Details surrounding Apple’s 2026 Mac release timeline are beginning to take shape, according to sources familiar with both macOS Tahoe development and internal hardware testing.
People close to the matter told AppleInsider that a new Mac model identified as J704 is nearing release. Apple has been testing this system with a specialized hardware version of macOS Tahoe 26.0.2, indicating that its launch is imminent. While additional Mac models are in development, they’re not expected to be part of this next release wave.
M5 MacBook Pro: The Next Base Model
The identifier J704 points to what’s expected to be the base model M5 MacBook Pro. For comparison, the current M4-based model bears the identifier J604.
Supply chain reports suggest that M4 MacBook Pro inventory at Apple Stores is running low, often a key signal of an upcoming refresh. This is supported by a recent FCC filing that listed an unreleased MacBook Pro model number—likely corresponding to the M5 variant. Taken together, these signs strongly suggest that the M5 MacBook Pro will debut by late 2025.
Early 2026: A Busy Year for Mac Hardware
Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be a major year for Mac releases. Individuals who previously provided accurate information about Apple’s “26” macOS branding say the next wave of Macs will arrive throughout early and mid-2026.
M5 MacBook Air — macOS 26.2, Early 2026
Following the M5 MacBook Pro, Apple plans to introduce the M5 MacBook Air models—identified internally as J813 and J815. These will come in the familiar 13-inch and 15-inch sizes, but with performance upgrades tied to the new M5 chip.
The new Air is expected to ship with macOS 26.2, slated for release in early 2026. For context, the M4 MacBook Air launched in March 2025 with macOS 15.3, after being tested on an earlier 15.2 build that accidentally leaked through an IPSW file. Based on that pattern, the M5 MacBook Air’s early 2026 launch window appears consistent with Apple’s usual timeline.
M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro — macOS 26.3, Early 2026
After the M5 MacBook Air, Apple will roll out its high-end M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models, identified as J714 and J716. These will come in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, maintaining parity with the current M4-based lineup and shipping with macOS 26.3.
The M5 Pro and M5 Max release timing—likely early 2026—closely aligns with Apple’s past cycles. For instance, the M2 Pro and M2 Max MacBook Pros launched in January 2023 with macOS 13.2, while the M3 Pro and M3 Max arrived in November that same year. The M4 generation landed in November 2024, suggesting Apple is reverting to the early-year release pattern for its M5 line.
M6 MacBook Pro and New Designs
Sources also indicated that Apple is already planning a follow-up to the M5 line: the M6 Pro and M6 Max MacBook Pros. Identified as K114 and K116, these are expected to feature a thinner chassis and possibly OLED displays, marking a more significant design shift than recent generations.
Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Possible iMac — macOS 26.4, Summer 2026
Beyond laptops, updated desktop Macs are also in development. The upcoming Mac mini carries identifiers J873s and J873g, while the next Mac Studio models are J775c and J775d. macOS 26.4 also references a mysterious model J833ct, which could correspond to a new iMac.
Given Apple’s history, these devices are expected around summer 2026, aligning with major developer and hardware events. The previous M2 Ultra Mac Studio launched in June 2023 alongside macOS 13.4.
Additionally, macOS 26.4 includes files referencing an unannounced J804 Mac—a possible successor to the J704, suggesting Apple may already be testing early hardware revisions of the M5 MacBook Pro.
The Mac Lineup for 2026
All signs point to a packed 2026 for Mac enthusiasts:
- Late 2025: M5 MacBook Pro (J704)
- Early 2026: M5 MacBook Air (J813, J815), macOS 26.2
- Early 2026: M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros (J714, J716), macOS 26.3
- Summer 2026: Mac mini, Mac Studio, and possibly iMac, macOS 26.4
By mid-2026, Apple’s entire Mac lineup will likely be running macOS 26.x, powered by the fifth-generation Apple Silicon family. And from what’s already in testing, those updates could set the stage for an even bigger hardware overhaul with the M6 generation.
