A leaked Apple roadmap obtained today reveals the company's ambitious Mac lineup through 2026, detailing both M5 and M6 chip releases alongside a major MacBook Pro redesign. The roadmap shows Apple will introduce M5-powered MacBook Pro models in late 2025, followed by a complete overhaul of the professional laptop line with M6 processors and OLED displays in late 2026.
The leak provides the clearest picture yet of Apple's silicon strategy as the company prepares to compete in an increasingly crowded premium laptop market while transitioning to more advanced chip manufacturing processes.
Apple plans to begin releasing M5-equipped Macs in fall 2025, with the MacBook Pro lineup leading the charge, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman1. The M5 chips will be manufactured using TSMC's advanced N3P process, delivering typical year-over-year performance improvements over the current M4 series.
Ming-Chi Kuo, a well-known Apple analyst, reported that high-end M5 chips including Pro, Max and Ultra variants could enter mass production in the second half of 2025, with devices potentially arriving by early 20262. MacRumors noted that Apple will likely update the MacBook Pro line with M5 series chips later this year, though not much is expected beyond the spec upgrade3.
The staggered release approach follows Apple's established pattern, with professional models receiving new chips first before broader rollout across the Mac lineup throughout 2026.
The leaked roadmap reveals four M6 MacBook Pro models planned for late 2026, including 14-inch and 16-inch variants with M6 Pro and M6 Max chips1. These models will mark the first major MacBook Pro redesign since 2021, featuring OLED displays that replace the current Mini LED screens.
The M6 chip represents Apple's first 2-nanometer processor, manufactured using TSMC's cutting-edge technology for improved performance and efficiency2. Bloomberg's Gurman confirmed Apple remains on track for the 2026 "overhaul" of the MacBook Pro3.
The redesigned laptops may also introduce cellular connectivity for the first time in Mac history, potentially using Apple's second-generation custom modem chip4. Research firm Omdia's roadmap indicates Apple plans to remove the display notch from the 2026 MacBook Pro models5.
Apple's two-year roadmap arrives as the company faces increased competition in the premium laptop market. The M5 launch coincides with the company's broader push into artificial intelligence features, while the M6 models will compete against whatever Intel and AMD offer in 2026.
The timeline suggests Apple is maintaining its annual chip upgrade cycle while preparing more substantial hardware changes for 2026, when the combination of new manufacturing processes and display technology could reshape the professional laptop landscape.
