Key Takeaways
- Apple is reportedly developing at least four new M5 Macs for launch throughout 2026.
- Expected models include the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro (M5 Pro and M5 Max), Mac mini, and Mac Studio.
- The iMac is notably missing from Apple’s near-term roadmap, suggesting a later M6 refresh.
Apple’s Next Wave of Macs: The M5 Generation Begins
Following the launch of the first M5-powered MacBook Pro in October 2025, Apple is already preparing a broader rollout of its fifth-generation Apple Silicon lineup. According to Mark Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter, the company has at least four more M5 Macs in the pipeline for 2026—spanning both laptops and desktops.
Gurman’s report outlines what to expect: an M5 MacBook Air, M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros, an M5 Mac mini, and a new M5 Mac Studio. The products are part of Apple’s continued effort to unify performance across its Mac range while keeping energy efficiency and thermals in check.
MacBook Air and MacBook Pro Lead the Launch Schedule
Gurman suggests that Apple will prioritize portable Macs early in 2026, with the M5 MacBook Air and M5-powered MacBook Pros likely debuting in the first half of the year.
The new MacBook Pros will feature upgraded M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, offering faster CPU and GPU performance—potentially built on TSMC’s 2-nanometer process. These models are expected to deliver improved AI acceleration and battery life, aligning with Apple’s ongoing push toward “AI-ready” hardware across its ecosystem.
Meanwhile, the M5 MacBook Air will serve as the ultra-portable option, bringing the latest Apple Silicon performance to Apple’s most popular notebook.
Desktop Macs: M5 Mac mini and Mac Studio
Later in the year, Apple reportedly plans to refresh its desktop lineup with M5 versions of the Mac mini and Mac Studio.
The Mac mini is expected to remain physically unchanged but will gain a performance lift from the M5 chip—potentially offering configurations up to M5 Pro for power users. The Mac Studio, Apple’s compact performance desktop, will likely ship with higher-end M5 Max or M5 Ultra chips, designed to replace the current M2 Ultra generation introduced in mid-2023.
Gurman also hints that new Mac displays are in development and could launch alongside these desktops—potentially including updates to the Studio Display or Pro Display XDR, which would perfectly complement the Mac mini and Mac Studio refresh.
The Missing iMac: M6 on the Horizon?
One notable omission from Gurman’s report is the iMac. While Apple refreshed the 24-inch iMac with the M3 chip in 2023, there’s no mention yet of an M5 version.
This absence could mean Apple is holding the iMac for an M6 update, potentially timed for late 2026 or early 2027. Another possibility is that Apple is working on a larger iMac Pro, which may take longer to finalize. Either way, Gurman’s comments leave room for speculation—suggesting that the desktop all-in-one isn’t off the roadmap entirely, just later in the cycle.
What to Expect from Apple’s M5 Chips
While Apple has not officially announced technical specifications for the M5 lineup, leaks suggest that these chips will mark the biggest performance-per-watt leap since the M1. Built using TSMC’s second-generation 2nm process, the M5 is expected to deliver faster neural processing, improved thermal efficiency, and expanded on-device AI capabilities—key for the company’s next generation of macOS features.
2026: The Year of the M5 Mac
If Gurman’s timeline holds, Apple’s 2026 Mac roadmap will include:
- Early 2026: MacBook Air (M5), MacBook Pro (M5 Pro / M5 Max)
- Mid to Late 2026: Mac mini (M5), Mac Studio (M5 Max / M5 Ultra), new Mac displays
These launches will mark Apple’s first full refresh of the Mac lineup under the M5 generation, setting the stage for an eventual transition to M6 chips in 2027.
After a relatively quiet 2025, Apple seems poised for a major Mac resurgence, powered by its most advanced silicon yet.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of GameDegen.com. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. GameDegen.com is not responsible for any financial losses.
