Apple’s flagship laptop, the MacBook Pro series, is preparing for its biggest overhaul since its major design overhaul in 2021. However, Bloomberg’s reliable source, Mark Gurman, has suggested that this radical change will arrive between late 2026 and early 2027 and may not include the base MacBook Pro model.
“Revolutionary” Change for Flagship Models
According to Gurman’s report, Apple’s high-performance 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will feature a “revolutionary” design, featuring M6 Pro and M6 Max processors. The key features of this major overhaul will be:
- OLED Display: A significant leap from MiniLED technology to an OLED panel, offering deeper blacks and higher contrast.
- Touchscreen Support: Apple is expected to offer touchscreen support for the first time in its laptops.
- Thinner Body: The overall body of the device is aimed to be thinner and lighter.
- Possible Dynamic Island/Hole-Punch Design: Instead of the current notch, a cutout or camera hole (hole-punch) similar to the Dynamic Island on iPhones could be used.
- 5G Connectivity Support: Some rumors suggest that these models may offer 5G cellular connectivity.
M5 MacBook Pro box without power adapter available in European markets
These “revolutionary” M6 Pro and M6 Max models are expected to launch in late 2026 or early 2027 at the earliest. However, Gurman’s analysis points to a decisive departure in Apple’s product strategy. The base 14-inch MacBook Pro is expected to be excluded from this major design revolution.
Apple’s product roadmap initially plans to release MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and M5 Max processors, followed by the M5 MacBook Air in the first half of 2026. A new entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M6 chip is expected to be introduced towards the end of the year.
Gurman describes these interim updates as “evolutionary, not revolutionary.” This means the base model will retain its current design language and won’t receive major innovations like an OLED display or touchscreen support. With this strategy, Apple may be aiming to maintain the “value-oriented” option, which is $400 cheaper than the M4 Pro model, by keeping the current chassis for the entry-level model for at least another year.
In short, while professional users will have to wait until 2027 to see the major design change that brings OLED display and touchscreen support, the more affordable base model is expected to upgrade to the M6 chip in its current chassis.
