Tag: M5 MacBook Pro

  • Google Chrome Updates Ending for Some Macs This July

    Google Chrome Updates Ending for Some Macs This July

    Key Takeaways

    1. Chrome version 150 will be the last version compatible with macOS 12 Monterey for Macs made before 2018.
    2. Users with Intel Macs launched before 2017 must upgrade to a new Mac or switch to another browser for updates.
    3. Firefox can run on macOS 10.15 Catalina, while Brave and Opera will support macOS 12 Monterey longer.
    4. All Apple Silicon Macs are currently supported by macOS 13 Ventura.
    5. New Apple Silicon Macs, like the M5 MacBook Pro, are available for purchase, starting around $1,449.


    Folks using Google Chrome on Macs made before 2018 are about to face a bit of a tough situation. A new update from Google’s support page for Chrome has revealed that Chrome version 150 will be the final version to work with macOS 12 Monterey.

    Options for Older Mac Users

    With macOS 13 Ventura not being compatible with Macs launched before 2017, users with older devices will need to either fork out cash for a new Mac or start using another web browser if they want to access the latest features and security updates. The Intel Macs that are officially supported by macOS Ventura include:

    It’s important to mention that all Apple Silicon Macs are supported at this moment. If users want to keep using their outdated Intel Macs, they might consider Firefox, as it can run on macOS 10.15 Catalina. Other browsers like Brave and Opera will still support macOS 12 Monterey for a while longer.

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  • Apple Employee Gaslights Redditor Over $2,000 MacBook Pro Issues

    Apple Employee Gaslights Redditor Over $2,000 MacBook Pro Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new M5 MacBook Pro has received positive reviews for performance, efficiency, and battery life, but some users report issues.
    2. A first-time buyer experienced creaking noises from the hinge and palm rest after 15 days of use, raising concerns about quality.
    3. Apple store staff dismissed the user’s complaints, claiming the noises were normal and not a reason for replacement.
    4. Previous MacBook models have had similar hinge issues, often resolved by tightening screws, indicating a recurring problem.
    5. Users suggest that being assertive and escalating concerns may lead to a replacement for persistent issues with the MacBook Pro.


    Apple just launched its new M5 MacBook Pro a few weeks ago, earning a lot of positive reviews for enhanced performance, efficiency, and longer battery life. Nevertheless, a Reddit user’s first experience with the M5 MacBook Pro has not been completely satisfactory.

    User Experience with M5 MacBook Pro

    The Reddit user, known as noss616, hails from Australia and is a first-time MacBook buyer. He spent $2,000 on a fully equipped 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro. After using it for 15 days, he began to hear creaking noises coming from the hinge and palm rest areas. These sounds occurred whenever he opened or closed the laptop, or even when he pressed down on the chassis.

    Noss616 filmed a video showcasing the issue with his MacBook. He also has an AppleCare+ subscription, which led him to visit two different Apple stores. Unfortunately, staff at both locations brushed off his concerns, claiming they couldn’t detect any creaking sounds.

    Apple’s Response to the Complaint

    Even after a thorough examination, the store employees maintained that everything was fine. During his second visit, he felt that the Apple staff were “gaslighting” him, as one employee explained that the noise was merely from the “metal-on-metal body” of the MacBook and insisted it was completely normal.

    The same employee added, “We’re not going to replace it because we don’t want to create a precedent. If we replace it and the new one makes the same noise, it just continues the cycle of exchanges.”

    Under the Reddit thread, a former Genius Bar Technician explained that the creaking noise was merely a cosmetic issue and wouldn’t be covered by the warranty. Another Reddit user mentioned that they managed to get an M4 replacement immediately after pushing store management over a similar problem.

    Ongoing Issues with MacBooks

    This issue does not seem to be unique; previous models of MacBooks have had similar hinge creaking problems that were often fixed by tightening the screws around the mechanism.

    Such problems are particularly frustrating, especially after spending nearly $2,000 on a brand-new M5 MacBook along with an ongoing AppleCare+ subscription. Whether this slight creaking justifies a full replacement is a matter of personal judgment, but for a company that prides itself on craftsmanship and engineering, it serves as a reminder that Apple can also face quality-control troubles, even if they often overlook minor cosmetic issues.

    Many users commented on the Reddit post, suggesting that if noss616 continues to be assertive with Apple and escalates his concerns to higher management, he may eventually receive a replacement M5 MacBook Pro from the tech company based in Cupertino.

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  • Apple M5 Mac Lineup Leaked: Timeline, Models, and Specs Revealed

    Apple M5 Mac Lineup Leaked: Timeline, Models, and Specs Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. M5 MacBook Pro Launch: The first M5 MacBook Pro is expected to debut before October 2025, maintaining the same design as the M4 but featuring a significantly upgraded M5 chip for better GPU performance.

    2. MacBook Air Models: Two M5 MacBook Air models (13-inch and 15-inch) are anticipated to launch in early 2026, featuring a new 3 nm M5 SoC for improved CPU performance and energy efficiency, along with a potential price increase.

    3. Premium M5 Pro and M5 Max: Higher-end M5 Pro and M5 Max models are set for a spring 2026 release, promising enhanced gaming performance through advanced GPU capabilities without external design changes.

    4. Desktop Model Updates: M5 desktop models, including the Mac mini, Mac Studio, and iMac, are expected in mid-2026, aligning with Apple’s silicon upgrade schedule while focusing on performance improvements rather than visual redesigns.

    5. Future Prototypes: Early indications suggest that M6-series prototypes are already being tested, hinting at ongoing advancements in Apple’s chip technology beyond the M5 series.


