- “Something Powerful” Teaser: Apple marketing chief Greg Joswiak posted a cryptic video on X (Twitter) teasing a new MacBook Pro. The shadowy clip showed “coming soon” and a laptop silhouette in the shape of a Roman numeral V – a not-so-subtle hint at M5. Joswiak captioned it “Mmmmm… something powerful is coming,” using five M’s to hint at the M5 chip[1]. The teaser strongly suggests an imminent launch of a 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by Apple’s next-gen M5 processor.
- Multiple M5 Devices This Week: According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is poised to announce several M5-powered productsthis week via online updates instead of a stage event[2][3]. Reports say a base-model 14″ MacBook Pro with M5, new iPad Pro models, and even an updated Vision Pro mixed-reality headset are all on deck for mid-October. Gurman and other insiders note that Apple is likely to unveil these devices through press releases on its Newsroom site and short videos, rather than a full keynote presentation[4]ts2.tech.
- Leaked M5 Performance Boost: Early leaks suggest the M5 chip will deliver a moderate jump in performance. A Geekbench 6 result from a leaked iPad Pro unit shows the M5 retains a 9‑core CPU (6 performance cores + 3 efficiency cores) and offers roughly 12% faster multi-core CPU speeds and a 36% faster GPU compared to the current M4 chip[5]. The upcoming iPad Pro models will also get a memory bump to 12 GB RAM (up from 8 GB in current models), and one subtle design tweak – the “iPad Pro” label on the back is being removed[6][7]. Aside from that, no major exterior redesign is expected for the new iPad Pro.
- Vision Pro 2 with M5 Upgrade: Apple’s $3,499 Vision Pro headset is also set for a spec refresh. A new model – informally “Vision Pro 2” – was recently spotted in an FCC filing, confirming an updated device is in the worksts2.tech. Sources say this revision will swap the original M2 chip for a powerful M5, bringing a big performance leap in AR/VR tasksts2.tech. Apple is also addressing comfort issues: the updated headset will include a redesigned “Dual Knit” head strap to better distribute weight (a welcome change after some testers reported neck strain with the first-gen model)ts2.tech. A new Space Black color option is rumored as well, though the external design will otherwise remain similar. The M5-powered Vision Pro is expected to launch by late 2025 alongside these other M5 device announcements.
- M5 Macs Coming in 2026: Beyond this week’s announcements, Apple’s product roadmap for 2025–2026 (revealed through leaks in the upcoming macOS 26 “Tahoe” software) shows the M5 chip proliferating across the Mac lineupts2.tech[8]. After the base 14″ MacBook Pro now, Apple is planning 13″ and 15″ MacBook Air models with M5 chips in early 2026, replacing the current M4-based Airsts2.tech. Then later in 2026, the high-end 14″/16″ MacBook Pros will be upgraded to M5 Pro and M5 Max processorsts2.techts2.tech – though notably, industry analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo say Apple delayed these flagship MacBook Pro updates to 2026 to perfect the M5, opting not to release high-end M5 MacBook Pros in late 2025ts2.tech. This staggered rollout means the M5 generation is initially coming as a spec bump to base models, while bigger changes (like new designs or OLED screens) are being saved for the M6 generation in a couple yearsts2.tech[9].
- More Macs & Upgrades on the Horizon: Apple isn’t stopping with laptops. The macOS Tahoe code leak also references upcoming desktop Macs. A refreshed Mac mini (identifier J873) and Mac Studio (J775) running next-gen Apple Silicon are slated for mid‑2026, likely coinciding with macOS 26.4’s releasets2.tech[10]. There are even hints of a new iMac in development (code-named J833) in that timeframets2.tech[11]. All told, by the end of 2025 and into 2026 Apple will have rolled out M5 across MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro, with the Mac mini/Studio/iMac updates following. As one tech site summarized, Apple’s lineup is shaping up to be a “spec bump” wave of M5 upgrades across Macs and iPads, setting the stage for more dramatic innovations (like OLED displays and perhaps touchscreens on Macs) with the M6 chip in subsequent yearsts2.techts2.tech.
