New MacBook Pro Models Expected With macOS 26.3 Release
▼ Summary
– Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips.
– These new models are slated for release during the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from February through March.
– The macOS 26.3 update is currently in beta testing, with a wide release expected soon.
– Beyond the new chips, no major design changes are expected for these upcoming models.
– A major MacBook Pro redesign with features like an OLED touch display is expected in late 2026 or 2027.
Apple is reportedly preparing to unveil refreshed MacBook Pro models featuring the next-generation M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with a launch timeline closely tied to the upcoming macOS 26.3 software update. According to industry reports, these new machines could be announced in the very near future, aligning with the final stages of the operating system’s beta testing phase.
In his latest newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman stated, “Apple’s faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle.” He provided specific details, noting the models are internally identified with the code names J714 and J716. Gurman indicated this software cycle is scheduled to run from February through March, setting a clear window for the hardware’s introduction.
While macOS 26.3 is still undergoing testing, a public release is anticipated soon. Current expectations point toward a Release Candidate version being distributed in the first half of February, which would logically precede any new product announcement. Gurman’s mention of March as a potential timeframe appears to be a cautious contingency, perhaps accounting for any unforeseen delays in the software’s finalization or if the laptops are specifically slated for a subsequent minor update like macOS 26.3.1.
This information corroborates earlier reporting from AppleInsider, which first suggested in October that MacBook Pros with the M5-series chips were expected to debut alongside macOS 26.3. The convergence of multiple sources lends greater credibility to the rumor.
Beyond the significant leap in processing power offered by the new silicon, these upcoming MacBook Pro models are not anticipated to feature major design overhauls or new form factors. The focus appears to be squarely on a performance refresh, maintaining the current aesthetic and feature set while integrating Apple’s latest in-house processors.
Looking further ahead, a more substantial transformation for the MacBook Pro line is rumored for late 2026 or 2027. That future redesign is speculated to include several groundbreaking features, such as a vibrant OLED display with potential touch functionality, more advanced M6 Pro and M6 Max chips, a slimmer overall profile, and the long-requested addition of built-in cellular connectivity for true on-the-go productivity.
(Source: Mac Rumors)
