Apple’s MacBook Pro lineup may be in for an unusually busy year in 2026. According to fresh industry reports, the company could roll out not one, but two MacBook Pro upgrades within the same year. The first is expected to bring the new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, while a more substantial redesign could arrive later with next-generation hardware.
Here’s a closer look at what the latest information suggests about Apple’s plans and when users can expect these updates.
For some time, rumors pointed to a February 2026 launch for the next MacBook Pro refresh powered by Apple’s M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. However, a new report suggests that the launch may happen slightly later.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple could unveil the updated MacBook Pro models as early as the week of March 2, 2026. The timing may also align with the release of macOS Tahoe 26.3, which could ship alongside the new hardware. This kind of coordinated software and hardware rollout is typical of Apple’s strategy for major Mac updates.
The upcoming M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models are expected to focus primarily on internal improvements rather than external design changes. Apple is likely to retain the current chassis, display technology, and overall look introduced in recent generations.
Reports also note that current MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and M4 Max processors are in limited supply. Historically, reduced availability often signals that Apple is preparing to replace existing models with newer versions, further supporting the idea that a launch is approaching.
Apple’s Mac update cycle has not always followed a strict annual pattern. In 2023, the company introduced two significant MacBook Pro refreshes within the same year, showing that faster update cycles are possible when new chip technology is ready.
If the M5 Pro and M5 Max models arrive in early March 2026, Apple could still have room for another MacBook Pro upgrade later in the year. This idea is reinforced by the fact that the standard M5 MacBook was reportedly announced in October 2025, suggesting that Apple may follow up with a more advanced Pro refresh around the same time in 2026.
While the M5 Pro refresh is expected to be incremental, a much bigger change could be on the horizon. Reports indicate that Apple is planning a more dramatic redesign with the introduction of M6 Pro-powered MacBook Pro models.
Rumored upgrades include an OLED display, a thinner and lighter chassis, and even the possibility of touch support. These changes would mark a significant shift in the MacBook Pro’s design and user experience, going far beyond the internal performance boost expected from the M5 generation.
Apple’s Mac roadmap reportedly includes several other products as well. These may include updated Mac Studio models, a refreshed Studio Display, new Mac mini systems, and even a more affordable MacBook powered by an iPhone-class processor.
If Apple follows its previous launch strategies, the M5 Pro MacBook Pro could serve as a transitional update. This would allow Apple to maintain performance momentum while laying the groundwork for a more ambitious redesign later in 2026.
All signs suggest that 2026 could be an important year for the MacBook Pro lineup. An early M5 Pro and M5 Max refresh in March could deliver meaningful performance gains, while a second upgrade later in the year may introduce long-awaited design changes.
For users planning to upgrade, the timing of these launches could make waiting worthwhile, especially if Apple delivers both incremental improvements and a major hardware overhaul within the same year.
Via: (Source), Image Credits: Apple MacBook Pro
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