Apple’s Redesigned MacBook Pro in 2026 Could Be the Biggest Upgrade in   Years

Apple may be preparing one of the most significant MacBook Pro updates in recent memory — and this time, the excitement goes far beyond a routine chip upgrade.

While refreshed M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models are expected soon, reports from supply chain sources suggest a fully redesigned MacBook Pro could arrive in the final quarter of 2026. If the rumors are accurate, this future model may introduce OLED display technology, a slimmer chassis, and even a touchscreen — features that could redefine how professionals use a MacBook.

Here’s what’s rumored, what it could mean in real life, and whether it’s worth waiting for.

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Two MacBook Pro Updates Are Reportedly Coming

According to industry reports, Apple’s MacBook Pro roadmap may unfold in two phases:

First Update (Near Term)

Apple is expected to launch M5 Pro and M5 Max versions of the current MacBook Pro design. These models will likely deliver:

• Faster CPU and GPU performance
• Improved AI processing capabilities
• Better efficiency compared to previous M-series chips

However, the design will likely remain unchanged, keeping the same display, chassis, and port layout.

Second Update (Late 2026)
This is where the real transformation may happen. A redesigned MacBook Pro is rumored to feature:

• A thinner and lighter body
• A punch-hole camera replaces the display notch
• A possible touchscreen
• A major display upgrade to OLED

If accurate, this would mark the first major MacBook Pro redesign since 2021.

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OLED Could Be the Most Important Upgrade for Creators

The biggest rumored change is Apple shifting the MacBook Pro from mini-LED LCD to OLED display technology, possibly using the same two-stack tandem OLED approach seen in the latest iPad Pro.

Why OLED Is a Big Deal

OLED panels offer:

• True blacks and infinite contrast
• More vibrant and accurate colors
• Faster pixel response times

Real-World Benefits

• For Video Editors

OLED could dramatically improve HDR editing. Deeper blacks and higher contrast make it easier to fine-tune shadows, highlights, and color grading.

• For Designers and Photographers

Color accuracy and contrast improvements can make visual work more reliable, especially for print and professional digital media.

• For Everyday Users

Darker UI elements consume less power on OLED, which could slightly improve battery life in dark mode — and reduce eye strain in low light.

For creative professionals, this could be the most meaningful MacBook Pro display upgrade ever.

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A Slimmer MacBook Pro — But at What Cost?

Reports suggest the redesigned MacBook Pro may become thinner. Apple may also replace the current display notch with a punch-hole camera, increasing usable screen space.

But thinner laptops often raise important questions:

• Will cooling performance be affected?
• Will Apple reduce battery size?
• Could ports be removed again?

Apple learned from past criticism and restored ports like HDMI and SD card readers in recent models. That suggests the company may try to avoid sacrificing professional usability, but thermal and battery performance will be key areas to watch.

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Touchscreen MacBooks: A Major Shift for macOS?

One surprising rumor is the possibility of touchscreen support. Apple has historically resisted this idea, saying touch works best on iPads, not Macs. If that changes, it could signal a shift in Apple’s strategy.

A touch-enabled MacBook Pro could:

• Improve drawing and 3D modeling workflows
• Make music production and creative apps more interactive
• Push developers to rethink macOS app interfaces

This wouldn’t just be a hardware change — it could influence the future design of macOS itself.

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M5 Pro and M5 Max Chips May Use a New Architecture

Beyond design and display, Apple may also change how its high-end chips are built.

Rumors suggest the M5 Pro and M5 Max could move toward a chiplet-based design using TSMC’s advanced SoIC packaging technology. Instead of everything living on a single piece of silicon, components like the GPU may sit on separate interconnected chiplets.

Why This Matters

• Better AI Performance

AI workloads rely heavily on GPU and neural processing power. A chiplet design could allow Apple to scale graphics and AI performance more easily.

• Stronger Graphics

This could help future MacBook Pros handle demanding 3D rendering, gaming, and visual effects workloads more efficiently.

• Potential Efficiency Gains

Separating components may also reduce heat and improve power efficiency, helping maintain battery life even as performance rises.

In short, this change could make MacBook Pros far more capable in AI development, machine learning, and advanced creative tasks.

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Should You Upgrade Now or Wait?

Here’s how to think about it:

Buy the Upcoming M5 Pro/Max Model If:

• You need a powerful laptop immediately
• Your work is CPU-focused (coding, compiling, office productivity)
• You don’t rely heavily on cutting-edge display tech

Wait for the 2026 Redesign If:

• You work in video editing, photography, or design
• Display quality is critical
• You want the most future-proof MacBook possible
• You’re interested in potential touchscreen or next-gen GPU scaling

For visual professionals, especially, the OLED model could be worth the wait.

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A Bigger Strategy Behind the Redesign

This rumored update may reflect Apple’s broader priorities:

• Preparing Macs for AI-heavy workloads
• Making displays more advanced for creative professionals
• Possibly blending Mac and iPad interaction styles

If Apple introduces OLED, chiplet-based GPUs, and touch support in a single generation, the 2026 MacBook Pro could represent a turning point in the Mac lineup.

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Conclusion

While the upcoming M5 Pro and M5 Max refresh will likely deliver impressive performance gains, the late-2026 MacBook Pro redesign is shaping up to be the more revolutionary release. Between OLED display technology, a slimmer design, possible touchscreen support, and a new chip architecture focused on graphics and AI, Apple may be preparing its most forward-looking MacBook Pro yet.

For users who can wait, the next big leap in Apple laptops might just be around the corner.

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 Disclaimer

This article is based on industry reports, supply chain sources, and ongoing rumors. Apple has not officially confirmed any of these features, specifications, or launch timelines. Final product details may differ when the company makes formal announcements.

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 FAQs

Q1: When will the redesigned MacBook Pro launch?

Reports suggest the redesigned model could arrive in the final quarter of 2026, though Apple has not confirmed this.

Q2: Will the next MacBook Pro have an OLED display?

Rumors strongly point toward Apple adopting OLED technology, possibly using a two-stack tandem OLED panel similar to the iPad Pro.

Q3: Are touchscreens really coming to MacBooks?

Touchscreen support is rumored but not confirmed. If introduced, it would mark a major shift in Apple’s long-standing approach to Mac design.

Q4: What’s special about the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips?

They may use a new chiplet-style architecture, allowing better GPU scaling, improved AI performance, and potentially better efficiency.

Q5: Should I wait for the redesign or buy now?

If display quality and future-proof performance matter most, waiting could be worthwhile. If you need power immediately, the upcoming M5 Pro/Max models should still be extremely capable.