Apple pushes MacBook Pro release to 2026

In July 2025, Apple is set to launch the new iPhone 17 family in September, but the updates regarding their lineup of MacBook laptops are less promising. Confirmed reports indicate that the much-anticipated releases of the upgraded MacBook Pro and MacBook Air have been postponed to 2026. This news originates from Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, whose insights on Apple's product portfolio have become influential in forecasting the tech giant's strategies and releases. Previously, there was an expectation of new MacBook models arriving alongside the next-generation M5 Apple Silicon chipset by the end of 2025, similar to the historic patterns established in past releases. Historically, Apple has followed a conventional product release path, introduced by their annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) held in May. The expectations were that the upcoming M5 chipset would make its debut at this event, possibly along with new models for the MacBook and the iPad Pro. Apple’s schedule often relies on synchronizing hardware launches with significant software updates, which may provide them with the extra time needed to develop these devices. Previously, in 2024, Apple successfully launched the M4 chipset early in the year, aligning with the release of the seventh-generation iPad Pro and various models of the MacBook Pro. As the timeline for the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air now extends into 2026, it also brings forth the idea of flexibility in Apple’s release scheduling. The company’s iPhone launches, traditionally scheduled for September, operate under a more rigid timeline, possibly due to contractual obligations with network providers. Unlike iPhone releases, which require a staggered annual pattern, Apple tends to treat its laptop releases with more leniency. This flexibility allows them to ensure the devices meet quality standards without the stress of adherence to a strict launch timeframe. Apple will likely continue synchronizing their software updates and hardware launches, as seen with the annual updates of operating systems and chipset introductions. The delay of the MacBook Pro indicates that Apple is prioritizing quality over timing, confirming that while annual updates across their operating systems are firmly established, hardware updates can afford the room to adapt based on development progress. These changes in release strategies may ultimately influence consumer expectations and the overall ecosystem, keeping the tech industry engaged as they await further developments.