Apple’s entire M5 Mac lineup reportedly leaks: full timeline, models, and specifications
Apple may have accidentally revealed its full next-generation Mac roadmap within macOS Tahoe 26. Code references uncovered by AppleInsider point to every upcoming M5-powered device — from a base 14-inch MacBook Pro expected later this month to refreshed MacBook Air, iMac, Mac mini and Studio models arriving through 2026. The listings also mention new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips and early traces of M6-series prototypes already in testing.
M5 MacBook Pro (J704): Apple’s first M5-powered laptop
According to AppleInsider, internal identifiers found within macOS Tahoe 26.0.2 confirm the existence of the M5 MacBook Pro (J704). This is expected to be the first M5-powered Mac to launch, likely before the end of October 2025. It will replace the current M4 MacBook Pro and retain the same chassis, mini-LED display, and port layout.
The key difference is the new M5 chip, which, based on early iPad Pro benchmark results, appears to deliver significantly higher GPU performance compared to the M4. No major design changes are expected, making this a performance-focused refresh aimed at improving graphics capabilities.
M5 MacBook Air (J813, J815): Performance boost for 2026
The M5 MacBook Air will reportedly arrive in early 2026, alongside the release of macOS 26.2. Two models have surfaced in code references, the 13-inch (J813) and 15-inch (J815) variants.
In terms of design, Apple is expected to retain the same slim aluminium chassis, MagSafe 3 charging port, and Liquid Retina display. The main change will reportedly be the move to the M5 SoC, built on an enhanced 3 nm process, which is said to bring modest CPU gains and improved power efficiency. Battery life could also see minor improvements as a result of the new chip. Additionally, the M5 MacBook Air may come with a slight price increase compared to the M4 MacBook Air, which launched at US$999. To maintain a lower entry point into the MacBook lineup, Apple is also rumoured to be preparing another model powered by an iPhone-class Pro SoC.
M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro (J714, J716): Advanced chip architecture coming
The higher-end M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models, identified internally as J714 and J716, are reportedly planned for release in spring 2026 alongside macOS 26.3. These chips are expected to utilise TSMC’s SoIC-MH packaging technology, which would allow Apple to separate CPU and GPU blocks, enabling more flexible scaling and potentially higher GPU core counts. We have already seen the M4 chip’s performance in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, and a more powerful GPU could further improve gaming on the Mac as its library continues to grow.
This change could result in notable graphics performance gains. However, external design updates are not expected this time, as the OLED-equipped MacBook Pro with a touch panel is reportedly scheduled for a later 2026 release, according to a known industry insider.
M5 Mac mini, Mac Studio, and iMac (J873s, J775c, J833ct): Desktop lineup refresh
Desktop models with M5 chips are expected to follow in mid-2026, likely during WWDC 2026 when Apple unveils macOS 26.4. The leaked identifiers include M5 Mac mini (J873s / J873g), M5 Mac Studio (J775c / J775d), and M5 iMac (J833ct).
These desktops are projected to follow Apple’s regular silicon upgrade cycle, incorporating the M5, M5 Pro, or M5 Max chips to deliver higher efficiency and performance while retaining the current industrial design. No major visual changes are anticipated, though the updated SoC could enable improved thermals and more consistent performance under sustained workloads.
As per this leaked lineup, if you can wait a few more weeks, hold off until the base M5 MacBook Pro arrives later this October, as it will either offer better value for the same price or push down prices of the existing M4 models.
Source(s)
