Apple released the base M5 MacBook Pro last October, but the more powerful M5 Pro and M5 Max variants remain absent from the lineup. Industry observers are now speculating about their arrival timeline, with one theory pointing to a potential January 28 launch date.

Shipping delays for existing high-end M4 Pro and M4 Max configurations, some pushing into March, strongly suggest an imminent refresh. Apple typically manages inventory tightly, making these delays a reliable indicator that the M5 Pro and M5 Max updates are approaching soon.

Expect the new models to focus primarily on the new M5-series chips, likely improving SSD performance and memory bandwidth. A major redesign isn't expected until late 2026 or early 2027, which would introduce the M6 chip, an OLED touchscreen, and an all-new chassis.