Apple sets October 28 date for lighter MacBook Pro with existing M5 chips
The upcoming redesign promises touch controls and a thinner body, but reports indicate it will skip new processors and potentially raise the starting price to $2,999.
By Enzo Conti ·
Consumers who buy a new MacBook Pro next week will get a lighter laptop with a touch screen, but they will not get a faster processor. Apple is scheduled to unveil the redesigned device on October 28 at an event titled "Pro and tell." The update focuses on physical changes rather than processing speed.
The current MacBook Pro line uses M5 Pro and M5 Max chips that launched nearly eight months ago. According to reporting cited by 9to5Mac, the new model will retain these same chips. This means the new machine will match the performance of the models already available for sale. For buyers who prioritize raw speed, the hardware upgrade is effectively zero.
The lack of a chip upgrade stems from a shift in Apple’s production schedule. The company is reportedly skipping the M6 Pro and M6 Max processors entirely. Instead, it is fast-tracking M7 Pro and M7 Max chips for release in 2027. The October launch falls into the gap between these two generations.
The physical design of the laptop is changing in several ways. The new body is described as significantly lighter and slightly thinner than the current version. The display is expected to use OLED technology and support touch input. The notch at the top of the screen is said to be replaced by a Dynamic Island. A C2 cellular modem is also rumored as a possible addition, though this feature is less certain.
Pricing for the new model has not been confirmed. Apple’s laptops are already expensive, and the redesign may carry a premium. Reports suggest the starting price could rise to around $2,999. This would mean customers pay more for a machine that is no faster than the previous version. Analysts note that keeping prices the same is unlikely given the current memory crisis in the industry.
Apple has not confirmed the specific details of the redesign or the chip lineup. The company will present the device on October 28. The event will determine if the rumored touch controls and OLED screen are real. It will also show how Apple markets a laptop that relies on existing silicon to professional users who have been waiting for a performance boost.
The marketing strategy for the new model faces a specific challenge. Many professional users delayed purchases of the M5 Pro and M5 Max models earlier this year. They may be waiting for a speed increase. The company must convince them that the design changes alone are a sufficient reason to upgrade. The October 28 event will provide the first concrete look at these new features.
Source: 9to5Mac
