Apple fans hoping for a new MacBook Pro may not have long to wait. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that updated MacBook Pro models are expected “in the first half of 2026.”
The refresh could coincide with the upcoming release of macOS 26.3, currently in beta and anticipated for public release in early February. AppleInsider’s Marko Zivkovic previously noted that MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are expected to ship with macOS 26.3. However, it’s important to remember that a macOS update doesn’t always guarantee new hardware, so until Apple announces specifics, the timing remains speculative.
Apple’s marketing chief, Greg Joswiak, has recently leaned on social media teasers for new launches, including the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the standard M5 chip. While accessories like AirTags haven’t received the same fanfare, a teaser for a MacBook Pro release is likely if Apple intends to generate excitement.
As for hardware, the upcoming MacBook Pro models are not expected to bring major changes beyond the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. For most users, it might be wise to wait — a significant redesign is anticipated later in 2026. Rumors suggest a thinner chassis, an OLED touch display, and other enhancements. Some reports even indicate the redesign could slip into 2027, though Apple has historically released two MacBook Pro refreshes in a single year. For example, 2023 saw the M2 Pro and M2 Max models in January, followed by the M3 Pro and M3 Max versions in October.
Until the new models arrive, prospective buyers may want to weigh whether an M5 refresh is necessary or if holding out for the redesigned MacBook Pro later in the year is the better choice.
