Apple’s next-generation M5-powered MacBooks appear to be on the horizon, with credible sources suggesting a launch in early 2026 (not late 2025 as initially reported). Before we even get official confirmation of the new laptops, we’ve had what appears to be our first glimpse of the M5 chip’s capabilities, thanks to leaked iPad Pro unboxing videos from Russia.
The Russian Leak: A Familiar Pattern
An unboxing video of what appears to be an unreleased M5 iPad Pro surfaced online in late September 2025 from Russian YouTuber Wylsacom, who has over 10 million subscribers and previously leaked the M4 MacBook Pro in October 2024. The video shows a device that looks nearly identical to the current M4 iPad Pro, but allegedly features the new M5 chip.
Verified Context: Apple does not officially sell products in Russia, making the appearance of these devices particularly puzzling and highlighting the global nature of Apple’s supply chain, which includes manufacturing facilities in Vietnam operated by partners like Foxconn and Luxshare.
Performance Claims Require Verification
The leaked video provides what appear to be Geekbench benchmark results showing:
- 10-15% improvement in single and multi-core CPU performance over the M4
- Approximately 35% improvement in GPU performance
- Specific scores: 4,133 single-core, 15,437 multi-core, and 74,568 GPU
Important Disclaimer: These performance figures come from unverified pre-release hardware and testing. Final retail performance may differ significantly from these leaked benchmarks.
Expected M5 MacBook Features
Based on reports from credible Apple analysts including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo, the M5-powered MacBooks are expected to feature:
Likely Confirmed:
- Similar external design to current models
- TSMC’s N3P 3nm manufacturing process (approximately 5% performance and 5-10% efficiency improvement over M4’s N3E process)
- Three chip variants: M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max
Rumored but Unconfirmed:
- Thunderbolt 5 support (expected for Pro/Max variants)
- Wi-Fi 7 compatibility (sources are mixed on this feature)
- Upgraded FaceTime camera
- Enhanced connectivity options
Timeline Reality Check
Update on Release Schedule: Multiple credible sources now suggest M5 MacBooks have been pushed to early 2026, not late 2025 as initially expected. The M5 iPad Pro, however, may still debut in a potential October 2025 Apple event, though no official announcement has been made.
The Broader M5 Ecosystem
Apple is expected to eventually integrate M5 chips across its product lineup, including:
- MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
- Mac mini and iMac
- Mac Studio and Mac Pro (M5 Ultra variant expected)
- iPad Pro
- Apple Vision Pro (supported by recent FCC filings)
Supply Chain Security Questions
The appearance of unreleased Apple products in Russia—where the company doesn’t officially operate—raises questions about supply chain security. This follows a pattern established with the M4 MacBook Pro leak in 2024, also originating from Russian tech channels.
These leaks likely originate from Apple’s manufacturing partners in Vietnam, where both Foxconn and Luxshare produce Apple devices. The global nature of the tech supply chain makes it increasingly difficult for any company, including Apple, to prevent pre-launch leaks entirely.
What This Means for Consumers
For Current Mac Users: If you’re considering upgrading, the M5 represents what appears to be a meaningful but incremental improvement over M4, particularly for GPU-intensive tasks.
For Potential Buyers: Given the likely early 2026 timeline for M5 MacBooks, current M4 MacBook Pros remain excellent choices for immediate needs.
For Creative Professionals: The reported 35% GPU improvement could be significant for video editing, 3D rendering, and other graphics-intensive workflows, though final performance remains to be confirmed.
The Bottom Line
While the M5 chip development appears genuine based on multiple credible sources and leaked evidence, consumers should approach specific performance claims and feature lists with appropriate skepticism until Apple makes official announcements.
The pattern of Russian YouTube leaks has proven accurate in the past, but the tech industry’s rumor mill often amplifies preliminary information. What’s certain is that Apple continues to push forward with its silicon development, and the M5 generation will likely represent another step in the company’s processor evolution.
Stay tuned for official announcements, during a probable Apple Event in October 2025.
