Apple’s M5 MacBook Pro Ready: iPhone 17 Buzz Shifts to Laptops

Apple is reportedly moving quickly toward its next wave of product launches, shifting attention from the recently released iPhone 17 series to Mac computers powered by its next-generation M5 chip. Sources familiar with the plans indicate that the first M5 MacBook Pro models could reach customers in the coming months.

According to insiders, Apple’s internal codes J714 and J716 correspond to the upcoming MacBook Pro models nearing mass production. Alongside these laptops, refreshed MacBook Air variants, labeled J813 and J815, are also under development. The company is simultaneously working on two new external displays, identified as J427 and J527. Industry analysts expect these products to debut by late 2025 or within the first quarter of 2026, depending on manufacturing timelines.

The M5 processor represents the latest step in Apple’s ongoing transition away from Intel chips. Since 2020, Apple has gradually replaced Intel processors with its own silicon across Mac models, delivering incremental gains in processing speed and energy efficiency. The new M5 chip is anticipated to provide further performance improvements to keep Apple laptops competitive with Windows PCs powered by the latest Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm processors.

Apple’s hardware developments are occurring alongside significant moves in artificial intelligence. Last year, the company launched its Apple Intelligence platform to integrate AI tools across iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Critics, however, noted that the system lacked conversational abilities comparable to chatbots like ChatGPT or Gemini.

This year, Apple is reportedly addressing those limitations with a major update to Siri, codenamed Project Linwood. Expected in March 2026, the updated voice assistant will be capable of web searches, leveraging on-device information, and enabling full device control via voice commands. Apple employees have tested the system through an internal chatbot app called Veritas, though no public release is planned.

Apple’s upcoming product line extends beyond Macs and AI updates. The company is preparing a new entry-level iPhone 17e to create clearer differentiation between budget and standard models. Updated iPad Pro and iPad Air models, along with a refreshed base iPad, are also expected to arrive in 2026.

CEO Tim Cook emphasized the company’s positive outlook in his annual Thanksgiving memo, granting employees a week off while highlighting ongoing innovation. “This is an extraordinary moment for Apple,” Cook wrote, encouraging staff to share in the excitement of the company’s future.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro has faced scrutiny in stores over minor scratches observed on demo units. Apple clarified that these marks were caused by MagSafe charging stands and not by design flaws in the glass. Employees have been instructed to clean display units regularly to prevent misinterpretation of the scratches as defects.