While the iPhone and the associated A-series Apple Silicon release schedules are both fixed and well-known, the MacBook release schedule is somewhat more erratic. Following Apple’s launch of the M-series Apple Silicon with the M1 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, it looked to be settling into a yearly refresh that Mac supporters could rely on.
That has not proven to be the case, and with no confident details on when a new laptop might arrive in store, Apple’s customers are left wondering when the best time to upgrade is. That’s at least what Apple will be hoping for.
There’s another issue, though. Those first M1- and M2-powered MacBooks may be too good.
Update, Sunday Sept. 28, 2025: This article has been updated with details on Apple’s MacBook Air and MacBook Pro release schedules.
The M5 MacBook Pro And MacBook Air Release Dates
Update, Sunday Sept. 28, 2025: Writing for Bloomberg’s Power On newslettter, Mark Gurman picks out the release schedule for the next MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models. They are both expected to ship with the latest M5 Apple Silicon chipset, while the MacBook Air. Yet Gurman’s release data is more of a release window:
“Apple is nearing mass production of its next MacBook Pros (code-named J714 and J716), MacBook Airs (J813 and J815) … These devices are still slated for release between the end of this year and the first quarter of next year, but it’s exciting to know these are nearing a key stage.”
Given Apple’s history with releases in the first quarter, it’s likely that the laptop’s reveal will occur in mid-March 2026, with a release following in the subsequent week. While those watching Apple with high levels of dedication will be excited, those trying to decide on the value of an upgrade that could take up to six months to arrive will likely be more frustrated than excited.
Assuming they need to upgrade.
Reinventing The MacBook Pro
When the M1 chipset was launched in the 13-inch Air and Pro laptops, they represented a significant step up over the equivalent Intel-based Macs. That meant they also offered better performance, longer battery life, and ran cooler than the Windows competition.
While Apple has continued to push the envelope with its Mac platform, the M1 laptops are still performing well for those who purchased the units almost five years ago. The performance is still acceptable enough that Apple continues to sell the MacBook Air M1, albeit you have to go to Walmart to pick up the Air at the low price of $599 at the end of Sept. 2025.
There will always be demand for more power; even the MacBook Pro M4 Max will not be enough for some consumers. However, for many, the M1 Air and Pro will still meet their needs. Why upgrade for more power when you already have enough power?
Potential MacBook Pro Upgrades
Apple is reportedly considering some potential hardware upgrades, which are being discussed online. The addition of an OLED display — something that Windows laptops have had for a long time before the M1 arrived — will be a welcome upgrade to the display. Due to the fixed nature of silicon, any upgrade to a new laptop is the only chance a consumer has to upgrade memory or storage.
The most significant upgrade in the wings may be the addition of a 5G modem to allow for always-on, almost-anywhere connectivity. That’s an option that will no doubt command a premium, for those looking for a workhorse everyday laptop, pairing with a smartphone will likely be enough.
Those upgrades are not going to open up a super-cycle of upgrades when they arrive, unlike the fashionably thin iPhone Air with Apple’s smartphones. They will sell, but the rush to upgrade to a new MacBook will be limited… by the older MacBook.
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