Highlights
- Apple is planning a significant MacBook Pro overhaul featuring OLED displays with touch support, a thinner chassis, and possibly 5G and a Dynamic Island-style cutout.
- It is expected between late 2026 and early 2027.
- The redesign will debut with the M6 Pro and M6 Max MacBook Pros, while the base 14-inch model will retain its current design for at least one more cycle.
Caption – Current 14-inch MacBook Pro. (Image credit – Apple)
It has been well-reported previously that Apple is gearing up for a major redesign of its MacBook Pro lineup. Now, according to the latest Power On newsletter by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the revamped MacBook Pro models are expected to launch sometime between late 2026 and early 2027. This will mark the first significant design overhaul since 2021.
We have also reported that the upcoming redesign will reportedly feature an OLED display with touch functionality, which is a major leap from the current mini-LED panels. Alongside the upgraded display, Apple is also said to be working on a thinner chassis, potential 5G connectivity, and possibly a larger Dynamic Island-style cutout replacing the traditional notch.
Gurman also reveals that the lower-end 14-inch MacBook Pro might not see the same redesign as the premium models, at least not right away. Drawing a parallel to the 13-inch MacBook Pro, which missed out on the Touch Bar for years after its introduction, Gurman suggests Apple may take a similar approach this time.
Caption – M6 MacBook Pro concept image. (Image credit – 9to5Mac)
He stated, “In the first half of the year, Apple plans to roll out new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max processors, as well as an M5 MacBook Air. The middle of the year will bring the M5 and M5 Pro Mac mini, in addition to M5 Max and M5 Ultra versions of the Mac Studio. Toward the end of the year, expect the debut of the M6 chip and the introduction of a new low-end 14-inch MacBook Pro.”
Gurman described these updates as “evolutionary, not revolutionary.” However, he also highlighted that “two Macs on the road map do mark major shifts,” referring to “a revamped M6 Pro and M6 Max MacBook Pro with an OLED display, thinner chassis and touch support,” expected to launch “between late 2026 and early 2027.”
In simpler terms, the base model MacBook Pro isn’t expected to receive the OLED redesign immediately. Apple appears to be planning one more cycle with the existing design before introducing a full refresh.
So, if you’re waiting for the next big leap in MacBook design, you might have to look toward the higher-end M6 Pro or M6 Max MacBook Pro models when they debut late next year or in early 2027.
At present, Apple sells three variants of the MacBook Pro. It includes a base 14-inch model powered by the M4 chip, a higher-end 14-inch variant with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, and a 16-inch model equipped with the same high-end processors. Apart from performance differences, the entry-level and premium 14-inch versions share nearly identical designs with the key distinction being cooling. The base model includes a single fan, while the Pro and Max configurations feature dual fans.
Apple’s entry-level M5 MacBook Pro is priced $400 less than the M4 Pro model, giving buyers a more affordable option without sacrificing much in terms of features.
FAQs
Q1. When will Apple launch the redesigned MacBook Pro with OLED and touch support?
Answer. Apple is expected to release the revamped MacBook Pro models featuring OLED displays and touch functionality between late 2026 and early 2027. This will be the first major design overhaul since 2021.
Q2. Will all MacBook Pro models get the OLED redesign at the same time?
Answer. No, the OLED redesign will initially be limited to higher-end models with M6 Pro and M6 Max chips. The base 14-inch MacBook Pro is likely to retain its current design for one more cycle before receiving the upgrade.
Q3. What are the current MacBook Pro options and how do they differ?
Answer. Apple currently offers three MacBook Pro variants – A base 14-inch model with the M5 chip and single-fan cooling, a premium 14-inch model with M4 Pro or M4 Max chips and dual-fan cooling and a 16-inch model with the same high-end chips and dual-fan setup.