TL;DR
Apple is widely reported to refresh three MacBook lines in early 2026: an M5-powered MacBook Air, higher-end 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, and a new lower-cost 12.9-inch MacBook. Timing is expected in the first months of 2026, with more powerful chips and a budget-focused model among the main changes.
What happened
Multiple reports indicate Apple plans to introduce three distinct MacBook updates in early 2026. The MacBook Air is expected to move to Apple’s M5 chip while retaining the current M4-era design and the existing 13-inch and 15-inch size options; minor refinements and a possible new color to replace Sky Blue are also mentioned, and a February–March window is anticipated. Higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are likely to follow with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips; these Pro-tier machines are said to deliver the main gains via upgraded chips along with faster SSD performance and increased memory bandwidth. Separately, a new, lower-cost 12.9-inch model—likely branded simply “MacBook”—is reported to use an A18 Pro chip, come in several colors, and target a sub-$700 price point to broaden Mac adoption.
Why it matters
- A refreshed MacBook Air with the M5 could extend Apple's mainstream laptop performance and efficiency gains to the most popular model.
- M5 Pro and M5 Max options for 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will aim to meet higher-performance needs for professionals and power users.
- A lower-cost 12.9-inch MacBook at roughly $599–$699 could lower the entry barrier for users who currently choose PCs or Chromebooks.
- Faster SSDs and higher memory bandwidth on Pro-tier models would matter for workflows that depend on storage speed and large memory throughput.
Key facts
- An M5 MacBook Air is expected in early 2026 and likely keeps the same design and 13-inch and 15-inch sizes.
- The M5 MacBook Air may arrive in a February–March timeframe, mirroring the M4 model’s launch window.
- Apple is expected to release 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models equipped with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips shortly after the start of 2026.
- Reported upgrades for the Pro-tier machines include faster SSD performance and increased memory bandwidth.
- A recently launched M5 MacBook Pro exists but is currently available only as a 14-inch model without Pro or Max chip options.
- A new 12.9-inch MacBook is rumored, likely using an A18 Pro chip and offered in colors such as silver, blue, pink, and yellow.
- The 12.9-inch model’s price is rumored to be around $599 or $699, positioning it as a lower-cost Mac.
- Apple reportedly has a completely redesigned MacBook Pro with an M6 chip in development for as early as the end of 2026.
- Apple reduced the starting price of the M4 MacBook Air earlier in the year to $999, and it was on sale for $799 at the time of reporting.
What to watch next
- Exact launch dates and global availability for each model — not confirmed in the source.
- Final pricing and configuration options for the 12.9-inch MacBook and how closely retail prices match the $599–$699 rumors.
- Detailed technical specs and performance benchmarks for the M5 Pro and M5 Max models versus current chips — not confirmed in the source.
- Timing and design details of the rumored M6-based MacBook Pro redesign expected later in 2026.
Quick glossary
- M5 chip: A generation of Apple’s in-house system-on-chip used in Macs, succeeding the M4 line and aimed at improving CPU/GPU performance and efficiency.
- M5 Pro / M5 Max: Higher-tier variants of Apple silicon that typically offer more CPU/GPU cores, greater memory capacity, and higher memory bandwidth for professional workloads.
- SSD (Solid State Drive): A storage device that uses flash memory to provide faster read/write speeds than traditional hard drives, improving application load times and transfer rates.
- Memory bandwidth: A measure of how much data can be transferred to and from a device’s memory per second; higher bandwidth benefits memory-intensive tasks.
- A18 Pro: A mobile-class system-on-chip referenced in reports; in this context it’s the rumored processor for a lower-cost MacBook model.
Reader FAQ
When will the new MacBooks be released?
Early 2026 is the reported window; the M5 MacBook Air is expected around February–March. Exact dates are not confirmed in the source.
What models are being updated?
Reports mention an M5 MacBook Air, 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro/Max chips, and a new 12.9-inch lower-cost MacBook.
How much will the new 12.9-inch MacBook cost?
The 12.9-inch MacBook is rumored to be priced around $599 or $699.
Is there a full redesign coming for the MacBook Pro?
A completely redesigned MacBook Pro with an M6 chip is reportedly planned for as early as the end of 2026.
Here are six exciting Apple product launches to look forward to in 2026 Michael Burkhardt Dec 27 2025 MACBOOK PRO MACBOOK AIR MACBOOK Three new MacBooks will launch early next…
Sources
- Three new MacBooks will launch early next year, here’s what’s coming
- Here Are the Four MacBooks Apple Is Expected to Launch …
- Apple's Expected 2026 New Product Lineup – TheStreet Pro
- Apple 2026 Products: Early Release Rumors on M5 Pro …
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