Apple Expected to Launch M5-Powered MacBook Pros Week of March 2

2026-02-09 companies

Cupertino, Monday, 9 February 2026.
Inventory shortages signal an imminent refresh, with powerful M5 Pro and Max MacBook Pros reportedly arriving as early as the week of March 2 alongside macOS 26.3.

Supply Chain Signals and Release Dates

Market indicators and supply chain reports suggest that Apple is poised to refresh its high-end laptop lineup imminently. As of today, February 9, 2026, retail inventory for the current M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pro models remains in short supply, a classic precursor to a hardware update [3][6]. Industry analysts, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, pinpoint the release window for the new M5-equipped models to the week of March 2, 2026 [2][3][6]. This hardware launch is reportedly synchronized with the software release cycle of macOS 26.3 (Tahoe), which is also slated for deployment in early March [1][6]. While a specific event date has not been confirmed, speculation points to a potential announcement between March 2 and March 4 [3].

Architectural Shifts in Silicon

The centerpiece of this expected refresh is the introduction of the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. Unlike previous generations that relied heavily on a standard System on a Chip (SoC) design, technical analysis suggests Apple may adopt TSMC’s System on Integrated Chips (SoIC-MH) architecture for these high-performance processors [7]. This shift would allow for a chiplet-based design where operational groups, such as the GPU, are fabricated on separate dies rather than being stacked or unified on a single wafer [7]. If implemented, this architectural evolution is expected to improve scalability, decrease heat generation, and potentially increase battery life by allowing Apple to decouple GPU performance from CPU constraints [7]. This contrasts with the base M5 chip, which debuted in the 14-inch MacBook Pro in October 2025 [1].

Pricing Strategy and Market Segmentation

Despite the potential for significant architectural advancements, Apple appears likely to maintain its established pricing tiers for the professional market. The updated 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro chip is expected to start at $1,999, while the 16-inch model is projected to retain its $2,499 entry point [1]. However, Apple is also reportedly addressing the entry-level market aggressively. Rumors indicate plans for a budget-friendly MacBook priced at approximately $599, potentially launching in the first half of 2026 to target the education sector [1]. Concurrently, the MacBook Air is expected to receive an M5 refresh in the first quarter of 2026, holding steady at the $999 price point [1].

Future Display Technologies and Ecosystem Expansion

While the March update focuses on processing power, significant display upgrades are projected for later in the year. A major redesign featuring OLED touchscreens and thinner chassis is not expected until late 2026, potentially accompanying an M6 refresh [2][3]. In the immediate term, the MacBook Pro launch may be accompanied by other hardware announcements. The iPhone 17e, featuring an A19 chip and in-house 5G modems, is rumored for an “imminent” release, possibly targeting emerging markets and enterprise users [8]. Additionally, an updated Mac Studio and Studio Display are anticipated to follow the spring Mac refresh [3][6].

Sources

MacBook Pro Apple M5