Apple Hints at M5 MacBook Pro Launch
Apple’s surprise teaser this week all but confirms a new M5-powered MacBook Pro is about to drop. On October 14, Apple SVP Greg Joswiak shared a brief video on X (formerly Twitter) with a glowing outline of a MacBook and the words “coming soon.” In the post, Joswiak wrote “Mmmmm… something powerful is coming” – with five letter “M”s, a clear nod to the M5 name[12]. The laptop’s silhouette in the animation cleverly forms a “V” shape, which is the Roman numeral for 5[13]. In short, Apple itself is cheekily signaling that the fifth-generation Apple Silicon chip (M5) will power an upcoming MacBook Pro release.
This teaser aligns with recent reports that a new 14-inch MacBook Pro (base model) is imminent, likely to be the first Mac with the M5 chip. “Apple is set to announce a base-model MacBook Pro with an M5 chip this week,” Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported just days ago[14]. Notably, this won’t be a full redesign – it’s expected to be the same entry-level 14″ MacBook Pro design introduced in 2021/2022, simply upgraded with the next-gen chip. No other major changes are anticipated in this model aside from the processor bump[15]. Apple appears to be saving its bigger MacBook Pro innovations (think OLED screens, touch input, etc.) for down the road, once the M6 chip generation arrives in a couple of years[16].
Supply chain clues add further evidence that this M5 MacBook Pro launch is around the corner. Apple retail stores have reportedly seen tight stock of the current M4-based 14″ MacBook Pro, a typical sign that a replacement is about to land[17]. In fact, a regulatory filing with the FCC recently leaked an unreleased MacBook Pro model number, essentially confirming a new MacBook Pro was in the pipeline[18]. All signs point to Apple readying this base M5 MacBook Pro for release in late 2025 – likely any day now, as Gurman put itts2.tech.
Industry watchers are particularly interested in how big a performance leap the M5 chip will bring. While Apple’s marketing will surely hype it up as “more powerful than ever,” early leaks suggest M5 is an iterative upgrade over the M4. According to a leaked Geekbench 6 benchmark from a pre-release device, the M5 still features a 9-core CPU (with 6 high-performance cores and 3 efficiency cores, same core count as M4)[19]. The CPU cores appear to run a bit faster, yielding roughly a 12–15% multi-core performance boost over M4 in that test[20][21]. The graphics improvement is more noticeable – the M5’s integrated GPU scored about 36% higher than the M4’s, a sizable jump likely due to architectural tweaks or higher GPU core count[22]. These leaked numbers line up with what insiders expected: a healthy spec bump, but not a revolutionary jump. In other words, the M5 won’t reinvent the MacBook Pro, but it will make the 2025 model incrementally faster and more future-proof than the 2024 models.
New iPad Pro with M5 Chip and 12GB RAM
The MacBook Pro isn’t the only device getting the M5 treatment. Apple’s high-end tablet, the iPad Pro, is also due for an upgrade – and leaks indicate it will share the same M5 chip. In fact, unboxing videos leaked out of Russia have already spoiled the surprise[23]. Those videos, which surfaced ahead of the official announcement, show the purported 2025 iPad Pro booting up and revealing its specs. Key details confirmed by the leak include the presence of the “Apple M5” chip and an increase to 12 GB of base RAM (up from 8 GB in the current M4 iPad Pro)[24]. The new models will come in the same 11-inch and 13-inch sizes and, as expected, run iPadOS 26 out of the box.
Interestingly, the leaked iPad Pro units do not feature the words “iPad Pro” on the back anymore[25]. Apple appears to have removed the model name from the rear casing, leaving just the Apple logo – a subtle design change, perhaps to simplify the branding (much like iPhones don’t have “iPhone” printed on them). Aside from that omission, externally these iPad Pros look virtually identical to the current models. Despite some early rumors of bigger design changes – like a possible dual front-camera system for better landscape FaceTime calls – no such changes were evident in the unboxing videos[26]. It seems Apple is keeping the hardware design static this generation and focusing on the internal upgrade.
That internal upgrade, of course, is the M5 chip. With the iPad Pro’s jump to M5, the tablet is essentially getting a laptop-class processor a year after Apple’s Macs get it. The leaked Geekbench benchmarks give a taste of what that means: the M5-powered iPad Pro achieved about 10–12% higher multi-core scores than the M4 version, and a significantly higher graphics score[27]. In practical terms, the M5 iPad Pro will be a bit snappier for multitasking and should excel at GPU-intensive workflows – think professional photo/video editing, 3D design apps, or high-end mobile games. Apple’s forthcoming software (like iPadOS 26) will likely introduce new features that leverage that extra horsepower, possibly in areas like augmented reality or machine learning, where the Neural Engine improvements in M5 could come into playts2.techts2.tech.
