Shipping delays for high-end MacBook Pro configurations suggest Apple may be preparing to release updated models sooner than expected. MacRumors reported that delivery times for certain M4 Max versions of both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros have slipped into mid-to-late February, a potential indicator that Apple is reducing production of current models in anticipation of a refresh.

The delays specifically affect the M4 Max configurations of the high-end MacBook Pro, with orders placed today estimated to arrive between February 3 and February 24, depending on the specific configuration. While many M4 Pro versions remain available for immediate shipping, adding features such as a nano-texture display or upgrading the RAM can extend shipping times by approximately a week.

Apple released an M5 upgrade for the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro last fall, but did not update the higher-end M4 Pro or M4 Max versions at that time. This left some Mac power users anticipating a more comprehensive update across the entire MacBook Pro line. Shipping delays have often, though not always, preceded product updates from Apple. The company typically slows or halts production of existing models to prepare for the launch of new versions.

The potential refresh would likely include the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, offering performance improvements over the current M4 generation. Apple has been increasingly focusing on integrating advanced AI capabilities into its silicon, and the M5 series is expected to continue this trend. These chips could include enhanced Neural Engine performance, enabling faster and more efficient on-device machine learning tasks.

The timing of a potential launch remains uncertain, but the shipping delays suggest an announcement could come within the next few weeks. Consumers interested in purchasing a high-end MacBook Pro may want to monitor Apple's website for updates or consider waiting to see if new models are released.