The arrival of New MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips It could be much closer than it seemed just a few weeks ago. Several leaks initially pointed to spring, but the latest clues suggest its release within a much tighter timeframe, in a matter of days or a few weeks.
Apple's schedule for the start of this year in Europe is accelerating, and all indications are that the company will take advantage of the upcoming macOS 26.3 update to introduce the first major update to its professional laptops. A large launch event is not expected; instead, a low-key release is anticipated, likely via press release and direct pre-orders through its website and European retailers.
macOS 26.3 will mark the starting point
The key to this launch window is in macOS 26.3, which has been in beta for several months along with the rest of Apple's systems. The company recently released the third developer beta, and everything points to the next version being the usual RC (Release Candidate), the immediate precursor to the final version.
Sources closely following the development of the operating system do not rule out that Apple Announce the laptops in parallel with the RCallowing customers to reserve them immediately for delivery the following week. This move would align with the brand's usual strategy when it's not holding launch events and prefers to synchronize hardware and software.
There is, in any case, a possibility that the schedule could be slightly extended if last-minute issues are detected in the beta. However, the current state of macOS 26.3 is already considered very advanced, which reinforces the theory of a release. between the end of February and the month of March as the most plausible framework.
In the sales environment, signs have also been detected that point in the same direction: stock shortage of certain current MacBook Pro models In the Apple store and at European retailers, it is usually the prelude to an imminent model refresh.
What will the new MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max be like?
The next releases will focus on the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chipsThese will complete the range that began with the 14-inch base model with M5 processor, launched last fall. According to leaks, the new devices will have the internal codenames J714 and J716.
Externally, no major changes are expected: the current design would be maintainedwith a chassis featuring sharp lines, a variety of physical ports (HDMI, SD card reader, several USB-C/Thunderbolt ports), and 120Hz Mini LED displays in both sizes. The major redesign, with OLED panels and touch functionsIt would be reserved for a second wave of MacBook Pros expected towards the end of the year.
This aesthetic continuity has led some analysts to suggest that these computers might be visually "born old," especially when compared to the possible future OLED modelBut, appearances aside, a significant leap forward is expected in raw power, graphics capabilities, and performance in local artificial intelligence tasks.
The 14-inch model, currently only available with the base M5, would then offer configurations with the M5 Pro and M5 Max, while the 16-inch model would launch directly with these advanced chip variants. This would allow professional users in Spain and the rest of Europe to choose from various core and memory combinations depending on their needs.
As in other recent cycles, everything points to Apple opting for a quiet launch: there would be no specific eventbut rather an update to their website, a press release, and a subsequent arrival at the Apple Store and major European retailers with delivery times that could start from the end of March.
What do the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips offer compared to the base M5?
The differentiating factor of this generation lies in the M5 architecture itself. The base M5 chip, already present in the 14-inch MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Apple Vision ProIt is manufactured using a third-generation 3-nanometer process and features the integration of Neural Accelerators in each GPU core, designed for generative AI tasks executed directly on the device.
In figures, the M5 achieves a performance of up to four times higher in local AI workloads Compared to the M4, there's a significant increase in graphics benchmarks: in tests like Blender Metal, it's been recorded to achieve around 74% more performance than the previous generation. All this while maintaining a 10-core CPU (6 efficiency cores and 4 performance cores) that's around 15% better than the M4.
Memory bandwidth has also been increased, going to around 153 GB/s compared to the M4's 120 GB/sThis leap is crucial for handling complex AI models and heavy 3D scenes without bottlenecks, something especially relevant in laptops intended for professional tasks such as video editing, modeling, software development, or scientific work.
Based on this, the family expands with several variants. The M5 Pro is expected to come in configurations of 12 CPU + 16 GPU or 14 CPU + 20 GPUAlways with Neural Accelerators in each graphics core, which positions it as an intermediate option designed for advanced users who need more headroom, but without reaching the top of the range.
El The M5 Max targets configurations of 14 CPU + 32 GPU or 16 CPU + 40 GPUIn performance projections, this version could score around 9.176 points in tests like Blender Metal, figures comparable to very powerful dedicated graphics cards for PCs, such as some desktop RTX 50 series GPUs, which reinforces the idea that Apple wants to compete head-to-head in the professional field.
A significant leap forward in local AI and professional performance
Beyond the raw numbers, Apple's strategy involves strengthening the ecosystem of Local AI with the Neural Engine + Neural Accelerators tandem on the GPUThe Neural Engine retains 16 cores, but with internal improvements in efficiency and power. The combination of both elements allows AI-intensive processes—from assisted photo and video editing to content generation and data analysis—to run with less reliance on the cloud.
In products like Vision Pro, we've already seen how this architecture accelerates demanding tasks, for example, conversion of 2D images into spatial scenes complex. Transferred to the MacBook Pro, a similar improvement is expected in content creation applications, 3D design, simulations, and advanced productivity tools, all without sacrificing battery life.
Continued use of TSMC's 3-nanometer process, with third-generation refinements, enables a balance between consumption and performance which is especially important in laptops. Apple has reportedly decided not to provide the jump to 2 nanometers due to cost and technological maturity issues, prioritizing a more consolidated platform.
Another relevant point is that the company plans to leverage the M5 architecture not only in its devices, but also in server infrastructure for Apple IntelligenceThis modular approach makes it easier to use the same chip design in both consumer products and data centers, resulting in a more consistent AI experience between the cloud and the device.
All of this will translate, on a daily basis, into a smoother experience for those who work with tools that rely on AI models, whether they are creative professionals, developers, or advanced users who use applications optimized for Apple Silicon.
Availability in Spain and Europe and context within the Mac range
Looking ahead to the European market, the expectation is that the new MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max will arrive with virtually simultaneous availability. to the United States, as has been the norm in recent years. Physical Apple Stores in countries like Spain, France, Germany, and Italy, as well as authorized retailers, typically receive units during the same launch window.
Regarding prices, there are no definitive figures yet, but the most logical thing would be for Apple to maintain a similar structure to the current generationThe entry-level 14-inch M5 model sits below it, with the M5 Pro and M5 Max configurations scaling up based on memory and storage. The 16-inch model would be positioned as an option for those who prioritize a large screen and maximum performance.
This move comes within a year in which the Mac range is undergoing a cascading refresh. During 2026, the M5 will also come to the MacBook AiriMac and Mac mini
For the high end of the desktop range, the picture is somewhat less clear. Although there is talk of a possible revamped Mac Studio and Studio Display With the M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips, regulatory filings and Apple's own recent strategy (with the M3 Ultra appearing after the M4 family) suggest caution regarding the timelines.
In any case, the MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max will likely be the first to be released within this cycle, positioning themselves as the benchmark for professionals in Europe who need a lot of power in a portable format.
With everything that is known so far, the picture that emerges is that MacBook Pros that maintain the current design but step on the gas in power, graphics, and local AIWith a launch closely tied to macOS 26.3 and a rapid rollout in Spain and the rest of Europe, Apple has yet to confirm specific dates and configurations. However, supply chain indicators, the beta schedule, and stock shortages suggest that the wait to see the M5 Pro and M5 Max in action could be much shorter than it seemed just a few weeks ago.
