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Apple MacBook lineup shown with M5
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M5 MacBook Pro expected to launch in October due to M4 model’s supply constraints

Luca Fischer
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M5 MacBook Pro May Launch in October

Apple's M4 MacBook Pro faces supply issues, hinting at an upcoming M5 release.

  • Supply issues with 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro
  • M5 MacBook Pro expected in October
  • Custom configurations delayed until October 23-28
  • Possible staggered launch for M5 models
  • High-end M5 chips may debut in 2026
  • October event for new devices unclear

Apple is poised to launch the M5 MacBook Pro as soon as October 2025, with the 14-inch base model expected to arrive first, followed by higher-end M5 Pro and M5 Max models likely scheduled for early 2026.

Supply Constraints Signal Imminent Launch

Recent shipping delays for the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 chips, especially custom configurations showing delivery dates pushed to late October, strongly indicate Apple is clearing inventory ahead of a next-generation release. Similar supply constraints have been observed for the M4 iPad Pro, another hint at an upcoming M5-powered refresh. Such stock shortages are classic signs of imminent product updates.[1][2]

FCC Leak Confirms M5 MacBook Pro Development

A recent U.S. FCC filing revealed an unreleased MacBook Pro model coded A3434, linked to the M5 chip series. This filing also hinted at new features like OLED displays and Wi-Fi 6C support. However, reports suggest the full lineup, including M5 Pro and M5 Max variants, may debut staggered, with the base M5 MacBook Pro launching first.[3][4][5]

Staggered Launch Strategy

Industry insiders, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, have shared evolving predictions since early 2025. While initial forecasts pointed to a fall 2025 launch for all M5 MacBook Pros, more recent information suggests Apple could introduce only the base M5 chip laptop in late 2025. The higher-end M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros are expected in early 2026, potentially due to new chip designs that allow customizable CPU and GPU core configurations, which require a more complex production process.[6][7][8][9]

Potential Launch Scenarios

Several possible release timelines exist:

  • October 2025: Launch of 14-inch MacBook Pro with the base M5 chip, followed by M5 Pro and M5 Max models in spring 2026; OLED MacBook Pro models might be delayed beyond 2026.
  • Two launches in 2026: Base M5 model in fall 2025, then Pro/Max in spring 2026, with OLED models arriving later in 2026.
  • Consolidated 2026 launch: Full M5 series arrival in early or late 2026, potentially combining with OLED MacBook Pro debut.
  • M6 Generation Push: All M5 variants launch in 2025, with redesigned M6 MacBook Pros arriving late 2026 or early 2027.[10][11]

Features and Design Expectations

The upcoming M5 MacBook Pro is anticipated to feature mostly iterative updates with a similar design to the M4 models, including a 14-inch OLED display and a 12MP center-stage camera. Connectivity improvements such as Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 5 may also be introduced. The M5 chip promises substantial GPU performance gains—estimated around 30% over the previous M3 generation—while the Pro and Max chips feature innovations in chip modularity enabling wider customization.[12][13][14][3]

Launch Timing and Format

While Apple has historically debuted major M-series chips in special events, the M5 launch might differ, potentially happening via press release or a shorter event akin to the “Scary Fast” Mac launch in October 2023. The fall 2025 timeline is also crowded with other M5-powered devices expected soon, including the iPad Pro, Vision Pro, Apple TV, and HomePod mini.[2][6]

Luca Fischer

Luca Fischer

Senior Technology Journalist

United States – New York Tech

Luca Fischer is a senior technology journalist with more than twelve years of professional experience specializing in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and consumer electronics. L. Fischer earned his M.S. in Computer Science from Columbia University in 2011, where he developed a strong foundation in data science and network security before transitioning into tech media. Throughout his career, Luca has been recognized for his clear, analytical approach to explaining complex technologies. His in-depth articles explore how AI innovations, privacy frameworks, and next-generation devices impact both industry and society. Luca’s work has appeared across leading digital publications, where he delivers detailed reviews, investigative reports, and feature analyses on major players such as Google, Microsoft, Nvidia, AMD, Intel, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity AI. Beyond writing, he mentors young journalists entering the AI-tech field and advocates for transparent, ethical technology communication. His goal is to make the future of technology understandable and responsible for everyone.

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Editorial Timeline

Revisions
— by Kamar Mahmoud
Featured image added.
— by Kamar Mahmoud
Added new relevant secondary sources
— by Kamar Mahmoud
Initial publication.

Correction Record

Accountability
— by Kamar Mahmoud
  1. - Clarified launch timing: Specified base 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro expected October 2025, high-end models delayed to early 2026.
  2. - Added supply constraint context: Included delayed shipping dates for M4 models as a signal of upcoming M5 launch.
  3. - Incorporated FCC leak details: Included new model code A3434 and potential OLED, Wi-Fi 6C features.
  4. - Detailed chip launch strategy: Explained staggered release of M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max chips per analyst insights.
  5. - Listed multiple launch scenarios clearly for reader understanding.
  6. - Included expected feature updates such as OLED display, camera, Wi-Fi 7, and GPU improvements.
  7. - Noted possible announcement format: press release or short event, not necessarily a major event.
  8. - Included references to corroborate facts from multiple sources dated October 2025.
  9. - Edited for brevity and clear structure with bullet points.
  10. - Corrected speculative tone to reflect current analyst consensus and facts.

FAQ

Will there be an October event?

Not stated by the source.

What impact will the supply issues have?

They may indicate a new model launch.

When will high-end M5 chips be available?

Possibly not until 2026.

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Table of Contents

Supply Constraints Signal Imminent LaunchFCC Leak Confirms M5 MacBook Pro DevelopmentStaggered Launch StrategyPotential Launch ScenariosFeatures and Design ExpectationsLaunch Timing and Format