M5 MacBook Pro Launch: Some Models Delayed, Report Says
▼ Summary
– The base M5 MacBook Pro is expected to launch soon, while M5 Pro and M5 Max models are delayed until early 2026.
– The base M5 MacBook Pro is identified as model J704 and is nearing release with macOS Tahoe version 26.0.2.
– Higher-end M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models (J714 and J716) will ship with macOS 26.3, suggesting an early 2026 launch.
– This split launch strategy explains why only base M4 MacBook Pro stock is reduced, while high-end models remain available.
– Apple may announce the high-end M5 MacBook Pro models alongside the base model but delay their shipping until next year.
The tech world is buzzing with fresh details about Apple’s upcoming M5 MacBook Pro release schedule, suggesting a staggered launch strategy that separates the base model from its more powerful siblings. According to recent insider reports, the standard M5 MacBook Pro appears poised for an imminent debut, while versions equipped with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are now expected to arrive much later, potentially in early 2026.
This new information helps clarify previously conflicting rumors about the M5 MacBook Pro’s timeline. The report points to a specific device identifier, J704, which is reportedly in final testing phases running a specialized version of macOS. This identifier aligns with the base M5 model, following the naming pattern of its M4 predecessor, known as J604.
Further evidence for the delayed launch of higher-end models comes from the software versions being tested. MacBook Pros with identifiers J714 and J716 are reportedly running macOS 26.3, which isn’t expected to publicly release until early 2026. This timing strongly indicates that the Pro and Max variants won’t hit the market until after that operating system update becomes available.
Current inventory patterns at Apple Stores support this narrative. Retail locations have been showing reduced stock of the base M4 MacBook Pro while maintaining plentiful supplies of the high-end configurations. This inventory shift typically occurs when Apple is preparing to introduce new models while continuing to sell existing variants.
This approach marks a departure from Apple’s recent practice of launching all MacBook Pro models simultaneously. The company previously followed a similar staggered release pattern with earlier M1 and M2 generations, though those situations involved more significant design differences between base and premium models.
Industry observers note that if Apple plans to introduce the M5 chip in other products like iPad Pro and Vision Pro hardware, releasing the base M5 MacBook Pro alongside them makes strategic sense. This allows the company to bring new technology to market without delaying the entire product line when the more complex Pro and Max chips require additional development time.
The remaining question for many Apple watchers is whether the company will formally announce the entire M5 MacBook Pro family when revealing the base model, even if the premium versions won’t ship for several months. Some speculate Apple might keep details about the Pro and Max variants under wraps until closer to their actual release date next year.
![Image: MacBook Pro on a desk]
This potential launch strategy reflects Apple’s evolving approach to product releases, balancing market demands with manufacturing realities. The reported plan would give consumers access to new M5 technology sooner while allowing Apple additional time to perfect the more sophisticated chip variants that power professional workflows.
(Source: 9to5Mac)
