Apple is reportedly delaying the launch of its M5 MacBook Pro models, originally expected in late 2025, to the first half of 2026. This decision comes despite Apple’s consistent track record of releasing new MacBook Pro versions on a regular schedule. The delay affects the refreshed 14-inch and 16-inch models, but no official explanation has been provided yet. 
The new timeline means that the M5 MacBook Pro and the M5 MacBook Air will launch much closer together, which could affect shipments.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple might be experiencing a lack of powerful hardware for the final quarter of 2025. This could be part of the reason for the delay. The M5 lineup was initially expected to follow the M4 models launched in October of the previous year, but it now seems Apple has different plans.
While the reason for the delay remains unclear, some speculate that Apple might not have met its shipment targets for the M4 series. The company could be looking to push as many Macs as possible during the holiday season to clear out inventory for the upcoming release. However, without more details, these remain just assumptions.
It’s also worth noting that Apple may be planning to release an OLED MacBook Pro next year. There’s no confirmation yet on whether the M5 chip will debut in these models, or if the M6 SoC might take that role instead. Launching two generations of high-end Macs in quick succession could be risky for Apple, so they might opt for a more strategic release.
If you’re in the market for a new MacBook, the M4 versions are still great options. The 14-inch M4 base model is currently available at a discount, and the M4 Pro and M4 Max configurations are also priced lower than usual, making them tempting choices.