Apple’s M5 Macs are not expected to arrive until 2026, marking a later rollout than some initial predictions suggested. Both the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air will transition to M5 silicon next year, with the Pro lineup leading in early 2026, followed by the Air and desktop models later in the year.
Apple is preparing the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro as the first devices to feature the M5 generation of chips. While a late 2025 release was once considered possible, production schedules now point firmly to early 2026. The MacBook Pro has consistently been Apple’s launchpad for new silicon, offering professionals the earliest access to next-generation performance.
The M5 MacBook Pro is expected to ship in multiple chip configurations:
- M5
- M5 Pro
- M5 Max
These processors are designed to improve both CPU and GPU performance, with the higher-end M5 Max targeting professional users in video production, software development, and 3D design. Efficiency gains are also expected thanks to refinements in Apple’s 3-nanometer silicon process.
One of the biggest shifts in 2027 will be the introduction of OLED displays in the MacBook Pro. Apple is expected to replace its current mini-LED panels with OLED, delivering higher contrast ratios, deeper blacks, and more accurate colors. This change will also help reduce power consumption, supporting longer battery life. Slimmer bezels and a lighter chassis may follow, enabled by the thinner OLED panels. However, some news say it might be in 2026, while others says this will happen in 2027.
The MacBook Air will arrive later in 2026, extending Apple’s well-established staggered release strategy. The Air is not expected to adopt OLED immediately but will benefit from the M5 chip’s efficiency gains, longer battery life, and refinements to Apple’s Liquid Glass design language that has already spread across the iPhone and iPad lineup.
Apple’s desktop Macs, including the iMac and Mac mini, are also scheduled for M5 upgrades in 2026, likely around the same time as the MacBook Air refresh. This ensures both professionals and everyday users gain access to Apple’s next generation of silicon in the same calendar year.
By focusing first on the MacBook Pro, Apple continues to prioritize professionals who need the most powerful configurations. The MacBook Air and desktop Macs will follow with a balance of performance and efficiency, making the M5 rollout one of Apple’s most significant Mac updates yet — combining a new silicon generation with the debut of OLED displays on notebooks.
