Apple’s M5 MacBook Pro: Minor Upgrade or Worth the Wait?
The rumor mill is churning with whispers of a new MacBook Pro refresh slated for later this year. While expectations for a radical redesign are low, the promise of the M5 chip has many wondering: is this update a worthwhile upgrade, or should you hold out for the more significant changes rumored for 2026?
According to reports from 9to5Mac and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is poised to release new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models powered by the next-generation Apple Silicon: the M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max. These chips are expected to be based on TSMC's N3P, a 3nm process. While this suggests a performance boost, analysts predict it will be a relatively modest one.
Sources like Macworld estimate a 15-25% performance increase over the M4. Tom’s Guide highlights that the new chip architecture could offer improved power efficiency as well. In short, the 2025 MacBook Pro is expected to be an internal upgrade focused on improved performance and potentially better battery life.
However, those hoping for a significant visual or functional overhaul might be disappointed. As noted by several sources, including Forbes, the design is likely to remain largely unchanged. Features like an OLED display, a touchscreen, and potentially even a 5G modem are rumored, but not expected until a more substantial redesign in 2026.
The expected launch timeframe aligns with Apple's historical patterns. If they repeat previous cycles, expect the new M5 MacBook Pro models to debut in October. If Tim Cook and his team follow the same pattern as 2024, expect to see the first M5-powered MacBook Pro machines in October. All three variants—with the M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max chipsets—should launch at the same event.
So, what's the verdict? If you need a performance boost and don't mind the existing design, the M5 MacBook Pro might be a solid choice. However, if you're craving those long-awaited features like an OLED display or touchscreen capabilities, it might be wise to wait for the 2026 refresh. Some existing models may also offer a better price-to-performance ratio, especially with current deals on M4 versions.
What are your thoughts on the upcoming MacBook Pro? Are you excited about the M5 chip, or are you holding out for the rumored 2026 redesign? Let us know in the comments below!
Can you Like