Consumers who just bought the 2024 iPad Pro might not notice a world of difference, but the M5 chip ensures the 2025/26 iPad Pros stay on the bleeding edge. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman notes Apple has settled into roughly an 18-month upgrade cycle for the iPad Pro[28]. The last M4 iPad Pro launched in May 2024, and now an M5 version is arriving in October 2025 – about 17 months later, which fits that patternts2.tech. Going forward, we can likely expect the M6 iPad Pro around 2027 if Apple keeps this cadence. For now, though, the spotlight is on the imminent M5 iPad Pro, which should be formally announced any day alongside the new MacBook Pro.
Vision Pro Headset to Get M5 Chip Upgrade
Even Apple’s ultra-premium Vision Pro mixed reality headset is due for a silicon refresh sooner than many expected. The first-gen Vision Pro, which was announced in mid-2023 and only started shipping in limited quantities in 2024, runs on Apple’s M2 chip. By late 2025, that chip will be two generations old, and Apple is preparing to leapfrog straight to M5 for the next iteration of the headsetts2.techts2.tech.
Developers and eagle-eyed tech bloggers actually found clues in Apple’s code a while back: back in August, a snippet in Apple’s firmware explicitly referenced a Vision Pro with an M5 processorts2.tech. This quashed earlier speculation that an intermediate “M4” chip might be used – Apple is indeed going for the latest and greatest M-series in its $3,499 headset. Now, concrete evidence has emerged in the form of an FCC filing for a new Apple “Head Mounted Device” (model A3416), made public at the end of Septemberts2.techts2.tech. The filing included basic schematics that match the current Vision Pro’s design, indicating the external hardware will remain largely unchanged. However, the paperwork confirms that the device has passed wireless testing, and it mentions support for Wi-Fi 6 (not newer Wi-Fi 6E/7) – the same as the 2024 modelts2.techts2.tech. In short, the next Vision Pro is essentially a spec-bump upgrade, not a whole new form factor.
The spec bump, nonetheless, is significant. Upgrading from an M2 to an M5 chip represents skipping a generation, which should yield a major performance jump for the Vision Pro. Tasks like rendering complex 3D environments, real-time hand and eye tracking, and running multiple high-res displays will all benefit. As one report put it, “M5 could be the step up needed to make Apple Vision Pro a true VR gaming platform,” given that the M2 sometimes struggled with the most demanding VR appsts2.tech. Additionally, Apple is rumored to include a new co-processor – possibly an updated R2 chip – to handle the headset’s sensor input and multimedia processing[29]. (The first-gen Vision Pro uses an Apple “R1” chip alongside the M2 for these tasks.) However, one report notes that a next-gen R2, built on a cutting-edge 2nm process, might not be ready until 2026[30], so it’s uncertain if the imminent model will feature it.
Apple appears to be labeling this upcoming model internally as just a refreshed Vision Pro, not a full “Vision Pro 2” with a big launch. Insiders say it’s a stopgap update to keep the product fresh until a true second generation several years outts2.techts2.tech. Notably, Apple has also reportedly halted development of a lower-cost “Vision Air” headset that was planned for 2027, shifting focus to even more futuristic AR glasses insteadts2.tech. So for now, the strategy is to incrementally improve the flagship Vision Pro. Besides the M5 chip, the only other changes we expect in this 2025 revision are related to comfort and aesthetics. Apple is said to be introducing a new headband design – dubbed the Dual Knit Head Strap – which will better distribute the device’s weight and alleviate pressure on the user’s headts2.tech[31]. Early testers of Vision Pro often commented on fatigue from the weight, so this is a welcome tweak. Additionally, Apple may offer a “Space Black” color option for the headset’s outer enclosurets2.tech, giving it a sleek dark look (the current model is only available in a silver/gray finish). These updates suggest Apple is listening to feedback and refining the device, even as it readies the more powerful M5-driven experience.
We could see Apple announce the updated Vision Pro any moment now, alongside the M5 MacBook and iPad Pro. Gurman’s sources say the headset refresh is on the same timetable as the other product updates this week[32]. If so, Apple’s “spatial computing” platform will get a boost heading into 2026, which might help attract more developers to build apps for visionOS knowing a faster chip and wider rollout are coming.
