Following the release of the base M5 MacBook Pro back in October 2025, the wait began for configurations with the higher-end chips we typically associate with “true” professional workflows—M5 Pro and M5 Max. And it looks like the wait is nearly over.
One of the most reliable hints that a Mac refresh is near is when the Apple Store starts showing longer delivery windows for certain configurations as stock begins to thin out. Right now, according to MacRumors, that’s happening with a number of M4 Max and M4 Pro MacBook Pro builds—ranging into mid/late February, with some high-end, built-to-order M4 Max configs stretching as far as mid-March in the U.S. (MacRumors also notes another possible explanation for the longer shipping times: ongoing RAM supply constraints could be contributing to delays, so shipping estimates alone aren’t a 100% guarantee of an imminent launch.)
That said, many reports expect Apple to announce the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros in the next several weeks with some suggesting Apple could announce (and possibly begin shipping) these configurations as soon ”late January.”
Another possibility, as pointed out by 9to5Mac, is that Apple could time the M5 Pro/M5 Max MacBook Pro launch around the release of Apple’s Creator Studio bundle on January 28,, since both are aimed at creative pros.
Plus, MacRumors also points out there’s precedent for a January MacBook Pro update, citing Apple’s January 2023 launch of M2 Pro/M2 Max MacBook Pros.
What’s expected to change (and what isn’t)
Most reports surrounding these new MacBook Pro models agree that this will primarily be chip refresh bringing M5 Pro and M5 Max options to the MacBook Pro line rather than a broader hardware overhaul. 9to5Mac adds that the M5 Pro/Max chips could bring improvements to things like memory bandwidth and SSD performance, alongside the obvious CPU/GPU uplift.
There are rumors about a larger design refresh and even a touchscreen MacBook Pro out there, but these changes aren’t expected until 2027.
Should you buy now or wait?
If you need a MacBook Pro immediately, don’t let rumor-season derail you. Buy the machine you need for the work you’re doing right now. Here at MacSales, you can find great deals on used, current-gen M4 MacBook Pros.
And you can save even more cash with our deals on M2 and M3 MacBook Pros. Did you know M1 and M2 MacBook Pros still deliver ~80% of the performance capability of an M4 Series machine and oftentimes at as much as a 50% discount versus buying new? Check out all of our MacBook Pros here.
Meanwhile, if it’s been a few years since your last Mac purchase and you know you need the latest and greatest, it looks like your wait will only be somewhere in the range of a few weeks.
