Apple M5 Pro & M5 Max MacBook Pro: Check Expected Launch Date, Price, Specifications, Features & More

Apple is gearing up to refresh its high-end MacBook Pro lineup with new models powered by the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. While Apple has not made an official announcement, supply constraints and industry chatter suggest the launch is not far away. Here's what to expect and specifications. 

Apple MacBook M5 Pro Launch Date (Expected)

The MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro chip is expected to launch in the first half of 2026. Several reports point to a possible January or February 2026 announcement, followed by wider availability in spring.

Apple usually introduces its Pro and Max chips a few months after the base variant. Since the standard M5 MacBook Pro arrived last year, the timing aligns with Apple’s past launch cycle.

Apple MacBook M5 Pro Price (Expected)

Apple has not revealed official pricing. However, the M5 Pro MacBook Pro is expected to remain in line with current Pro-tier pricing.

• 14-inch MacBook Pro M5 Pro: Likely to start around $1,999
• 16-inch MacBook Pro M5 Pro: Expected to start near $2,499

Final prices will vary based on RAM and storage configurations.

Apple MacBook M5 Pro Specifications (Expected)

The M5 Pro chip is expected to focus on balanced performance and efficiency. Key expected features:

• Apple’s online store still shows some 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with the M4 Pro chip available without shipping delays
• This suggests the M5 Pro MacBook Pro may bring incremental but meaningful performance upgrades, rather than a radical jump
• Expected to deliver better CPU and GPU performance than M4 Pro, aimed at professional users
• Likely designed for developers, video editors, designers and productivity-focused workflows

Positioned as the balanced performance option between the base M5 and the more powerful M5 Max models

Apple M5 Max MacBook Pro Launch Date (Expected)

The MacBook Pro with the M5 Max chip is expected to launch alongside or shortly after the M5 Pro model. Apple typically introduces both high-end variants together. Current estimates suggest a Q1 or early Q2 2026 launch, depending on regional availability.

Apple M5 Max MacBook Pro Price (Expected)

The M5 Max MacBook Pro will sit at the top of Apple’s laptop lineup.

• 14-inch MacBook Pro M5 Max: Expected to start above $2,499
• 16-inch MacBook Pro M5 Max: Likely to start above $3,000

Prices will increase sharply with higher RAM and storage options.

Apple M5 Max MacBook Pro Specifications (Expected)

The M5 Max chip is expected to deliver Apple’s most powerful laptop performance yet. Key expected features:

• Many current M4 Max MacBook Pro configurations now show long delivery delays, hinting at an imminent refresh
• Estimated shipping timelines for M4 Max models stretch from February 6 to February 24, or later
• Built-to-order 14-inch MacBook Pro models with a 16-core M4 Max chip and 128GB RAM are currently estimated to arrive as late as March 17
• The M5 Max is expected to significantly outperform the current M4 Max
• Top-end M5 Max models could outperform the laptop version of Nvidia’s RTX 5070 Ti in some games
• The chip is expected to feature a 40-core GPU
• Early estimates suggest the M5 Max GPU could score higher than the M3 Ultra’s 80-core GPU in Geekbench 6 Metal tests

Targeted at high-end creative professionals, including those working in 3D rendering, advanced video production, gaming and AI workloads

What Does This Mean for Buyers?

Apple’s M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros are shaping up to be performance-focused upgrades rather than design refreshes. Buyers who need top-tier power may find it worth waiting, especially as current M4 Max models face longer delivery times.

With improved efficiency, graphics and AI performance, the upcoming MacBook Pro lineup is expected to strengthen Apple’s position in the premium laptop market in 2026.