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The MacBook Pro is on the verge of another performance upgrade. Several reports indicate that Apple plans to release new models alongside macOS 26.3. The focus is on the new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. The information comes from well-connected sources and is accelerating in time, making an announcement in the near future seem likely.
When new Apple products are being analyzed, certain names play a central role. One of them is Mark Gurman, who has been considered a reliable source for internal Apple planning for years. His recent statements are further supported by other reports, which lends additional weight to the topic.
Released in conjunction with macOS 26.3
According to Mark Gurman, Apple plans to introduce new MacBook Pro models as part of the macOS 26.3 release cycle. In a free preview of his "Power On" newsletter on Bloomberg, he wrote that a new MacBook Pro is specifically planned for this timeframe.
Current status of macOS 26.3 and expected timeline
macOS 26.3 is currently in beta testing. However, its release to the general public is expected in February. As is standard practice in the industry, a release candidate version is typically released beforehand, often just a few days before the final version.
It is currently expected that this release candidate could be available very soon. If this is confirmed, it would coincide well with the announcement of new MacBook Pro models, which will ship with the new operating system.
Confirmation by other sources
Back in October, Marko Zivkovic reported on AppleInsider that MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips were expected to ship with macOS 26.3. Mark Gurman's recent statements align with this information in both content and timing.
The fact that several independent sources share the same assessment increases the likelihood that Apple will actually follow this release plan.
Expected new features in the MacBook Pro
Aside from the new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, no major changes are expected for the upcoming MacBook Pro models. Design, display, ports, and casing are expected to remain unchanged. The focus is clearly on internal improvements, particularly in performance and energy efficiency, thanks to the new chip generation.
This means that the MacBook Pro remains conceptually close to the current models and continues to be aimed at professional users for whom computing power and stability are particularly important.
Long-term outlook: Major redesign planned
The changes are expected to be significantly more extensive in the coming years. A comprehensive redesign of the MacBook Pro is anticipated by the end of 2026 or 2027. Rumors suggest that Apple is working on an OLED display with touch functionality, new M6 Pro and M6 Max chips, an overall thinner design, and integrated cellular connectivity.
Should this information prove true, the MacBook Pro would undergo one of its biggest developmental leaps since the introduction of Apple Silicon.
MacBook Pro in transition: Focus on chips instead of design
In the short term, many signs point to a targeted, but manageable, update of the MacBook Pro. The combination of M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, along with macOS 26.3, is clearly the focus, while major design changes are absent. At the same time, long-term rumors indicate that Apple is strategically developing the MacBook Pro and is already preparing significant innovations for the coming years. (Image: Shutterstock / Lazy Camel)
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