Apple’s entry-level M6 MacBook Pro might end up feeling more like a rerun than a refresh, as new reports suggest the biggest upgrades are reserved for the pricier M6 Pro and M6 Max models.
Base M6 MacBook Pro looks stuck in the past
Mark Gurman’s latest update hints that Apple won’t be rolling out its upcoming design overhaul to the full M6 MacBook Pro lineup. According to the Bloomberg analyst, only the M6 Pro and M6 Max versions are expected to feature OLED displays, touch input, and a thinner chassis. That leaves the base M6 model looking a lot like its M3 or M5 predecessor.
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MacBook Pro redesign coming, but not for everyone
This split direction follows Apple’s typical playbook: keep entry models modest, pack the high-end ones with flash. The redesign in question may include not just OLED and touch support, but also the rumored removal of the notc,h possibly replaced by a Dynamic Island.
This upgrade strategy could help separate the performance-first models from the rest of the MacBook line. But it also means users opting for the standard M6 MacBook Pro may end up paying for newer silicon without getting much else new.
When is the MacBook Pro redesign actually launching?
Gurman suggests the full redesign window stretches between late 2026 and early 2027. Before that, Apple is reportedly preparing to release M5-based MacBook Pros in early 2026, alongside a MacBook Air powered by the standard M5 chip. While performance gains are expected, those models are not likely to shake up the current look or feature set.
What we know about the base M6 MacBook Pro lineup
Here’s what’s expected for now:
- Only M6 Pro and M6 Max models may get OLED, touch, and a thinner design
- Base M6 MacBook Pro could retain the current display and chassis
- Full redesign window points to late 2026 or early 2027
- M5-based MacBooks may arrive in early 2026, with no major redesigns
- Affordable Apple laptop (J700) still rumored, but with no new info
Apple’s strategy is clear: pay more, get more
If these reports hold, Apple’s making a deliberate move to widen the gap between its MacBook Pro tiers. The redesigned, OLED-equipped models could feel like a real leap, just not if you’re buying the base version. Fast clicks cost trust, but slow upgrades cost sales.
