Apple is reportedly gearing up for a major redesign of its flagship MacBook Pro in 2026, which promises several transformative upgrades. This highly anticipated refresh, detailed in a report from 9To5Mac citing Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, suggests that while Apple’s MacBook Pro models will continue to receive incremental updates, the true overhaul—encompassing display, chip, and design advancements—will likely arrive two years from now.
What to Expect from the 2026 MacBook Pro Overhaul
According to Gurman, Apple initially targeted a full redesign of the MacBook Pro lineup for 2025. However, delays in display technology development have pushed the timeline forward to 2026. This shift has sparked considerable interest as it aligns with Apple’s intention to implement some of its most ambitious hardware innovations yet. Below, we break down what this might mean for Apple’s high-performance laptop.
1. Transition to OLED Displays
The 2026 MacBook Pro is expected to debut with an OLED display, a significant upgrade from the current Mini-LED technology. This new display will likely use Tandem OLED technology, similar to what Apple introduced in the M4 iPad Pro earlier this year. Tandem OLED combines two layers of organic light-emitting diodes, each comprising red, green, and blue (RGB) organic layers. This setup allows for richer color accuracy, deeper blacks, and enhanced brightness while being more energy-efficient, a key improvement for users who prioritize both display quality and battery life.
OLED displays are known for their vibrant contrast and efficiency, and the shift would bring the MacBook Pro in line with Apple’s strategy to transition many of its devices to OLED panels. This change aims to elevate the MacBook Pro’s appeal to creators, designers, and other professionals who demand the highest visual fidelity for their work.
2. Slimmer and Sleeker Design
Another highlight of the 2026 update is the anticipated change in the MacBook Pro’s form factor. Apple increased the laptop’s thickness when moving away from Intel processors to its proprietary Apple Silicon chips, which required more thermal management. However, with advancements in chip architecture, Apple is reportedly working toward a thinner design that maintains power and efficiency without compromising cooling. A slimmer MacBook Pro will offer users an even more portable device, likely with reduced weight and an overall sleeker profile, which could appeal to frequent travelers and professionals on the go.
3. Powerful M6 Chip Based on 2nm Technology
One of the most noteworthy changes expected in 2026 is the introduction of the M6 chip, built on a 2nm architecture. This new chip will make the MacBook Pro faster and more power-efficient, thanks to the shrinking of transistors, allowing more processing power while consuming less energy. The transition to 2nm technology places Apple on the cutting edge of semiconductor advancements, ensuring the MacBook Pro’s performance and battery life remain top-notch.
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This move to 2nm follows a series of generational improvements, with the M5 chip expected to arrive in 2025. While the M5 update may focus primarily on performance enhancements, the M6 is anticipated to deliver more substantial gains in computational power, graphics capabilities, and energy efficiency.
Minor Updates in 2025: M5 Chip Integration
For customers looking to upgrade before 2026, the MacBook Pro is expected to transition to the M5 chip in 2025, though without a full redesign. The M5 chip will likely offer speed and efficiency improvements, but other significant design or technology changes are unlikely until the 2026 overhaul.
Current MacBook Pro and MacBook Air Models: Options and Pricing
As it stands, Apple has a range of MacBook Pro models, including the 14-inch and 16-inch variants powered by the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips. Here’s a quick look at the current lineup:
- 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4: Starts at Rs 169,900
- 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro: Starts at Rs 199,900
- 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Max: Starts at Rs 319,900
- 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro: Starts at Rs 249,900
- 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Max: Starts at Rs 349,900
- Colors: Space black and silver options are available for all models.
Meanwhile, Apple’s MacBook Air models with M2 and M3 chips come standard with 16GB of unified memory, in color options of midnight, starlight, silver, and space grey, starting at Rs 99,900.
The Wait for 2026
With Apple’s roadmap extending to 2026 for this major overhaul, customers have options for incremental upgrades in the meantime. The addition of OLED displays, a 2nm M6 chip, and a sleeker design will represent a pivotal shift for Apple, bringing the MacBook Pro closer to their vision of a powerful yet ultra-portable device tailored for professionals in creative, business, and technical fields.
