Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently revealed in his Power On newsletter that Apple is planning an M5 upgrade for the Mac mini and Mac Studio in 2026, not 2025. His report suggests that Apple is extending its desktop update cycle to better align the Mac mini and Mac Studio generations. With the M4 Mac mini launched in 2024, this timing fits perfectly into Apple’s new two-year cadence, making 2026 the most likely window for the debut of the Mac mini M5.
Predicted Directions for Mac Mini M5 and Mac Studio M5
✅ Mac Mini M5
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Expected to launch in early 2026, bringing an M5 or M5 Pro chip to Apple’s compact desktop lineup.
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The update will likely focus on internal performance improvements rather than a major redesign, including faster processing, better thermal management, and improved efficiency.
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Positioned as a compact and affordable desktop, suitable for everyday productivity, content creation, and development tasks.
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For current Mac Mini M4 owners, this update won’t immediately make the M4 obsolete; M4 machines are expected to remain valuable and capable through 2025.
✅ Mac Studio M5
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The next-generation Mac Studio is expected to feature M5 Max and possibly M5 Ultra chips, targeting professional and creative users.
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Likely to be released in mid to late 2026, focusing on performance, connectivity, and memory support rather than major exterior design changes.
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Expected to remain a high-end desktop workstation, ideal for demanding tasks such as 3D rendering, video editing, and AI-driven workflows.
These predicted directions give a clear sense of Apple’s focus for 2026: incremental but meaningful updates to both consumer and professional desktops, with an emphasis on power, efficiency, and AI capabilities.
Enhance Your Mac with Aluminum Cases
Protecting your Mac and improving thermal performance is always a smart move, whether you’re using a current model or planning for a future upgrade. Two premium aluminum cases are particularly noteworthy:
1. ZEERA MacForge Gen2 For Mac Mini M4/M4 Pro
Designed for Mac Mini, this case provides better heat dissipation, a sleek Mac Pro–inspired look, and extra SSD storage slots for professionals.
2. ZEERA MacForge Studio for M1/M2/M3 Ultra/M4 Max
Ideal for Mac Studio, this case enhances airflow, ensures quiet operation under heavy workloads, and protects your machine from dust and scratches.
What Other M5 Macs Could Arrive in 2026
Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter suggest that MacBook Air M5 models—both 13‑inch and 15‑inch—could arrive early in the year, bringing the efficiency-focused M5 chip to Apple’s ultra-portable lineup.
Meanwhile, professional users can likely expect MacBook Pro M5 Pro and M5 Max models later in 2026, building on the base M5 MacBook Pro and offering higher GPU performance and AI acceleration.
In short, Apple seems ready to introduce a complete M5 Mac lineup in 2026, covering everything from portable laptops to high-end desktops, marking the next major step in its Apple Silicon journey.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a creative professional seeking powerhouse hardware or a regular user looking for a compact and capable desktop, the M5 generation offers something for everyone.
If you’ve been waiting to upgrade your Mac, 2026 could be the year to make the move—bringing Apple’s most advanced silicon yet to your workspace.
