Highlights
- The 2026 MacBook Pro redesign is expected to debut Apple’s M6 Pro/Max chips built on TSMC’s 2nm process, alongside OLED displays with smaller cutouts.
- Rumours suggest a slimmer, lighter chassis, possible touchscreen support and built-in cellular connectivity powered by Apple’s in-house modem.
- The redesigned models are expected between late 2026 and early 2027 with limited initial availability.
Caption – Current Apple MacBook Pro. (Image credit – Apple)
Fresh rumours suggest that Apple is preparing a major redesign of the upcoming MacBook Pro. As of now, it is possibly launching as soon as next year. If this happens, it will mark roughly five years since the last major redesign of Apple’s professional laptops. Several reports now point to five key upgrades expected that offer a clear idea of what users can look forward to.
Next-Gen M6 Chipset
The redesigned MacBook Pro is expected to debut Apple’s M6 chip family. The M6 series is widely anticipated to be Apple’s first silicon built on TSMC’s advanced 2nm process, alongside the A20 chip for iPhones.
Both M6 Pro and M6 Max chips are expected to power the new MacBook Pro models. However, there is uncertainty around the base 14-inch version. Mark Gurman has previously suggested that the redesign may initially be limited to M6 Pro and M6 Max configurations, meaning buyers of the entry-level model could have to wait longer for the refreshed design.
Slimmer and Lighter Design
Bloomberg reports that Apple is planning a thinner MacBook Pro design as part of the 2026 refresh. While specific details about changes to the chassis have not yet surfaced, the emphasis appears to be on reducing overall thickness, which could make a noticeable difference, especially on the larger 16-inch model.
Bloomberg report says, “Though Apple has continued to enhance the product with new chips and other internal improvements, the MacBook Pro probably won’t get another true overhaul until 2026. The company had once hoped to release this new version in 2025 — with a thinner design and a move to crisper OLED screens — but there were delays related to the display technology.”
OLED Display Coming to MacBook Pro
Caption – Current Apple MacBook Pro display. (Image credit – Apple)
One of the biggest changes is expected to be the introduction of OLED display technology. After making its debut on the iPad Pro in 2024, OLED is tipped to arrive on the MacBook Pro lineup for the first time with the 2026 redesign. This upgrade should bring higher brightness, improved contrast ratios, and richer colours.
According to TheElec, Apple is likely to use the same Tandem OLED technology found on the latest iPad Pro models. Alongside the move to OLED, Apple may also remove the familiar notch. A report from Omdia suggests the company could adopt a “rounded corner + hole cut” design instead, resulting in a much smaller cutout. While it remains unclear whether this will be a single hole punch or something closer to the iPhone’s Dynamic Island, the display interruption is expected to be far less noticeable than the current notch.
Touchscreen Support
Touchscreen functionality could finally make its way to the MacBook Pro. Renowned supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple will introduce touchscreen Macs as early as 2026.
Growing evidence suggests Apple is gradually moving in this direction, and the redesigned MacBook Pro could be the first to feature touch input.
Built-In Cellular Connectivity
Another significant upgrade could be cellular support. Apple may launch its first Mac with cellular connectivity as part of this redesign. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously reported that Apple has been developing an in-house modem with Macs expected to gain cellular capabilities starting in 2026.
This move aligns with Apple’s broader strategy of designing more components internally.
Expected Launch Timeline
The redesigned OLED MacBook Pro models are expected to launch sometime between late 2026 and early 2027. While timelines remain unclear, there is speculation that Apple could unveil the new lineup towards the end of 2026, possibly in October. As seen in previous launches, availability may be limited initially with wider supply arriving in early 2027.
For those unwilling to wait another year or more, there are currently attractive deals on existing MacBook Pro models. Discounts are available on the M5 14-inch model at $1349, the M4 Pro 14-inch at $1749, and the M4 Pro 16-inch at $2149, roughly $250 to $350 less than their usual prices.
FAQs
Q1. What chipset is expected in the redesigned MacBook Pro?
Answer. The upcoming MacBook Pro is tipped to debut Apple’s M6 Pro and M6 Max chips, built on TSMC’s advanced 2nm process.
Q2. What display changes are rumoured for the 2026 MacBook Pro?
Answer. Apple is expected to introduce OLED display technology with Tandem OLED panels, higher brightness, richer colours and a smaller cutout replacing the current notch.
Q3. What new features could the redesigned MacBook Pro include?
Answer. The redesign may bring a slimmer, lighter chassis, touchscreen support, and built-in cellular connectivity powered by Apple’s in-house modem.