Shipping delays for select 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 departure from the immediate availability typically seen with most Mac products.

These delays, according to MacRumors, often indicate that Apple is reducing or halting production of current models in anticipation of a hardware refresh. As of today, orders for the affected M4 Max MacBook Pros are estimated to arrive between February 3 and February 24, depending on the specific configuration. While many M4 Pro versions remain available for immediate shipping, customizing the display with nano-texture or upgrading the RAM can still add approximately a week to the delivery timeframe.

The potential refresh comes after Apple released an M5 upgrade for the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro last fall, leaving users awaiting updates to the higher-end M4 Pro and M4 Max versions. The absence of updates to the M4 Pro and Max models at that time led to some disappointment among power users seeking the latest performance enhancements.

Apple has not officially commented on the shipping delays or the possibility of an upcoming MacBook Pro refresh. The company typically maintains a policy of not commenting on future product plans. However, the observed shipping delays provide a tangible signal that new models could be on the horizon, potentially offering improved performance and features for professional users. The tech community will be closely watching for further developments and official announcements from Apple in the coming weeks.