MacBook Pro's Future: 2025's M5 Update Might Be Disappointing

The recently announced 2024 MacBook Pro lineup is not even on the market yet, but there is already buzz about the next two generations of the laptop series. Speculation suggests that there likely won’t be any exciting features on the Apple device until 2026.

The Tech enthusiasts that are eagerly awaiting the next big leap in MacBook Pro innovation might need to temper their expectations.

Though Apple's upcoming 2024 MacBook Pro lineup not yet hitting store shelves, industry insiders are already suggesting that significant upgrades won't arrive until 2026. Which leaves the 2025 M5 model potentially stuck in incremental update territory.

According to recent reports and expert analyses; Apple appears to be settling into a more conservative five-year upgrade cycle for major device overhauls. Apple is moving far away from its previous four-year pattern. This shift means users might need to wait until 2026 for truly exciting changes to the MacBook Pro lineup.

Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman, known for his accurate Apple predictions, recently addressed this timeline in his "Power On" newsletter. When asked about waiting for next year's MacBook Pro, Gurman was straightforward: "The MacBook Pro probably won't get another true overhaul until 2026." While this remains speculation, Gurman's track record lends weight to these predictions.

Display Technology: The Waiting Game

One of the most anticipated upgrades - the shift from mini-LED to OLED displays - isn't expected until 2026. Respected industry analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Ross Young both confirm that the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will stick with mini-LED technology through 2025.

Apple has been using essentially the same display technology since 2021, with only minor improvements like increased SDR brightness in the upcoming M4 release.

But the 2025 M5 MacBook Pro isn't likely to be without improvements entirely. The device is expected to feature the new M5 series chip, which should bring performance improvements over its predecessor.

However, these upgrades might follow the pattern we've seen with recent generations; incremental rather than revolutionary changes.

Looking at the current M4 models as an example, improvements include:

Enhanced webcam quality

Thunderbolt 5 support

Optional nano-texture display

Improved performance metrics

The Big Picture: 2026 and Beyond

The real excitement appears to be reserved for 2026, when Apple is expected to introduce:

OLED display technology

Significantly thinner chassis design

M6 chip based on 2nm process

Comprehensive design overhaul

These changes would represent the first major redesign since the current form factor was introduced, marking a significant milestone in the MacBook Pro's evolution.

Should You Wait?

For users considering a MacBook Pro purchase, this timeline presents an interesting dilemma. Those using older machines might find the current or upcoming M4 models a worthwhile upgrade, as waiting for the 2026 model means using aging technology for two more years. However, users with relatively recent MacBooks might want to hold out for the more substantial 2026 update.

The Bottom Line Is

Apple continues to maintain its position as a leader in premium laptop design and performance, but the company's measured approach to major updates suggests a maturing product line. The 2025 M5 MacBook Pro will likely be a solid machine with improved performance, but those hoping for revolutionary changes might need to set their sights on 2026.

This slower pace of innovation might disappoint some Apple enthusiasts. But you should also see that it shows the reality of a market where meaningful improvements become increasingly challenging to achieve over the years.

As we've seen with smartphones and other mature technologies, the era of annual revolutionary changes may be behind us, replaced by more thoughtful, long-term development cycles.