Is the M5 MacBook Pro Worth the Wait? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Upcoming Changes to the MacBook Pro: What You Should Know

Apple has a long-standing tradition of updating the MacBook Pro almost every year, typically around October. However, this year, speculation indicates that Apple might break from this pattern, with the next MacBook Pro model expected to launch in early 2026. This development raises an important question for potential buyers: should you wait for the new model?

What to Expect from the M5 MacBook Pro

The anticipated M5 MacBook Pro is expected to retain the same stunning 14-inch and 16-inch miniLED displays found in previous models. In terms of design, you can expect to see the same general aesthetics, with no significant visual changes anticipated. However, the real upgrade will be on the inside, featuring Apple’s latest M5 Apple Silicon.

The M5 chip is likely to utilize a third-generation 3nm process, leveraging TSMC’s N3P node technology. This upgrade should deliver moderate performance improvements over the M4 chip, estimated at around 10-20%. Additionally, one of the notable hardware advancements in the M5 MacBook Pro could be the introduction of Wi-Fi 7. Although Apple rolled out Wi-Fi 7 support with the iPhone 16 last fall, it has yet to appear in the Mac lineup, and users are hopeful that this will change.

Despite these enhancements, the M5 MacBook Pro is expected to be a light refresh compared to the M4 model, which introduced significant upgrades such as Thunderbolt 5, a nano-texture display option, a new 12MP Center Stage webcam, and brighter displays. The M4 also provided a much-improved base model offering, making it a noteworthy release.

Should You Skip the M5 MacBook Pro?

Considering the upcoming M5 MacBook Pro, there are several reasons why you might want to think twice before making a purchase. As mentioned earlier, the M4 MacBook Pro was a substantial upgrade, making it a compelling choice for those looking to upgrade from older M1 or M2 models. Recently, the 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro dropped to an all-time low price of $1299, which presents a fantastic opportunity for buyers.

Moreover, the forthcoming M6 MacBook Pro is expected to be a complete overhaul, featuring a new OLED display, a slimmer design, and additional improvements. With the M5 model set to launch in the first quarter of 2026 and the M6 anticipated in the fourth quarter of the same year, it may be wiser to either purchase an M4 model now if you need one or wait for the M6 if you can afford to be patient. The only exception is for those who are particularly eager to have Wi-Fi 7 on their MacBook.

Best MacBook Pro Deals

If you're considering purchasing a MacBook Pro, here are some of the best current deals available:

In conclusion, while the upcoming M5 MacBook Pro will feature some enhancements, the substantial upgrades from the M4 model make it a worthy consideration for immediate purchase. However, if you can wait, the upcoming M6 model promises even more dramatic changes that may be worth holding out for.