
If your current Mac is holding you back, buying now is a smart move. If you're able to wait and want the very latest, keep an eye on the M5 or even the M6, depending on your timeline and priorities.
