macOS Tahoe Leak Reveals Apple’s M5 Mac Roadmap Through 2026

New details from the development of macOS Tahoe have surfaced, revealing Apple’s hardware roadmap for late 2025 and 2026. According to a report from AppleInsider, Apple is preparing a wave of M5-powered Macs, starting with a new base model M5 MacBook Pro expected to debut before the end of the year.

M5 MacBook Pro Nears Launch

Sources familiar with Apple’s internal testing say a Mac identified as J704 is nearing release and is currently running macOS Tahoe build 26.0.2, a hardware-specific version of the upcoming operating system. The timing coincides with limited availability of current M4 MacBook Pro models and a recent FCC filing, both pointing to an imminent refresh.

M5 MacBook Air Models Coming Early 2026

Following the Pro, Apple’s next release phase will center on the M5 MacBook Air lineup, internally codenamed J813 and J815. These models are expected to ship with macOS 26.2 in early 2026 and retain the 13-inch and 15-inch form factors of the current generation. The leak supports earlier reports suggesting that M5 Air production has already begun.

High-End M5 MacBook Pros to Follow

Apple is also preparing updated M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros, codenamed J714 and J716, scheduled to launch with macOS 26.3 in early 2026. The same macOS build references another unreleased Mac, J700, which sources speculate could represent a new low-cost MacBook option.

Mac Mini, Mac Studio, and iMac Updates Planned

Further down the roadmap, Apple is developing updated Mac mini (J873s and J873g) and Mac Studio (J775c and J775d) models, as well as what could be a new iMac (J833ct). These are expected to arrive in summer 2026, likely alongside macOS 26.4.

Looking Ahead: The M6 Generation

AppleInsider’s report also mentions that Apple is already testing next-generation M6 Pro and M6 Max MacBook Pros, known internally as K114 and K116. These devices are rumored to feature a slimmer chassis and OLED displays, marking the first major MacBook Pro redesign since 2021. The M6-based models are anticipated for late 2026 or early 2027.

A Gradual Transition Strategy

The roadmap suggests Apple is continuing its pattern of staggered silicon transitions—starting with the MacBook Pro, followed by the Air, and later expanding across the desktop lineup. With macOS Tahoe serving as the backbone for the M5 generation, the company appears set to align hardware and software more tightly than ever heading into 2026.