In a surprising turn of events within the tech industry, Apple is rumored to be postponing the release of its next MacBook Pro models until early 2026, allowing a little breathing room in its product launch schedule.
Renowned Apple leaker Mark Gurman shared insights suggesting that the tech giant, following its usual pattern of releasing new Mac models, may take a break in 2025.
This pattern typically features a new MacBook Air debut in the spring followed by a Pro model in the fall.
However, this upcoming phase seems different.
Gurman hints that the anticipated MacBook Pros equipped with M5 chips will sport the same design as previous models introduced since 2021, which may disappoint fans hoping for a redesign.
Furthermore, the expected upgrade to an OLED display with enhanced contrast and color won’t arrive until 2027, prolonging the wait for a significant visual refresh.
This delay follows Apple’s strategy of launching its M2 MacBook Pro in January 2023 and the M3 models in October of the same year at a cinematic event aptly titled “Scary Fast.”
While it seems the company is in no rush to overhaul its MacBook lineup, it is not hesitating with its iPhone schedule.
In fact, a new iPhone 17e, projected to be priced at $600, could be on the horizon.
This model may introduce the sleek floating Dynamic Island feature, replacing the notch seen in earlier iPhone iterations.
Gurman confirms that the iPhone 17, a direct sequel to the iPhone 16, is still expected to launch in the fall alongside iOS 26.
In addition to the iPhones, Apple Watch updates and potentially a fresh, more comfortable Vision Pro headset are also in the lineup for the coming months.
As Apple continues to ride high on the performance of its M-series chips since transitioning away from Intel in 2020, the company may feel less pressure to reinvent its flagship Macs year after year.
Despite the impressive performance of its latest M4 designs, Apple has been criticized for stagnation in terms of design and innovation, leading many to question the necessity of upgrading current MacBook models, which bear a striking resemblance to previous versions.
In a parallel industry narrative, Intel’s new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, has delivered a sobering message to his employees, acknowledging that the company is struggling to maintain its status in the semiconductor sector.
In an internal communication that was leaked, Tan expressed concern that Intel is no longer among the top ten semiconductor companies, marking a significant decline from its historical dominance.
He mentioned that reversing the company’s fortunes will be a long and challenging process, likening the effort to a marathon rather than a sprint.
To regain its competitive edge, Tan emphasized the need for Intel to streamline operations and cut down on its workforce, leading to the challenging decision to lay off thousands of employees across various divisions.
The fallout from these adjustments has been exacerbated by the rapid growth of AI technologies, with Intel struggling to keep up against competitors like Nvidia, which has seized the lead in the AI training chip market.
The challenges facing Intel are compounded by a notable management shakeup, which saw the dismissal of former CEO Pat Gelsinger amid these turbulent times.
As Apple gears up for another iPhone launch while opting for a slower rollout of its MacBook models, Intel faces an uphill battle to transform its business and regain its place as a leader in the tech space.
With both companies at pivotal junctures, the next few years will be crucial in determining their respective fates in an ever-evolving technology landscape.
image source from：gizmodo
