Rumor has it that Apple is about to refresh its MacBook Pro lineup with new models. In the meantime, it seems that the current MacBook Pro's availability is starting to tighten on Cupertino's online store. Select configurations are now reportedly facing up to a two-month delay for delivery in the United States.
Select MacBook Pro configurations facing delay in shipping in the U.S.
The new M4 Pro-powered MacBook Pro (14 and 16-inch) models are not currently facing a delay. However, estimated delivery dates for configurations of the MacBook Pro sporting an M4 Max chip are... well, somewhat further down. These dates range from February 6 all the way up to February 24, with some estimates for an even later date.
The biggest delay in shipping appears to be for the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the 16-core M4 Mac and 128GB of RAM. This extremely maxed-up configuration would be delivered as late as March 17 (at least that's what the estimated delivery date on Apple's website shows).
Image Credit - MacRumors
Recommended For You
New MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max coming soon (reportedly)
The 14-inch MacBook Pro got the M5 chip upgrade in October. However, we're still currently waiting for MacBook Pro models sporting the M5 Pro chip and the most powerful M5 Max chip.
There are certain hints that indicate that the Cupertino tech giant may be announcing these models quite soon. Actually, it may even be this week. It's also likely that these delayed delivery dates are also a hint that a launch is coming, as Apple's stock is tightening.
What do you think is causing the MacBook Pro shipping delays right now?
Apple is getting ready to launch new MacBook Pro models
40%
RAM and component supply issues
60%
It’s just normal Apple Store fluctuation
0%
I’m not sure, but I’d wait before buying
0%
However, it's important to note that RAM supply constraints could be another reason for the models facing a delay, and not the upcoming new models.
How likely is it for Apple to unveil MacBook Pro models in January? Well, there's a precedent for this. Actually, the Cupertino tech giant unveiled the M2 Pro and M2 Max-powered MacBook Pro models back in January of 2023. So, there's some possibility we may see the M5 Pro and M5 Max powered models very soon.
In the meantime, Apple's new Creator Studio bundle (a bundle with apps for creatives) launches on Wednesday, January 28. The tech giant's usual quarterly earnings call is scheduled for January 29, which is a Thursday.
As for Apple's more down-the-line plans, recent rumors indicate that the first OLED-display-equipped MacBook Pro is ahead of schedule. Rumors are claiming this hugely upgraded model's OLED display may be starting mass production early. It's possible we may see this model towards the end of the year or early next year.
MacBook Pro delays may really be a hint that new models are coming, in my opinion
Whenever Apple Store shipping times start slipping, it usually gets people talking... and for good reason. A two-month wait on some MacBook Pro configs is a bit unusual, especially when only the top-tier versions are affected. To me, this looks like classic Apple behavior: clear out older stock quietly while getting ready to introduce new models behind the scenes.
That said, I'm not fully convinced this guarantees a January launch. RAM supply issues are a real thing, and maxed-out machines always get hit first. Still, with Apple's history of surprise January Mac announcements and the timing lining up with earnings week, it wouldn't be that shocking. If you’re thinking of buying a high-end MacBook Pro right now, I'd probably wait just a little longer – just in case.
Meanwhile, I'm quite excited for the first MacBook Pro with OLED display. The OLED tech would make the screen more immersive, the colors more vivid, and it's overall a huge upgrade, reportedly in the works. But for this one, you'd have to wait around a year, potentially.
Izzy, a tech enthusiast and a key part of the PhoneArena team, specializes in delivering the latest mobile tech news and finding the best tech deals. Her interests extend to cybersecurity, phone design innovations, and camera capabilities. Outside her professional life, Izzy, a literature master's degree holder, enjoys reading, painting, and learning languages. She's also a personal growth advocate, believing in the power of experience and gratitude. Whether it's walking her Chihuahua or singing her heart out, Izzy embraces life with passion and curiosity.
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts:
New accounts created within the last 24 hours may experience restrictions on how frequently they can
post or comment.
These limits are in place as a precaution and will automatically lift.
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: