The world of technology constantly anticipates Apple’s next big move, particularly concerning its Mac lineup.
Thanks to a combination of internal data and shared information, we now have an exclusive look into Apple’s ambitious plans for its powerful desktop and laptop computers. This deep dive reveals crucial details about upcoming Mac configurations, indicating a rapid evolution in processing power with the introduction of M5 and M6 chips. This detailed insight provides a rare glimpse into Apple’s development pipeline, stretching all the way through 2026.
Currently, almost all new Macs available for purchase in 2025 feature Apple’s cutting-edge M4 chip. This state-of-the-art processor has recently made its way into key product lines. For instance, the popular MacBook Air and the high-performance Mac Studio both received this new processing hardware in March 2025. However, even as these M4-equipped devices hit the market, Apple’s internal development teams are already hard at work on their successors.
This forward-looking approach ensures a continuous cycle of innovation. Even the Mac Pro, a powerful workstation that some might consider “practically forgotten” due to its less frequent updates, is slated to receive a significant hardware upgrade within this roadmap, signaling Apple’s commitment to its entire professional lineup.
Through meticulous analysis of “our own data and information shared with us,” Rook Post has uncovered details on a staggering “15 new Mac models currently in development.” This extensive list provides a clear picture of Apple’s strategic intent over the next few years. Sources familiar with the company’s plans, combined with logical deductions based on Apple’s historical release patterns, confirm that the company “plans to introduce its M5 chip within a matter of months.” This rapid iteration underscores Apple’s aggressive silicon development cycle.
Furthermore, the information suggests that “M6-equipped devices could see some significant changes in late 2026,” hinting at potentially major redesigns and technological leaps beyond just processing power. Apple’s internal “product identifiers follow a pattern,” making it relatively straightforward to decipher which code corresponds to which future Mac model. While the exact release windows mentioned in this report are based on a combination of “rumors and Apple’s expected schedule,” the existence of these product identifiers solidifies the reality of these upcoming Macs.
M5 Family: Expected Late 2025 Launches
Apple’s release cadence for its professional-grade laptops typically involves an annual refresh in the fall, and the upcoming year appears to be no exception. The “M5 family” of Macs is “expected to launch in late 2025,” following a familiar pattern established by previous generations. This aligns with Apple’s recent strategy of updating its high-end MacBooks around that time of year.
For context, the preceding generation saw significant updates in late 2024. The MacBook Pro received a comprehensive refresh, becoming available with M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max configurations. Simultaneously, the more compact Mac Mini was updated, offering users M4 and M4 Pro variants. Additionally, the base M4 chip made its debut in the popular iMac, revitalizing Apple’s all-in-one desktop offering.
Based on the newly obtained information, Apple’s 2025 releases could follow a similar pattern. Sources with direct knowledge of the matter have indicated that Apple is actively “testing a Mac with the identifier J873s.” This specific identifier provides a strong clue about the device’s nature.
Given that the current generation’s M4 Pro Mac mini is known internally as the J773s, it is highly probable that the J873s “is likely an M5 Pro variant of the Mac mini.” While the leaked data did not reveal a specific identifier for a base M5 Mac mini, it’s generally “unlikely that Apple would introduce only a high-performance M5 Pro model of the device.” This suggests that a standard M5 Mac mini is also in development, even if its identifier wasn’t part of this specific leak.
Further hinting at the M5 lineup, there’s also an “unreleased Mac with the identifier J833ct.” This code is a strong candidate for an “M5-equipped iMac.” For comparison, the most recent 2023 24-inch iMac is internally known as the J433. The sequential nature of Apple’s identifier codes makes this a plausible connection. However, it’s important to note that while the pattern suggests this, it is “not definitive proof.”
Along with these desktop Macs, the late 2025 timeframe is also expected to see the debut of the next generation of professional laptops. Apple is “expected to introduce the MacBook Pro with M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max.” The leaked identifiers perfectly “line up with” these anticipated configurations. Based on the data, Apple plans to “maintain the current design of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro for the fall 2025 release.” This means that the update will primarily be “a basic spec upgrade overall,” focusing on internal performance enhancements rather than external aesthetic changes. Previous whispers from the rumor mill have “suggested there would be no significant changes,” and our findings now “corroborate these claims.”
Specifically, Rook Post was informed of “four distinct hardware configurations” for the M5 MacBook Pros, identified by their precise codes:
- J714c — MacBook Pro 14-inch with an M5 Max chip
- J714s — MacBook Pro 14-inch with an M5 Pro chip
- J716c — MacBook Pro 16-inch with an M5 Max chip
- J716s — MacBook Pro 16-inch with an M5 Pro chip
These device identifiers mirror Apple’s existing M4 MacBook Pro lineup, which uses similar codenames (J614c, J614s, J616c, and J616s). This mirroring further reinforces the expectation that “we likely won’t see any significant chassis or design changes.” While the exterior may remain familiar, the internal processing power is where the true advancements lie, with expectations of “major improvements.”
