Apple introduced its first M5-powered MacBook Pro in October with a single 14-inch model. The company framed the M5 chip as a major step forward for AI on the Mac. At the time, Apple did not update the 16-inch model. Now, signs point to a second launch that could bring higher-end options very soon.
M5 MacBook Pro: Apple Has Released So Far
Apple began the M5 lineup with the 14-inch MacBook Pro using the base M5 chip. The company focused on performance, especially for AI-driven tasks. It highlighted faster graphics, a stronger Neural Engine, and higher memory bandwidth.
All current configurations share the same 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. Buyers can only choose memory and storage. Options include 16GB or 24GB of memory and 512GB or 1TB of SSD storage. In short, Apple has offered a capable entry point but no true high-end variants yet.
High-End Models Are Expected Next
That gap is unlikely to last. Apple is expected to introduce more powerful versions of the MacBook Pro. This should include the first 16-inch model with an M5 chip, along with M5 Pro and M5 Max versions in both sizes.
Reports have suggested an early-year release window. Now, January 28 has emerged as a possible launch date.
Roman Loyola of Macworld has offered a theory that ties the timing to Apple’s new Creator Studio subscription. He notes that both the Creator Suite and the MacBook Pro target professional users, which makes a combined launch appealing.
“I’m purely speculating here, but Creator Suite and the MacBook Pro have the same professional target audience. In other words, MacBook users are users of the apps in the Creator Suite. It seems like a perfect marketing opportunity to tie them together […]
To add more to the speculation: January 28 is a Wednesday, and Apple often releases new products on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It seems to be an ideal setup.”
Loyola makes clear that this is not confirmed. Still, the timing fits Apple’s usual product release pattern and aligns with expectations for new MacBook Pro models early in the year.
January 28 Makes Sense
Apple has already set January 28 as the launch date for its Creator Studio bundle. That move signals the start of a broader product cycle for the year. Pairing new pro-focused software with updated pro hardware would create a clean message for creative and professional users.
For now, there is no official announcement. But with the base M5 model already on the market and the higher-end lineup still missing, a near-term update looks increasingly likely. If Apple follows through, January 28 could mark the arrival of the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models that many users have been waiting for.
