M5 Pro, M5 Max Chips Leaked in iOS 26.3 Beta

It looks like Apple is moving faster than many expected with its next generation of silicon. Recent findings within the latest software beta cycles suggest that the M5 chip era is just around the corner (via MacRumors).

The discovery comes from code found in the iOS 26.3 and macOS 26.3 betas. Developers have spotted identifiers that almost certainly point to the M5 Pro and M5 Max processors, destined to power the next high-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.

In previous years, Apple has used these software updates to lay the groundwork for upcoming hardware. Seeing these chip identifiers now suggests that the hardware is already being tested internally and is ready for public release. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has also noted that these new models, code-named J714 and J716, are tied specifically to the macOS 26.3 release window.

The M5 is expected to bring a shift in how Apple builds its chips. Reports indicate Apple might use a new “SoIC-MH” process. This technology allows the company to stack different parts of the processor more efficiently. In plain English, this means better heat management and the ability to squeeze even more performance out of the CPU and GPU without making the laptop thicker.

Early estimates suggest the M5 Pro and M5 Max could offer a 15% to 25% boost in performance over the M4. For creators who deal with heavy video editing or complex coding, that extra headroom is always welcome. There is also talk of improved AI capabilities to help power the next wave of Apple Intelligence features.

Apple released the base M5 chip in a 14-inch MacBook Pro last October, but the Pro and Max versions were noticeably absent. Now that the software is ready, we expect an announcement via a press release on the Apple Newsroom site very soon.