Apple is reportedly advancing its Mac lineup with the upcoming launch of devices powered by its next-generation M5 chip, signaling a broader refresh across multiple product categories.
Highlights
- MacBook Pros First in Line: New M5-powered 14″ and 16″ MacBook Pro models (J714/J716) expected to debut in late 2025, featuring M5 Pro and M5 Max chips.
- 15 M5 Macs in Development: Apple’s roadmap includes updated versions of the Mac mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro, iMac, and MacBook Air (2026).
- Experimental Hardware: Apple is testing a prototype (J804) powered by the A18 chip from iPhones—hinting at potential mobile-desktop hybrid designs.
- Advanced Chip Tech: M5 chips are built using TSMC’s 3nm N3P process with SoIC mH packaging, improving thermal performance and modularity.
- Air M5 Arrives in 2026: The Air line will retain its current design while adopting the new silicon in early 2026.
- Next in Line: M6 Chips and OLED Displays: Apple is already working on M6 Macs, with redesigned OLED MacBook Pros expected by late 2026.
According to leaks cited by AppleInsider, the company is currently developing at least 15 new Mac models, including updated MacBook Pros, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro systems.
M5 MacBook Pro Expected in Late 2025
The MacBook Pro will be the first to feature the new M5 series. Four configurations are reportedly in the pipeline:
- 14-inch models: J714c and J714s
- 16-inch models: J716c and J716s
These versions are expected to come with either the M5 Pro or M5 Max chipset, continuing Apple’s multi-tiered performance strategy for its flagship laptops.
Additional Devices in the M5 Lineup
Beyond the MacBook Pro, Apple is also preparing the following:
- Mac mini (J873s) with an M5 Pro chip
- iMac (J833ct) using standard M5 silicon
- Mac Studio (J775c, J775d) with M5-based configurations
- Mac Pro (J704) refresh expected by late 2025
The MacBook Air is expected to receive its M5 upgrade in early 2026, with both 13- and 15-inch models retaining their current design.
MacBook on iPhone Chip?
One of the more unconventional developments is an experimental MacBook Pro prototype internally identified as J804, which is rumored to run on Apple’s A18 mobile chip—a processor typically reserved for upcoming iPhones.
This may indicate that Apple is testing low-power or hybrid configurations that could further diversify its product offerings. Another unclassified model, J700, is believed to be part of this broader roadmap, though its purpose remains unclear.
Manufacturing Status & Launch Timeline
Apple’s M5 chip entered mass production in February 2025, with the first M5-powered devices—likely the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro—expected to arrive in October or November, aligning with the company’s usual fall hardware launch cycle.
TSMC’s N3P & SoIC mH
The M5 chip is built on TSMC’s 3nm “N3P” process, incorporating SoIC mH (multi-die packaging). This advanced chip architecture separates CPU and GPU components, enhancing thermal management, boosting yield, and enabling more flexible system design.
Complete List of M5 Devices in Development
At least 15 Mac models are reportedly in development under the M5 roadmap.
- MacBook Pro (14″ & 16″) – M5 Pro / M5 Max (J714c, J714s, J716c, J716s)
- Mac mini (J873s) – M5 Pro
- iMac (J833ct) – M5
- Mac Studio (J775c, J775d) – M5 family
- Mac Pro (J704) – Late 2025
- MacBook Air (2026) – M5, 13-inch and 15-inch
What’s Next – M6 Chips and OLED
Apple is reportedly already laying the groundwork for M6-based Macs, with a redesigned MacBook Pro lineup expected in late 2026. These future devices are rumored to feature OLED displays and follow the same dual-size/double-tiered (Pro/Max) chip strategy.
While Apple has not officially confirmed these developments, the reported scale and variety of models point to an ambitious refresh of the Mac ecosystem.
