Supplies of the 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro are tightening, signaling that Apple may be preparing to launch the M5 MacBook Pro later this month. Custom configurations of the 14-inch M4 model are now showing delivery dates between October 23 and October 28 on Apple’s online store. In contrast, M4 Pro and M4 Max variants remain available for delivery between October 15 and 20 with express shipping options.
This pattern suggests Apple is scaling back M4 production ahead of the next-generation launch. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman noted that limited supply of baseline configurations has often preceded major product refreshes, a pattern that appears to be repeating as Apple enters its usual October release window.
Regulatory filings have added fuel to the speculation. A new FCC listing includes just one MacBook Pro model number rather than multiple versions, hinting that Apple may be planning a staggered rollout of the M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max chips. Analysts expect the standard M5 model to debut first, with the higher-end versions following in early 2026. This would mirror Apple’s past strategy with the M2 and M3 series, where the Pro and Max tiers were introduced months after the base model.
If the reports hold true, Apple could unveil the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro in October, while saving the M5 Pro and M5 Max models for next year. That timeline could push the rumored OLED MacBook Pro models further out to late 2026 or even 2027. While two MacBook Pro refreshes in the same year are rare, Apple has followed that pattern before, most recently with the M2 and M3 lineup in 2023.
It remains unclear whether Apple will hold a dedicated October event or announce the new MacBook through a press release. The company is also expected to refresh the iPad Pro, Vision Pro, and HomePod mini this fall, all likely powered by the same M5 chip. If the MacBook Pro receives only an internal upgrade without design changes, Apple may opt for a quieter online launch rather than a full presentation.
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