One recent report from a trusted source indicates that the M5 Pro and M5 Max “will use 2.5D packaging.” This advanced packaging technique allows for “separate CPU and GPU designs” to be integrated onto a single package, leading to multiple benefits. This innovative approach is expected to “improve production yields and thermal performance,” making the chips more efficient to manufacture and better at managing heat under heavy loads.
Specifically, TSMC’s latest chip packaging process, known as “System-in-Integrated-Chips-Molding-Horizontal (SoIC-mH),” is believed to be key to this design. The M5 Pro “may be the first Apple chip with these changes,” showcasing Apple’s continued leadership in silicon technology. These new M5 MacBook Pros are also anticipated to launch around the same time as other M5-powered devices, as “two previous reports” suggest they will debut roughly concurrently with the M5 iPad Pro and M5 Apple Vision Pro, creating a widespread M5 ecosystem.
Desktop Powerhouses: Mac Pro and Mac Studio Upgrades
Apple’s desktop Mac lineup is also poised for significant refreshes within this revealed roadmap, promising enhanced power for professional users who demand peak performance. These updates are particularly noteworthy for machines that have seen less frequent iterations compared to Apple’s portable offerings.
Our intel indicates that a new Mac Pro is actively “in the works,” carrying the internal codename J704. Earlier industry rumors have suggested that this high-end workstation will “debut before the end of 2025.” This anticipated refresh is highly significant, especially considering that the current Mac Pro model “has seen no significant updates since 2023,” making it overdue for a generational leap.
To put this into perspective, the last Intel-based Mac Pro was released in 2019. It was eventually replaced by an Apple Silicon model in 2023. The current iteration of the Mac Pro is equipped with the “relatively powerful M2 Ultra chip.” However, after two years without an update, its performance, while still robust, is starting to lag behind Apple’s latest silicon innovations. Furthermore, the current Mac Pro, despite its power, is “not an ideal option for pro users, given the lack of external GPU support.”
This limitation means users cannot augment its graphics processing power with discrete graphics cards, a common practice in high-end workstations. It is “not immediately clear whether the new Mac Pro will use Apple’s M3 Ultra or M5 Ultra chip,” but a substantial “performance upgrade is expected nonetheless.” Regardless of the specific chip, this update will undoubtedly address some of the current model’s shortcomings and provide a much-needed boost for demanding professional workflows.
Historically, Apple used to release its desktop Macs during the summer months. However, this release pattern “has since changed,” with desktop updates now occurring at various points throughout the year. While the new Mac Pro is anticipated to make its debut in late 2025, an upgrade to another powerful desktop, the Mac Studio, “may not arrive until sometime in 2026.”
We have specifically learned that “two new Mac Studio configurations are in development,” identified by their codenames J775c and J775d. For reference, the current Mac Studio, known internally as J575, offers configurations with either an M4 Max or an M3 Ultra chip. Therefore, it makes logical sense for Apple to provide “two similarly powerful chips for the device’s successor in 2026,” maintaining its position as a highly capable creative workstation. The company is reportedly “experimenting with chips much more powerful than the M3 Ultra,” indicating that the next Mac Studio could feature groundbreaking performance.
The Mac Studio, with its compact design and powerful capabilities, “would be a logical choice for the new chips,” serving as a platform to showcase Apple’s most advanced silicon for creative professionals. Still, the exact specifications and chip choices for these “new-and-improved Mac Studio configurations, which are currently in development,” remain to be definitively seen, adding to the anticipation for their eventual release.
MacBook Air: M5 Upgrade in Early 2026
Following the highly anticipated arrival of the new-and-improved MacBook Pro models in late 2025, Apple’s popular and more consumer-friendly laptop, the MacBook Air, is also set for a refresh. Users can expect the next generation of MacBook Airs to launch in “early 2026.” Much like their professional counterparts, the new MacBook Airs are projected to maintain a familiar aesthetic. They are “expected to maintain the same chassis design as their respective predecessors,” meaning the external appearance will likely remain unchanged from the current M4 models.
Rook Post has learned that these new MacBook Air configurations will bear two distinct “device identifiers: J813 and J815.” This naming convention strongly suggests that Apple will continue to offer the same popular size options that are currently available: a “13-inch and 15-inch models.” This mirroring of identifiers is consistent with Apple’s established pattern, as the existing M4 MacBook Air models are similarly known internally as J713 and J715. This continuity in design and sizing indicates that Apple views the current MacBook Air form factor as successful and well-received by consumers.
While the physical design is expected to remain consistent, the update will primarily focus on internal enhancements, particularly in processing power. The preceding M4 MacBook Air, for instance, received a notable upgrade with a “Center Stage-compatible camera,” a feature carried over from the M4 MacBook Pro, enhancing video conferencing capabilities. The upcoming M5 MacBook Air “may gain similarly minor improvements” beyond the chip update itself.
However, the core of this refresh will likely be a “spec bump,” meaning the main upgrade will be the integration of the more powerful M5 chip, leading to improved performance, efficiency, and potentially new software features enabled by the enhanced silicon. This strategy allows Apple to provide a substantial performance uplift without necessitating a costly and complex redesign of the popular and already highly refined MacBook Air chassis.
