Anticipation is building for a high-end MacBook Pro powered by Apple’s M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, but the long-awaited laptops did not appear this week, despite heavy speculation. And it looks like the wait isn’t over yet. Industry chatter suggests the delay could stretch into February or even later, largely because a key software update may not be ready.
That missing piece appears to be macOS Tahoe 26.3, which is still in development.
When will the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro arrive?
Apple introduced its first MacBook Pro with an M5 processor back in October, but that launch was limited to the entry-level configuration. It featured the base M5 chip and was available only in a 14-inch model.
More powerful versions equipped with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are still on the way. These processors are expected to deliver sizable gains in both CPU and GPU performance, making them especially attractive to video editors, developers, and other power users.
Earlier this week, Apple hosted a private event for select content creators, fueling rumors that a surprise MacBook Pro announcement was imminent. The excitement only grew after Apple quietly launched the AirTag 2 on Monday, leading many to believe more products were waiting in the wings.
That turned out not to be the case.
Software delays may be holding things up
So what’s slowing Apple down?
Mac sales fell 7% last quarter, a drop widely attributed to customers skipping M4-based models while waiting for more advanced M5-powered machines. A leaked report from October may explain why Apple hasn’t pulled the trigger yet.
According to information previously shared with AppleInsider, the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models are expected to ship with macOS Tahoe 26.3.
At the moment, however, the latest public release is macOS 26.2, while version 26.3 remains in beta. There is no release candidate yet, and even if one becomes available to developers in early February, the final software likely wouldn’t be ready until at least mid-February.
That timeline would push the launch of Apple’s top-tier MacBook Pro beyond the coming weeks.
Of course, this information is based on an unconfirmed leak. If it turns out to be inaccurate, Apple could still release the upgraded MacBook Pro using macOS 26.2 at any time.
A new MacBook Air could arrive sooner
If the leak proves accurate, Apple may be planning to roll out another Mac first.
Reports suggest a refreshed MacBook Air, upgraded from the M4 to the base M5 chip, is next in line. That model is expected to launch with macOS Tahoe 26.2, meaning it could be announced at any moment.
While the MacBook Pro often grabs headlines, Apple frequently describes the MacBook Air as the “world’s most popular laptop,” making its release especially significant for everyday users.
Minor updates focused mainly on performance
Rumors surrounding both upcoming MacBook models suggest Apple is sticking to a familiar strategy: upgrading the internal chips without changing the overall design.
Current expectations point to so-called “chip-and-ship” updates, with no major visual or hardware redesigns in the near term. Bigger changes to the MacBook Pro lineup are reportedly planned for a future generation expected in late 2026 or early 2027.
Until then, performance improvements — not new looks — appear to be the main focus.