October 31, 2025 – In its financial outlook for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 (which corresponds to the fourth quarter of this year), Apple has indicated that its Mac business will encounter challenges in achieving year-on-year growth. The primary reason is that almost all consumer and professional Mac models underwent a comprehensive upgrade during last year’s “holiday season,” leaving only one model to be refreshed this year.
The “holiday season” spans a series of consecutive holidays. In some countries, it lasts from November to December each year, encompassing major events like Thanksgiving and Christmas. This period is marked by a surge in vacations, shopping, and social gatherings.
Looking back at 2024, Apple introduced three new chips—the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max—and incorporated them all into its MacBook Pro lineup.
During the earnings call, Apple’s Senior Vice President, Kevin Parekh, highlighted that the Mac business would face significant year-on-year base pressure in the first quarter of fiscal 2026. This is largely due to the fact that Apple only launched one new Mac model this fall—the MacBook Pro equipped with the M5 chip.
According to AppleInsider, this suggests that Apple will not release any new Mac models before the end of the year. Previously, there were expectations that the Mac mini or iMac might receive updates in November, but Apple’s latest statement has largely dismissed these possibilities.
As planned, Apple is set to introduce new MacBook Pro models featuring the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips in the spring of 2026. Additionally, it is anticipated that a MacBook Air with the M5 chip will also be released.
Consequently, the Mac business’s performance in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 is expected to appear weak due to the high base from the previous year. However, Mac sales are projected to rebound significantly in the second quarter.