Redesigned MacBook Pro: The M6 Era in Late 2026
While Apple’s 2025 MacBook lineup will largely retain its familiar appearance, the year 2026 is poised to bring more significant and visually striking changes, particularly to the high-end MacBook Pro line. This next iteration of professional laptops is expected to introduce a fresh design, marking a notable evolution for the platform.
For some time, industry whispers have “rumored that the MacBook Pro will receive a chassis redesign.” This highly anticipated overhaul is expected to make the device “significantly thinner and lighter,” addressing a common desire among users for more portable yet powerful machines. This redesign would be a fitting celebration for the platform’s milestone, arriving “just in time for the platform’s 20th anniversary.” A sleeker, more portable form factor would undoubtedly enhance the user experience for creative professionals and power users on the go.
Beyond the physical redesign, there’s also strong speculation about a major display upgrade. We’ve also “heard about Apple’s plans for a new OLED display” for the MacBook Pro. This would be a highly “logical choice given that both the iPhone and iPad Pro already use the technology.” OLED displays offer superior contrast, truer blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to traditional LCD panels, providing an unparalleled visual experience for content creation and consumption. This display technology would further solidify the MacBook Pro’s position as a premium device for visual work.
We have been informed that Apple once again plans to offer “four high-end MacBook Pro configurations sometime in 2026.” These models will feature the next generation of Apple Silicon, identified by “device identifiers similar to their respective predecessors.” The leaked codes point to the following configurations:
- K114c — MacBook Pro 14-inch with an M6 Max chip
- K114s — MacBook Pro 14-inch with an M6 Pro chip
- K116c — MacBook Pro 16-inch with an M6 Max chip
- K116s — MacBook Pro 16-inch with an M6 Pro chip
The consistent pattern in these device identifiers of these unreleased Macs “suggests that we will once again see two size options: a 14-inch model and a 16-inch MacBook Pro,” each available with different variants of the advanced M6 chip. The M6 chip itself is rumored to bring another significant enhancement: it “may feature a built-in cellular modem, as was previously rumored.” This integrated modem would eliminate the need for users to rely on their cell phones to tether a data connection when Wi-Fi is unavailable, providing seamless internet access on the go.
Furthermore, a MacBook model with a “built-in cellular modem could also act as its own hotspot,” providing a signal for other nearby devices, further enhancing connectivity and convenience. This comprehensive overhaul in late 2026 promises to deliver a truly next-generation MacBook Pro experience, blending cutting-edge performance with a refined design and enhanced connectivity.
The Mystery Mac: A Potential A18 Pro MacBook?
Beyond the iterative M5-equipped devices and the anticipated redesigned M6 MacBook Pro, our sources at Rook Post were made aware of two additional, intriguing unreleased Mac configurations: J700 and J804. These identifiers represent something of a mystery, hinting at potential new directions for Apple’s Mac lineup.
While the J804 “could be a future Mac Pro or low-end MacBook Pro,” its exact nature remains somewhat ambiguous. However, the J700 is particularly enigmatic. It’s “not entirely clear what the J700 is.” Speculation suggests that it “may or may not be the low-cost A18 Pro MacBook that’s recently been rumored.” This possibility opens up a fascinating discussion about Apple’s strategy for its entry-level laptop offerings.
Apple has a history of offering a more budget-friendly “MacBook” model, separate from the Air and Pro lines. The original “entry-level MacBook was introduced in 2006,” featuring a distinctive white polycarbonate shell. These white MacBooks were popular for their affordability and accessibility, and “were sold until 2012, when the range was discontinued.” Apple later revived the “MacBook” name in 2015, introducing a sleek “12-inch laptop.” This ultra-portable device, known for its single USB-C port, was designed for extreme portability and lightness. However, it “quietly vanished from store shelves only four years later,” in 2019, seemingly unable to carve out a distinct niche between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
Currently, the MacBook Air “has arguably taken the place of the once-iconic base-model MacBook.” It offers a balance of portability, performance, and price, starting at “$999.” While the MacBook Air is highly successful, its price point “isn’t for everyone.” There remains a segment of the market that desires an even more accessible entry point into the macOS ecosystem. This is where the rumored “budget-oriented MacBook, with an A18 chip,” could come into play.
Integrating an A-series chip, typically used in iPhones and iPads, would allow for a significantly lower manufacturing cost. Such a device would also be capable of running “Apple Intelligence,” the company’s new suite of AI features, potentially offering a powerful, AI-capable device at a “relatively low and accessible price point.” This would broadene the appeal of macOS and Apple’s AI capabilities to an even wider audience.
While Apple clearly was “not going to abandon any of these lines,” the existence of these specific product identifiers is groundbreaking. Prior to this leak, there was “little evidence of the upcoming products beyond the usual rumors surrounding the supply chain.” The definitive “existence of these identifiers solidifies the existence of these Macs,” providing concrete proof of their development. Users can now confidently “expect” these new Mac models to arrive “between now and the end of 2026,” promising an exciting and evolving future for Apple’s computer lineup.
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