The new M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pros could arrive any day now
Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Macworld reports that new MacBook Pro models powered by the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are ready for release, currently in warehouses awaiting launch.
- The delay is related to macOS 26.3, which is in its third beta phase, while Apple has revamped its online shopping system for improved customization options.
- These upcoming MacBook Pros will offer more flexible CPU/GPU configurations, with potential updates to Studio Display, Mac Studio, and Mac mini also expected soon.
If you’ve been waiting for the MacBook Pro M5 Pro and M5 Max to release, the wait might soon be over. In a new report, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman provided specific information on the laptops’ release date. “The new MacBook Pros have already been shipped to warehouses around the world, ready for release,” says Gurman.
So what’s the problem? Apple has decided to ship the laptops with macOS 26.3, which is currently in its third beta and about to be released. Sometimes Apple upgrades to Beta 4 or even Beta 5, but that’s a rarity we see with major releases, not incremental OS updates.
Beta 3 was released last week and Apple often releases new betas every week. When Apple moves from “beta” status to “release candidate” status, it usually indicates that the official release is imminent. Either way, if Apple updates to beta 26.3 this week, we’ll have a better idea of when the laptops will arrive. Apple typically releases new iOS updates on Mondays and begins shipping new Macs on Fridays after a pre-order period, so the laptops could arrive as soon as this week.
The new laptops are expected to feature M5 Pro and M5 Max chips with a new chip design that allows more flexibility in CPU and GPU configuration. For example, a customer might decide to get a base M5 Pro CPU, but optimize the GPU. In previous Pro/Max chip configurations, customers had to upgrade the CPU to get the highest GPU configurations. To apparently prepare for the change, Apple recently revamped the Mac’s online purchasing system so that the buyer has more flexibility in setting up their purchase.
Gurman also reported that Apple’s current Studio Display is in short supply at retailers, so a new one could also arrive soon alongside the updated Mac Studios and Mac mini.
