The 2026 MacBook Pro is expected to transition from mini-LED to Tandem OLED displays, mirroring the technology debuted in the 2024 M4 iPad Pro. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and display expert Ross Young, this shift will deliver deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and punchier colors, ideal for HDR video editing and color-critical tasks like photography. OLED’s power efficiency could also extend battery life, a significant upgrade over the current Liquid Retina XDR displays, which offer 1,000 nits sustained brightness and 1,600 nits peak. The move to OLED, slated for mass production in 2026, will enhance the MacBook Pro’s appeal for creative professionals.
Thinner and Lighter Design
Apple is reportedly prioritizing a slimmer, lighter MacBook Pro without sacrificing performance. The 2021 redesign added thickness to accommodate ports like HDMI and MagSafe, but the 2026 models aim to reverse this trend, inspired by the ultra-thin M4 iPad Pro. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman notes that Apple is focusing on minimizing chassis size while maintaining battery life and port functionality. The current 14-inch model weighs 3.4–3.6 pounds and the 16-inch 4.7 pounds, so a lighter design could enhance portability for remote workers and frequent travelers.
Touchscreen Support with On-Cell Technology
For the first time, the MacBook Pro may feature a touchscreen, using on-cell touch technology that integrates sensors directly into the display panel. This approach, as reported by Kuo, increases touch precision while keeping the device thin. Touch support could transform workflows, allowing users to interact directly with apps like Final Cut Pro or Photoshop, similar to iPad habits. While macOS has historically avoided touch interfaces, this change could bridge the gap between Mac and iPad, appealing to users seeking tablet-like interactivity.
Hole-Punch Camera, No Notch
The controversial display notch, introduced in 2021, is expected to vanish in favor of a hole-punch camera, as per a roadmap from research firm Omdia. This design, seen in iPhones since the Dynamic Island debuted in 2022, will maximize screen real estate, offering additional pixels for an uninterrupted macOS menu bar. While it’s unclear if the MacBook Pro will adopt Dynamic Island functionality, the sleeker look addresses user complaints about the notch’s intrusion, enhancing the display’s cohesive aesthetic.
M6 Chip with 2nm Performance Leap
The 2026 MacBook Pro will likely debut the M6, M6 Pro, and M6 Max chips, built on TSMC’s 2nm process, a step up from the M5’s 3nm technology expected in early 2026. This shift promises 15–20% performance gains and improved power efficiency, enabling sustained high performance for tasks like 8K video editing and complex 3D rendering. Gurman suggests the M6 could handle intensive workloads with less heat, addressing thermal limitations in prolonged sessions, making it a game-changer for developers and creatives.
Cellular Connectivity with 5G
Apple is exploring cellular connectivity for the MacBook Pro, potentially integrating a second-generation C2 modem chip supporting mmWave 5G speeds by 2026. Following the C1 modem’s debut in the iPhone 16e and C1X in the iPhone 17 Air, this feature would allow on-the-go professionals to stay connected without Wi-Fi, a first for the Mac lineup. While still under investigation, as per Gurman, cellular support could position the MacBook Pro as a true mobile workstation, rivaling the connectivity of iPads and iPhones.
What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond
While the M5 MacBook Pro models, expected in early 2026, will retain the current design with minor chip upgrades, the 2026 redesign is poised to set a new standard for pro laptops. The combination of OLED, touchscreen capabilities, and a thinner chassis could make it Apple’s most significant Mac upgrade yet, as 9to5Mac suggests. However, concerns linger about potential compromises, such as port reductions, reminiscent of the 2016–2019 butterfly keyboard era. Apple’s challenge will be balancing thinness with the functionality restored in 2021, like MagSafe and SD card slots.
For those considering an upgrade, the 2026 models may be worth the wait, especially for users of M1 or Intel-based Macs. Current M4 owners might skip the M5 refresh, as the performance bump will be modest. Pre-orders for the M5 models could open as early as January 2026, with the M6 redesign likely arriving late 2026 or early 2027. Check Apple’s Newsroom or retailers like Best Buy for updates, and try the new models at Apple Stores to assess their design.
A New Era for MacBook Pro
The 2026 MacBook Pro promises to redefine portable workstations with its blend of cutting-edge display technology, touchscreen innovation, and cellular connectivity. As Apple refines its vision, this redesign could set the template for the next decade of professional laptops. Stay tuned for more details as the launch approaches, with Friday’s industry briefings potentially offering further insights.
