Apple’s reputation for keeping upcoming products under wraps has been challenged once again – not by leaks from suppliers or insiders, but through official paperwork. Recent filings with the U.S. 
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have uncovered references to devices that are almost certainly the company’s next-generation M5 MacBook Pro and M5 iPad Pro models. This regulatory breadcrumb trail suggests that Apple’s long-awaited refresh could arrive far sooner than many expected, potentially before the close of 2025 or in the earliest months of 2026.
The FCC filing details include a mysterious device identified as model number A3434, a designation that does not align with any current MacBook Pro in Apple’s lineup. Industry watchers, particularly those at MacRumors, were quick to highlight that such a model number most likely signals Apple’s forthcoming professional-grade notebook, equipped with the new M5 silicon. Alongside this, the documents reference additional codes linked to what appears to be the iPad Pro series, reinforcing speculation that Apple is readying a major wave of hardware releases.
Interestingly, the M5 iPad Pro has already surfaced online through a leaked unboxing video, providing an early glimpse of the device’s performance edge over the M4-based version. While the exterior design of the tablet remains consistent with Apple’s established minimalistic aesthetic, the real upgrades are under the hood. Industry insiders suggest that the M5 iPad Pro will feature an upgraded Neural Engine, often referred to as Neural Accelerators, designed to supercharge on-device artificial intelligence tasks. This echoes the enhancements made in the A19 Pro chip powering the latest iPhone 17 Pro, hinting that Apple is moving aggressively to integrate AI performance into every tier of its ecosystem.
For the MacBook Pro, the story is much the same. Although FCC documents stop short of listing specifications, historical precedent tells us that once Apple hardware appears in regulatory filings, development has been finalized and production is either underway or imminent. This strongly points to a commercial debut within the next few months. Apple’s M5 MacBook Pro line is expected to introduce not just the base M5, but also high-performance variants such as the M5 Pro and M5 Max. These chips are forecasted to deliver notable gains in speed, power efficiency, and professional workflows compared to the M4 series, ensuring Apple’s laptops continue to dominate benchmarks in creative and technical industries.
Design-wise, Apple appears content to leave the exterior largely untouched, focusing instead on internal advancements. This pragmatic approach lines up with leaks suggesting that larger design overhauls – including the much-rumored OLED MacBook Pro models – are slated for 2026. Until then, the focus will be squarely on raw performance, better thermal management, and AI-powered enhancements that align with Apple’s broader vision of smarter, more capable devices.
Adding to the intrigue, the FCC also recently disclosed, perhaps inadvertently, a detailed 163-page schematic for the iPhone 16e, despite Apple’s plea for confidentiality. This isn’t the first time the regulatory body has been a source of Apple-related revelations, and it underscores the challenges even the most secretive companies face in today’s hyper-connected world.
For now, the major question is one of timing. Will Apple prioritize delivering the M5 MacBook Pro and iPad Pro to capitalize on immediate demand for AI-ready devices, or will it space out launches to save its design overhauls for later? One thing is clear: Apple’s M5 generation is shaping up to be one of the most significant transitions yet in its pursuit of performance, efficiency, and artificial intelligence integration.