Apple M5 Macs and New Studio Displays Expected Q1 2026

Apple M5 Macs and New Studio Displays Expected Q1 2026

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Apple is preparing another wave of product updates beyond the iPhone 17 launches: a refreshed Mac lineup powered by the M5 silicon and a pair of new external displays that could arrive between late 2025 and early 2026.

What to expect from the M5 MacBook refresh

According to Bloomberg's "Power On" newsletter from Mark Gurman, Apple has begun ramping up mass production for several Mac models that will adopt the next-generation M5 chip. The refresh is broadly slated for the end of 2025 through the first quarter of 2026, moving on from earlier timelines that placed some M5 MacBook Pro models in the first half of 2026.

Apple is reportedly working on two MacBook Pro models under the codenames J714 and J716. These are expected to maintain the current 14-inch and 16-inch sizes without a full redesign, but will benefit from the M5's performance and efficiency improvements. Fans searching for more dramatic changes—such as OLED panels—may have to wait for the rumored M6 generation.

At the same time, updated MacBook Air models (codenames J813 and J815) are also said to be entering production. Like the Pro refresh, the Air updates seem focused on the chipset swap to M5 rather than a major external redesign, delivering incremental speed and battery gains rather than a new look.

Monitor plans: next-gen Studio Display and a larger sibling

Gurman also notes two monitor projects, codenamed J427 and J527, which are being grouped with the MacBook releases. Past rumors suggest J427 could be a successor to the Studio Display, though specifics remain unconfirmed.

Leaked speculation around these monitors mentions a shift from traditional LED backlighting to Mini‑LED for improved contrast, with some claims even pointing to higher resolutions—potentially 6K or 7K—and a larger option that could expand from 27 inches to around 32 inches. Other expected upgrades include ProMotion support and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, but details are mixed and may split across the two codenames.

Because monitor rumors frequently change, it's possible one model will target professional creators with higher resolution and advanced features, while the other serves as a more mainstream Studio Display alternative.

Conclusion

In short, Apple appears poised to roll out a series of M5-powered MacBook Air and Pro updates alongside two new monitors in late 2025 or early 2026. Most changes will likely center on the new M5 chip's performance rather than dramatic design overhauls, while monitor upgrades could deliver better backlighting, bigger sizes, and higher resolutions for creative professionals. Keep an eye on official announcements as production ramps up and more details leak.

Source: appleinsider

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