Apple’s M5 MacBook Pro Might Arrive Sooner Than Expected with Big Performance Boost

Apple’s next major laptop refresh may be closer than expected, as hints from multiple sources suggest the company is already winding down production of its current M4 MacBook Pro lineup.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is restricting certain 14-inch MacBook Pro configurations through the end of October – a clear sign that new hardware is on the horizon. Historically, Apple follows this familiar rhythm: dwindling stock first, quiet supply chain shifts next, and finally, a sleek new generation revealed seemingly out of nowhere.

Reports now indicate that the M5 MacBook Pro could debut earlier than expected, possibly before the end of 2025. Gurman’s latest analysis points to limited availability of base 14-inch M4 models, while the higher-tier M4 Pro and M4 Max variants – as well as the larger 16-inch models – remain unaffected for now. This selective constraint strongly suggests that Apple has begun retooling its production lines to prepare for the next wave of its silicon-powered notebooks.

At the heart of the upcoming refresh is Apple’s M5 chip – another ambitious leap in the company’s silicon roadmap. Recent leaks, including an early unboxing of the M5 iPad Pro from a Russian YouTuber, offer a sneak peek at what to expect. Benchmarks show the new chip could deliver 10-15% faster CPU performance and up to a 35% boost in GPU power compared to the M4. These figures hint at smoother multitasking, lightning-fast rendering, and better thermal efficiency – all crucial for professionals relying on intensive creative workflows like 3D modeling, video editing, and app development.

Interestingly, the upcoming M5 MacBook Pro may not introduce a radical redesign. Apple appears satisfied with the aesthetic and functional choices of its current Pro models. Expect the same premium aluminum chassis, Liquid Retina XDR displays, and a versatile port selection – all part of the design language refined since the M2 generation. However, subtle internal refinements are rumored: potential Thunderbolt 5 support, an improved cooling system, a 12MP FaceTime camera, and possibly an all-new color finish to differentiate the lineup.

Launch timelines remain a hot topic among Apple watchers. While some earlier reports suggested a late-2025 debut, more recent signals imply Apple could announce at least the base M5 MacBook Pro sooner, perhaps alongside the company’s fall hardware events. Gurman even proposed a phased rollout strategy – starting with the base M5 version, followed by the M5 Pro and M5 Max in spring 2026. This approach mirrors Apple’s recent pattern with chip introductions across iPads and Macs.

Beyond silicon upgrades, Apple is also quietly developing its first OLED MacBook Pro models, rumored for release in 2026 or 2027. These displays would mark one of the most significant leaps in Mac display technology since the adoption of Retina screens, offering richer contrast, improved power efficiency, and thinner designs. Whether Apple plans to synchronize the OLED debut with the M5 or reserve it for the future M6 generation remains uncertain.

For now, one thing is clear: Apple’s silicon journey continues to accelerate, and the M5 MacBook Pro could be a pivotal step toward the company’s vision of total in-house performance control. For professionals weighing whether to upgrade, the choice may come down to patience – jump on the M5’s raw power or wait for the OLED MacBook that could redefine Apple’s notebooks altogether.