No October Event – Apple Opts for Quiet Launch
One striking aspect of this fall’s product reveal is the absence of a flashy Apple event. In many past years, Apple hosted October keynotes to unveil new Macs or iPads. But this time, all signs indicate there will be no live event or polished stage presentation. Instead, Apple is expected to roll out the new MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro updates via press releases and brief online videos[33]ts2.tech. The company has used this quieter announcement approach before for spec-bump updates or minor product refreshes, and it appears the M5 launch will follow that script.
Why no event? According to Mark Gurman, Apple likely determined that these updates, while important, aren’t dramatic enough to warrant a full keynote with big fanfarets2.tech. We’re essentially looking at upgraded internals (new chips, more RAM) but no radical new designs or features to demo on stage. Apple can easily convey the necessary information in a press release: new MacBook Pro with M5 – faster performance, same design; new iPad Pro with M5 – faster performance, same design; etc. By contrast, Apple’s September keynote for iPhones and Watches introduced new features (like periscope zoom cameras or Ultra Wideband improvements) that benefit from live demos and explanations. The October Mac/iPad updates are more incremental.
Another practical factor is timing. This year, October 14 fell on a Tuesday after a holiday weekend (in the U.S., Monday was Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day). Apple traditionally prefers Tuesday or Wednesday announcements. Gurman speculated that Apple could drop the news on Tuesday, Oct. 14 or Wednesday, Oct. 15, right after the long weekend[34][35]. Indeed, Apple’s teaser from Joswiak on Monday the 14th suggests a coordinated drip of info leading into an official release. By not organizing a big event, Apple also keeps flexibility – it can announce via Newsroom at any moment once final logistics (like FCC approvals or supply stockpiles) are set.
From a marketing standpoint, Apple likely knows that a new M5 chip in Macs and iPads will generate plenty of press on its own, even without an event. Tech media and enthusiasts have been abuzz over these rumors for weeks. Leaks from insiders, code findings, and even Apple’s own teaser have built up hype. When Apple’s Newsroom press releases hit, they’ll immediately be amplified by news sites and social media. In fact, Apple may prefer this earned media buzz to a formal streamed event – it spreads out the news and keeps Apple in headlines over multiple days. We’ve already seen expert commentary and analysis pieces priming the public on what to expect (like Gurman’s newsletter rundown, or detailed reports on the Mac roadmap from sites like AppleInsider[36][37]). By the time Apple makes it official, much of the story is already written in the press – ensuring consumers know an M5 “spec bump” wave is here, even without Tim Cook standing on a stage.
2026 Outlook: More M5 Macs (and M6 on the Horizon)
Apple’s own software leaks have given an unusually clear peek at the next year of Mac releases. References uncovered in macOS 14.1 “Tahoe” (internally version 26.x) detail several Mac models and when they are expected to ship, effectively mapping out Apple’s Mac roadmap through 2026[38][39]. Here’s what we know:
- M5 MacBook Air (Early 2026): Codenames J813 and J815 refer to the next 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models, which sources say will launch with M5 chips in early 2026ts2.tech. The current M4 MacBook Air was released in March 2025, so its successor looks set for roughly a one-year cadence. AppleInsider reports these new Airs are being tested with macOS 26.2, lining up with a release in the first quarter of 2026[40][41]. No big design overhaul is expected for the M5 Air – just the usual generational spec improvements (faster chip, possibly a new color option or so). This launch timing also suggests that late 2025 will indeed be quiet for Mac laptops after the base M5 Pro; Apple is essentially punting the MacBook Air update to the new year.
- High-End MacBook Pros (Early/Mid 2026): For power users waiting on 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with more muscle, Apple is reportedly holding those until 2026. The identifiers J714 and J716 in the code correspond to updated MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips[42]. These are the successors to the 14″/16″ MacBook Pro M4 Pro/Max models that launched in late 2024. Multiple sources concur that Apple is targeting an early 2026 release (likely around spring) for these high-end notebooksts2.tech[43], which would ship with macOS 26.3. Importantly, this represents a shift in Apple’s schedule – instead of upgrading the 14/16″ Pros in late 2025 (~1 year later), they’re being pushed a few extra months. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has pointed out that Apple chose to delay the M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pros in order to perfect the M5 chip yields and performancets2.tech, rather than rushing them out. By spacing the launches, Apple can focus on the base M5 this year and ensure the more complex multi-die Pro/Max chips are solid by 2026.
