If you are shopping for a brand new MacBook Pro, then halt. The M4 MacBook Pro, which is listed on Apple’s website and other e-commerce platforms, is apparently difficult to manufacture to meet the demand. The solution? Apple is preponing the launch of its next-gen MacBook Pro based on the M5 chipset, potentially releasing it as early as this month, i.e., October.
According to an analysis of Apple’s supply chain, custom configurations of the 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro model are currently showing significantly delayed shipping estimates, pushing delivery dates back to late October. This limited availability is a classic indicator that Apple is clearing inventory ahead of a new product introduction.
Further fueling the speculation is a recent, unusual leak from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that listed only a single MacBook Pro model number, an anomaly that suggests Apple may be planning a split launch for its M5 lineup of Macs.
New MacBook Pro with M5 coming soon
Industry analysts believe that Apple’s strategy involves a different release schedule for the updated MacBook Pro lineup. Hence, the base 14-inch MacBook Pro, which could be powered by the standard M5 chip, would debut in October 2025.
The more powerful, higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch models, which are expected to be equipped with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, would follow in a subsequent launch, possibly in early 2026. With the M5 chip expected to be Apple’s first move into 2nm process, a dedicated launch event for the base M5 chip would help Apple grab limelight. The M5 could debut on the 14-inch MacBook Pro and potentially an updated iPad Pro.
This new launch schedule could help Apple fill up the entire year with new product releases. An M5 Pro/Max debut in early 2026, followed by the M6 lineup later in the year, would fill up the product calendar. This scenario, which would see two MacBook Pro refreshes in a single year, could lead to the widely rumoured OLED MacBook Pro, which is long predicted for late 2026 launch, might be pushed back to a 2027 debut.
Same launch schedule for iPhones planned
A similar staggered launch schedule is also expected to be applicable to the iPhones too, starting with the iPhone 18 series. Following the rumoured release of the iPhone 17e in early 2026, Apple is said to have reserved the September launch event for the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone Air 2 and the rumoured iPhone Fold. This all-premium lineup has the potential to help Apple reap more profits for the 2026 festive season.
Going into early 2027 (March 2027), Apple could reveal the iPhone 18 alongside the iPhone 18e, positioning these two as the more value-centric offerings in the iPhone lineup.
