Apple has made a significant shift in how customers buy the Apple MacBook Pro, while also delaying its most powerful upcoming models. The changes affect both buyers looking for performance upgrades and those purchasing directly from Apple’s website.
Reports suggest the Apple MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips will not arrive until 2026. Although the base 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro with an M5 chip launched in late 2025, the faster Pro and Max versions are still missing. Shipping timelines for those higher-end models could stretch into February 2026 or later.
One reason for the delay appears to be software timing. Apple is expected to time the launch of its advanced MacBook Pro models to coincide with macOS Tahoe 26.3, which is currently in beta and not yet available for general release.
Apple has also changed how customers purchase Macs online. Instead of choosing from pre-set models, buyers now customize their Apple MacBook Pro step by step, selecting chip type, memory, storage and display options individually on the Apple website.
Industry watchers say the delayed M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models reflect a faster, overlapping upgrade cycle rather than a slowdown. Recent leaks about Apple’s Mac roadmap suggest multiple Mac generations will arrive in 2026, including both M5 and next-generation M6 systems, pointing to a shorter lifecycle for current models.
Key Points Buyers Should Know:
- Apple has delayed the MacBook Pro M5 Pro and M5 Max models until 2026.
- Entry-level M5 models are available but lack professional-grade chips
- Third-party retailers will continue selling standard configurations
- M5 Macs may have a shorter lifecycle, with M6 models expected sooner
According to industry reports, Apple plans multiple Apple MacBook Pro upgrades in 2026, including M5 Pro and Max models in spring and a redesigned M6 version with an OLED display later in the year.