- New iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio (Mid/Late 2026): Desktop Macs will get love too. In the macOS code, a device labeled J833 appears, which is believed to be a new iMac in developmentts2.tech[44]. There are also J873 and J775 identifiers, matching an upcoming Mac mini and Mac Studio respectively[45]. These machines are associated with macOS 26.4, suggesting a release around mid to late 2026 (macOS 26.4 would likely arrive by summer). For context, the last Mac Studio (M2 Ultra) came out in mid-2024, so a mid-2026 refresh with an “M5 Ultra” or similar would fit a two-year upgrade cycle. Likewise, the Mac mini with M4 (if one launches in late 2024 or 2025) would see an M5 update by 2026. Apple’s desktop strategy with Apple Silicon has been to roll upgrades more slowly than for its portables, given desktops don’t sell in iPhone-like volumes. But by 2026, we should see the M5 generation complete its sweep through the iMac/mini/Studio lineupts2.tech.
Beyond 2026, Apple’s roadmap hints at bigger things – literally and figuratively. The code references a mysterious “J804” Mac which appears to be a successor to the M5 MacBook Pro (J704)[46]. This could be an early placeholder for a future M6 MacBook Pro or a variant thereof. In fact, AppleInsider’s sources claim Apple is already planning redesigned MacBook Pros for the M6 generation (codenames K114/K116) featuring thinner chassis, OLED displays, and possibly touchscreens for the first time on a Mac laptop[47]. Those would arrive after the M5 Pro/Max models, likely in 2027. It’s a reminder that while 2025–26 will be about iterative upgrades – new chips, minor refinements – the company’s engineers are constantly working a generation or two ahead.
For now, though, consumers can look forward to Apple’s imminent M5 device announcements. This week’s teaser and leaks have set the stage for a modest “M5 chip revolution” across Apple’s premium productsts2.techts2.tech. As one tech outlet put it, Apple’s late 2025 lineup is shaping up as a “spec bump” wave of M5 upgrades across Macs and iPadsts2.tech. It’s an iterative step – but an important one to keep Apple’s hardware leading in performance. By rolling out M5 now, Apple ensures its flagship MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro remain competitive and future-ready going into 2026. And with the leaks painting a consistent picture, even the surprises are, well, not so surprising – Apple’s own code and the industry’s top insiders have pulled back the curtain. All that’s left is for Apple to officially unveil the goods, so the tech world can finally take that long-awaited bite of “Mmmmm… something powerful.”
Sources: Tech news outlets and analysts including The Verge, MacRumors, AppleInsider, Engadget, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman (Power On), and TS2.tech, as well as industry experts like Ming-Chi Kuo. Key information and quotes have been drawn from their reports[48][49]ts2.tech, with additional details confirmed via Apple’s regulatory filings and software leaksts2.tech[50]. These sources collectively corroborate Apple’s M5 product launch timeline and the expected specs of the upcoming devices, providing a comprehensive picture of what to expect.
References
1. www.macrumors.com, 2. www.macrumors.com, 3. www.macrumors.com, 4. www.macrumors.com, 5. www.macrumors.com, 6. www.macrumors.com, 7. www.macrumors.com, 8. appleinsider.com, 9. appleinsider.com, 10. appleinsider.com, 11. appleinsider.com, 12. www.macrumors.com, 13. www.macrumors.com, 14. www.theverge.com, 15. www.macrumors.com, 16. appleinsider.com, 17. appleinsider.com, 18. appleinsider.com, 19. www.macrumors.com, 20. x.com, 21. www.macrumors.com, 22. www.macrumors.com, 23. www.macrumors.com, 24. www.macrumors.com, 25. www.macrumors.com, 26. www.macrumors.com, 27. www.macrumors.com, 28. www.theverge.com, 29. www.macrumors.com, 30. www.macrumors.com, 31. www.macrumors.com, 32. www.theverge.com, 33. www.macrumors.com, 34. ground.news, 35. ground.news, 36. www.macrumors.com, 37. appleinsider.com, 38. appleinsider.com, 39. appleinsider.com, 40. appleinsider.com, 41. appleinsider.com, 42. appleinsider.com, 43. appleinsider.com, 44. appleinsider.com, 45. appleinsider.com, 46. appleinsider.com, 47. appleinsider.com, 48. www.theverge.com, 49. www.macrumors.com, 50. appleinsider.com