    Apple might have unintentionally disclosed its entire upcoming Mac lineup in the latest macOS Tahoe 26. Code details found by AppleInsider indicate every forthcoming M5-equipped device, starting with a base 14-inch MacBook Pro anticipated to launch later this month. Additionally, there are updates on the MacBook Air, iMac, Mac mini, and Studio models expected to debut through 2026. Notably, the findings also highlight the introduction of new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, as well as some early indications of M6-series prototypes already being tested.

    First M5 MacBook Pro on the Horizon

    AppleInsider reports that internal codes included in macOS Tahoe 26.0.2 verify the M5 MacBook Pro (J704) is indeed in the works. This model is likely to be the first Mac to feature the M5 chip, aiming for a launch before October 2025. It’s set to succeed the existing M4 MacBook Pro while keeping the same chassis, mini-LED display, and port configuration.

    The main upgrade here is the new M5 chip, which, according to preliminary benchmarks from the iPad Pro, seems to offer a notable boost in GPU performance over the M4. Design-wise, no significant changes are anticipated, indicating that this refresh will be more focused on enhancing graphics performance.

    Upcoming MacBook Air Models

    The M5 MacBook Air is expected to make its debut in early 2026, coinciding with the launch of macOS 26.2. Code references reveal two models: the 13-inch (J813) and the 15-inch (J815) versions.

    Design-wise, Apple is likely to maintain the sleek aluminum chassis, MagSafe 3 charging port, and Liquid Retina display. The significant update will be the transition to the M5 SoC, manufactured with an improved 3 nm process, which should offer slight CPU enhancements and better energy efficiency. Battery life might see minor upgrades due to this new chip. Furthermore, the M5 MacBook Air could see a small price hike compared to the M4 MacBook Air that started at $999. To keep the entry price low for the MacBook series, there are rumors of a new model powered by a Pro SoC similar to that used in iPhones.

    Higher-End Models and Gaming Performance

    The premium M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro variants, known internally as J714 and J716, are slated for a spring 2026 release alongside macOS 26.3. These chips are expected to use TSMC’s SoIC-MH packaging tech, allowing Apple to separate CPU and GPU units, which could lead to more flexible scaling and possibly higher GPU core counts. With the performance of the M4 chip already evident in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, an upgraded GPU could significantly enhance gaming experiences on Macs, especially as the game library expands.

    While these changes might lead to impressive graphics performance, don’t expect any external design modifications this time. An OLED MacBook Pro featuring a touch panel is rumored to be released later in 2026, according to a reliable industry insider.

    Desktop Models and Future Releases

    M5 desktop models are anticipated to follow in mid-2026, probably during WWDC 2026 when Apple announces macOS 26.4. The leaked identifiers include the M5 Mac mini (J873s / J873g), M5 Mac Studio (J775c / J775d), and M5 iMac (J833ct).

    These desktop variants are expected to align with Apple’s standard silicon upgrade schedule, incorporating M5, M5 Pro, or M5 Max chips to enhance efficiency and performance while maintaining the current design aesthetic. While no substantial visual changes are expected, the updated SoC may enable better thermal management and consistent performance during heavy workloads.

    Based on this leaked information, if you can wait a little longer, it might be wise to hold out for the base M5 MacBook Pro arriving later this October. It could either provide better value for the same price or drive down the costs of the existing M4 models.

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  • Configurable M5 Pro and Max: MacBook Pro, Mac Studio, Mac mini

    Configurable M5 Pro and Max: MacBook Pro, Mac Studio, Mac mini

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple is expected to announce M5 series MacBook Pro and iPad Pro models soon, likely this month.
    2. The M5 Pro and M5 Max models will feature a new design with separate CPU and GPU sections for more customization.
    3. Customers may have the option to mix and match configurations for M5 Pro and Max devices.
    4. M5 Pro and Max devices may be delayed until 2026, while M5-powered MacBook Pro and iPad Pro are set for a timely release.
    5. Recent developments include an unboxing of an M5-powered iPad Pro and certification of the M5 MacBook Pro by the US FCC.


    Apple is likely to reveal its M5 series MacBook Pro and iPad Pro models shortly. There are numerous signs that the announcement may take place this month, although the new devices are anticipated to feature only minor updates. While this appears true for the M5 powered gadgets, the M5 Pro and M5 Max models are reportedly set to introduce a more intriguing change that will provide customers with broader configuration options.

    New Design Features

    Vadim Yuryev, from the Max Tech YouTube channel (shared via X), mentions that the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips will sport a fresh design, featuring distinct CPU and GPU sections. This isn’t entirely new, as it was initially speculated for the M5 Pro, Max, and Ultra chips back in December of the previous year. This pertains to TSMC’s SoIC-MH design, which means Small Outline Integrated Circuit Molding-Horizontal.

    Direction for Future Models

    Yuryev’s post reinforces that Apple is moving in this direction for its upcoming MacBook Pro, Mac Studio, and Mac mini models. It’s quite fascinating because this change will enable more customizable devices regarding core counts. Customers will probably have the option to mix and match their M5 Pro and Max devices, such as using a base M5 CPU core count along with a fully-equipped GPU.

    Release Timeline Updates

    Yuryev also mentions that this is why the M5 Pro and Max devices are reportedly being delayed until 2026. In contrast, the M5 powered MacBook Pro and iPad Pro are not expected to undergo similar delays and should be announced soon, possibly this month (October). Recently, an M5-powered iPad Pro was unboxed, and the M5-powered MacBook Pro received certification from the US FCC, while some versions of the M4 iPad Pro have already sold out.

    Vadim Yuryev’s insights on X.

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