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Apple is generating buzz again with indications that a new high-end MacBook Pro could be released on January 28th. The main focus is on an update that has been missing so far: a new 16-inch MacBook Pro, as well as more powerful variants with the M5 Pro and M5 Max processors.
Last October, Apple introduced the M5 generation to the MacBook Pro, but only with a single model: the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the base M5 chip. Apple clearly positioned the chip as a key component of AI, describing it as "the next big leap in AI for the Mac." At the same time, there was no update for the 16-inch MacBook Pro. This gap is precisely why an announcement of high-end models is now expected soon.
What has been released so far: the M5 MacBook Pro
Apple launched the M5 MacBook Pro lineup in October with just one device: the 14-inch model featuring the base M5 chip. The focus was on performance gains, especially for AI applications. Apple describes the improvements as follows:
The M5 makes the 14-inch MacBook Pro faster, more powerful, and delivers a significant leap in AI performance. The M5 chip features a next-generation GPU with a Neural Accelerator in each core, enabling up to 3.5 times the AI performance and up to 1.6 times faster graphics compared to the previous generation. This is complemented by a faster and more efficient CPU, an improved Neural Engine, and increased memory bandwidth. All of this is designed to accelerate everything from launching apps to running large language models (LLMs) directly on the device.
The current M5 14-inch models have the same chip configuration.
All models have the same 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. The only differences are in RAM and SSD:
- RAM: either 16 GB or 24 GB
- SSD storage, optionally 512 GB or 1 TB
What's expected next: High-end models of the MacBook Pro
Now the focus shifts to the models that weren't updated in October. An announcement of high-end versions of the MacBook Pro is expected soon. These include:
- Both sizes, 14 inches and 16 inches, with M5 Pro
- Both sizes, 14 inches and 16 inches, with M5 Max
Because the 16-inch model was omitted at the M5 launch, an imminent update seems likely, and that is precisely what current expectations are based on.
Why is January 28th being circulated as the date?
The specific date mentioned is January 28th. Roman Loyola of Macworld considers this date possible. The reasoning is that January 28th is the launch date for the new Apple Creator Studio subscription. This is explicitly categorized as speculation, but the underlying argument is relatively straightforward:
Creator Suite/Creator Studio and the MacBook Pro target the same professional audience. The idea is that MacBook Pro users are typically also users of the apps in this Creator Suite. Therefore, launching a new high-end MacBook Pro at the same time as, or in direct connection with, the launch of this subscription service could be a suitable marketing opportunity.
There's a second point that further fuels the speculation: January 28th is a Wednesday. Apple often releases new products on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. This also makes the date plausible from this perspective.
Loyola himself openly admits that it is ultimately just speculation, but the scenario sounds plausible.
Apple MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max is getting closer
The bottom line is this: Apple launched in October with a 14-inch MacBook Pro and the base M5 processor, heavily promoting the M5's AI capabilities and overall performance. An update for the 16-inch MacBook Pro failed to materialize, as did the anticipated high-end options with the M5 Pro and M5 Max. This is precisely why it's expected that these models will be released soon. January 28th has emerged as a possible launch date, as that's the day the Apple Creator Studio subscription is supposed to launch, and Apple often schedules product launches for a Tuesday or Wednesday. While not officially confirmed, this seems plausible as speculation. (Image: Apple)
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