Details surrounding the general timeline of Apple's 2026 Mac releases have surfaced, thanks to our sources that have knowledge of macOS Tahoe development and hardware testing.
People familiar with the matter have told AppleInsider that a Mac with the identifier J704 is nearing release. Apple has been testing this model with a dedicated hardware-focused variant of macOS Tahoe, version 26.0.2. Other Mac models remain in the works, but they are not expected to launch just yet.
Based on the identifier J704, Apple appears to be gearing up for the debut of the base model M5 MacBook Pro. For reference, the preceding model, with the standard M4 chip, is known as the J604.
Supplies of the current M4 MacBook Pro at Apple retail locations are constrained, suggesting a new model is on the way. The FCC also inadvertently leaked the model number of an unreleased MacBook Pro, further solidifying the likelihood of an M5 MacBook Pro launch in late 2025.
Early 2026, meanwhile, looks as though it will be even more exciting. Thanks to individuals familiar with Apple's plans, who were previously correct about Apple's "26" version branding, we exclusively have a better understanding of what 2026 will bring in terms of new Mac hardware.
M5 MacBook Air — macOS 26.2, early 2026
The M5 MacBook Air, for instance, is on track to debut after the base M5 MacBook Pro. Known as J813 and J815, the laptop will be available in the same 13-inch and 15-inch sizes as the current M4 model, albeit with improved performance.
The M5 MacBook Air is expected to debut in early 2026.
According to our sources, Apple's new-and-improved M5 MacBook Air is expected to ship with macOS 26.2. This is expected in early 2026.
For reference, the M4 MacBook Air was announced in March of 2025. It shipped with macOS 15.3, which was released in January 2025.
The M4 MacBook Air was also tested with macOS 15.2, as Apple accidentally leaked an IPSW file for the then-unreleased device in December 2024.
With that in mind, looking at the information that was provided to us, it's logical that Apple is similarly testing the M5 MacBook Air with macOS 26.2. The device itself, meanwhile, will likely debut in early 2026.
M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro — macOS 26.3, early 2026
After the M5 MacBook Air, we'll see the arrival of Apple's high-end M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro configurations.
The M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro could ship with macOS 26.3.
They will be available in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, much like the current M4-based line. All variants of the J714 and J716 MacBook Pros are expected to ship with macOS 26.3.
For reference, macOS 15.3 became available to the general public in January 2025.
This suggests the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros are set to debut in early 2026, after the release of macOS 26.3. The OS also supports a Mac known as J700, though it's not clear what this is.
The M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro release date should be notably different from the release of the M4-equipped MacBook Pro line, which shipped in November 2024.
At the same time, an early 2026 release for the high-end M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros does align with Apple's prior product launches.
The M2 Pro and M2 Max models of the MacBook Pro, for instance, both launched in January 2023, with macOS 13.2. M3 Pro and M3 Max MacBook Pro variants were released in November of the same year.
Based on the information we were provided, Apple similarly plans to debut redesigned M6 Pro and M6 Max MacBook Pros, after the launch of high-end M5 Pro and M5 Max models.
Known broadly under the identifiers K114 and K116, all M6 Pro and M6 Max MacBook Pro models are expected to feature a thinner chassis and OLED display. Before that, however, updated Mac mini and Mac Studio models could debut with macOS 26.4.
Mac mini and Mac Studio — macOS 26.4, Summer 2026
The unreleased Mac mini, currently in development, has the identifiers J873s and J873g, while the next-generation Mac Studio is known as J775c and J775d.
The 2026 Mac Studio could ship with macOS 26.4.
At the time of writing, macOS 26.4 supports a Mac known as J833ct, which may be an iMac, based on previous identifiers.
These three desktop Macs — a Mac Mini, Mac Studio, and possibly an iMac — will most likely debut after the high-end M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros.
For reference, the M2 Ultra Mac Studio was announced in June 2023, with macOS 13.4, which was released in March of the same year. This means the updated Mac Mini and Mac Studio could debut in the summer of 2026.
macOS 26.4 also contains files related to a Mac with the identifier J804. This is possibly a successor to the J704, which is believed to be the base model M5 MacBook Pro.
Overall, 2026 is gearing up to be an eventful year for Mac users. Before the new year, though, we'll be able to see the M5 iPad Pro and M5 MacBook Pro.
