Apple Set to Refresh MacBook Pro With M5 Power as macOS 26.3 Nears Release

Published: February 2026

Category: Tech Industry Developments

Apple appears poised to update its MacBook Pro line sooner than expected, with new models powered by M5 Pro and M5 Max chips likely arriving alongside macOS 26.3, according to a report from Bloomberg’s Power On newsletter.

The upcoming MacBook Pros are not expected to introduce a new design. Instead, Apple is focusing on performance gains, keeping the current chassis while delivering faster processors aimed squarely at professional users. The M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are expected to offer higher CPU and GPU core counts, increased memory bandwidth and improved efficiency, continuing Apple’s steady refinement of its silicon roadmap.

macOS 26.3 is tipped for release in February or March, and Bloomberg notes that supplies of higher end MacBook Pro configurations have already begun to tighten. That pattern has historically preceded Apple hardware refreshes, adding weight to the report.

As with previous generations, the M5 Pro and M5 Max models are designed for demanding workloads such as video editing, 3D rendering and advanced software development. These configurations typically command a noticeable price premium over base models, reflecting their expanded performance headroom.

Apple released the first M5 powered MacBook Pros late last year, and a full redesign is not expected until 2027. For now, this refresh appears to be about extending the MacBook Pro’s lead in performance rather than reinventing its look.

Apple declined to comment on the report.

If the timeline holds, professionals could see a meaningful boost in processing power within weeks, reinforcing Apple’s strategy of frequent, incremental upgrades that prioritise real world performance gains over cosmetic changes.

Author. Adigun Adedoye