If you’re in the creative, business, or tech world, chances are your ears perk up anytime there’s news about a new MacBook Pro. Whether you’re a film editor, software developer, or event producer, the MacBook Pro has long been a benchmark for powerful, portable performance.
And now, all eyes are on what’s next: the M5 MacBook Pro.
While Apple hasn’t officially announced anything just yet, there’s a lot of chatter (and a few credible leaks) giving us a solid idea of what the next-generation MacBook Pro could look like. Much of this information comes from well-established sources like MacWorld, MacRumors, Tom’s Guide, and others who track Apple’s every move with a microscope.
Here’s what we know – and what we think – about the upcoming model, and how it may shape your decisions on renting or upgrading in the near future.
The central upgrade of the next MacBook Pro is the M5 chip. Apple’s next custom processor built using a refined 3-nanometer process. It’s expected to deliver faster performance, improved energy efficiency, and a boost to AI and machine learning tasks through a more powerful Neural Engine.
In plain English? Expect snappier speed, smoother multitasking, and better battery life, all while enabling new Apple Intelligence features that tap into generative AI and on-device processing. The M5 is likely to come in multiple flavors: standard M5 for baseline performance, M5 Pro, and M5 Max for high-end creative workflows and intensive computing needs.
While Apple hasn’t given an official number yet, estimates suggest a noticeable performance bump over the current M4 lineup.
Rumors suggest Apple will keep the same general design as the current 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros. That means the same sleek chassis, the beloved Mini-LED display with ProMotion, and the familiar set of ports – HDMI, SD card reader, Thunderbolt 4, and MagSafe charging.
No major body redesign is expected this time around. But a few cosmetic upgrades may still be on the table, like a new “Space Black” color option (similar to what Apple introduced with the MacBook Air) and possibly improved display coating for reduced glare.
That said, if you’re waiting for a radical visual refresh or an OLED display, you’ll probably need to hold off until late 2026. That’s when the next-generation MacBook Pros are expected to adopt OLED panels, slimmer designs, and possibly even ditch the notch for good.
Originally, many believed the M5 MacBook Pro would drop in Fall 2025, continuing Apple’s usual cadence of fall hardware releases. But more recent reports suggest the launch may slip into early 2026, as Apple stretches out its silicon release cycle and potentially shifts focus to other product launches.
That’s not necessarily bad news – it gives Apple time to fine-tune the M5 chip for real performance gains and means the existing M4-based models stay top of the line for longer.
For folks considering renting a MacBook Pro later this year or early next, this means the M4 versions are still going to be among the fastest, most efficient machines on the market.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect under the hood:
No word yet on major changes to storage tiers, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see internal SSD options still topping out at 8TB.
Apple will likely stick with the same excellent Mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR displays on the M5 MacBook Pro models, with 120Hz ProMotion, high peak brightness, and fantastic color accuracy. These panels are already top-tier for content creators and editors, so there’s little reason to change (yet).
OLED displays – which would offer better contrast and thinner form factors – are in the works, but not expected until at least 2026.
Because of the M5 chip’s improved efficiency, you can expect a modest increase in battery life – potentially up to multiple hours on the 14-inch model in real-world use, depending on your workload. The 16-inch version will continue to be a battery beast, great for travel or on-the-go editing.
No surprises here: HDMI, SDXC card slot, MagSafe, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a headphone jack will all remain. Apple may introduce Thunderbolt 5 support for faster data transfer and external display support – but this will likely be limited to the Pro and Max configurations.
At eTech Rentals, we’re always ahead of the curve when it comes to keeping our fleet up to date with the latest and greatest tech. But if you’re wondering how this affects your short-term or mid-term rental decisions, here’s what to keep in mind:
There’s no need to wait. The M4 MacBook Pro lineup offers industry-leading performance, battery life, and compatibility. Unless you’re doing cutting-edge AI or machine learning development, it’ll do everything you need – fast.
The M5 MacBook Pro could be worth waiting for if your workflow is super performance-intensive. But the M4 machines are likely to remain best-in-class for most users for quite a while.
Then you’ll want to hold out until late 2026, when Apple is expected to launch an all-new MacBook Pro lineup with an OLED screen, thinner design, and more dramatic changes.
If you’re looking for an incremental upgrade, the M5 MacBook Pro is shaping up to be a solid evolution. Better performance, improved energy efficiency, and new AI capabilities will make it attractive for professionals who demand the most from their machines.
But unless you need those specific improvements, there’s no need to delay a project or hold off on a rental – M4-based MacBook Pros are still among the most powerful laptops on the market, and they’ll continue to deliver elite performance well into 2026.
At eTech Rentals, we’ll have the M5 models available as soon as they’re officially released. But in the meantime, we’re stocked with current-gen machines that can handle anything you throw at them – from post-production to software dev to event execution.
Whether you’re unsure what configuration is right for you, or you’re planning ahead for a project that needs serious computing power, our team is here to help. Let us know what you’re working on, and we’ll guide you to the best solution – no guesswork required.
Stay tuned for updates on the M5 MacBook Pro and other next-gen Apple hardware. We’ll keep you in the loop, so you’re always ready to work smarter, faster, and more creatively.
eTech Rentals has a vast inventory of iPad, iPhones, laptops, ready for same-day delivery in Southern California and same-day shipping nationwide. We also offer TV and audio options, as well as comprehensive internet solutions from hotspots to bonded internet and complex enterprise solutions that can support hundreds of users.
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