Apple Prepares 'Totally Redesigned' MacBook Pro Slated for 2026
- Rumors hint at a massive overhaul — could this be the biggest MacBook Pro update in a decade?
- A major redesign is coming, but 2025's MacBook Pro will play it safe with just chip upgrades.
- OLED screens, a thinner body, and Apple's push to lead the laptop industry are on the horizon.
In the fast-paced world of tech, whispers about Apple's next big move are never far behind its most recent release. The Cupertino-based giant may have only just unveiled its latest M4 MacBook Pro lineup, but according to industry insider Mark Gurman from Bloomberg's Power On newsletter, Apple is already setting the stage for a revolutionary new MacBook Pro in 2026.
Photo via AppleMagazine // A close up concept of a redesigned Apple MacBook Pro.
A Redesign Long Overdue?
Apple is no stranger to gradual updates, but full-scale redesigns are rare and far between. The MacBook Pro, known for its utilitarian aluminum frame and powerhouse performance, hasn't seen a substantial design overhaul in years. But if Gurman’s reports hold true, 2026 could mark a turning point.
“Apple wants to make these MacBook Pros the ‘thinnest and lightest products in their categories across the whole tech industry,’” Gurman noted, hinting at a new benchmark for sleekness that might redefine expectations for the device.
What’s in Store for 2025?
While an all-out redesign is set for 2026, next year’s lineup won’t stray far from familiar territory. Analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo and display expert Ross Young project that the 2025 MacBook Pros will carry forward the current design with only minor internal upgrades. Expect mini-LED displays and enhanced M5-series chips—M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max—to headline the updates.
The modest revisions align with Gurman’s prediction: “The only real headline upgrade coming to next year’s pros is a jump to M5, M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, which are ‘already near completion.’”
Photo via PHConcepts // A red, glowing, redesigned MacBook Pro concept rendering.
Why Wait Until 2026?
So why delay the redesign until 2026? According to Gurman, Apple’s original plan was to launch a revamped MacBook Pro in 2025. However, setbacks involving display technology—believed to be tied to OLED—pushed the schedule back by a year.
Apple’s push towards OLED isn’t entirely surprising. The technology promises richer colors, superior brightness, deeper contrast, and, crucially, improved energy efficiency. The company already integrated OLED into its M4 iPad Pro models, and the leap to an OLED MacBook Pro could mean a thinner, more visually striking laptop with better battery life.
A Potential Game-Changer
The shift to OLED could be pivotal for MacBook Pro users. Not only would it offer unparalleled display quality, but it could also reduce the device’s thickness significantly. “OLED panels are thinner than your typical LED ones, and Apple’s going to take advantage of that by making the MacBook Pro thinner,” Gurman remarked.
Apple’s return to an ultra-slim design would reverse the slight increase in thickness seen in M-series models like the M1 MacBook Pro, where more powerful chips necessitated larger cooling systems. Gurman’s insights suggest Apple is now re-prioritizing elegance without compromising functionality.
Skepticism Over a Touchscreen MacBook Pro
One persistent rumor that has yet to materialize is a touchscreen MacBook Pro. Gurman acknowledges the buzz but advises caution. “Is Apple perhaps testing such a device? Sure, it’s possible,” he wrote. However, he reminded readers that similar speculations have emerged for over a decade with little to show for it.
In 2021, Apple’s hardware chief John Ternus spoke to the Wall Street Journal, saying, “We make the world’s best touch computer on an iPad. It’s totally optimized for that. And the Mac is totally optimized for indirect input. We haven’t really felt a reason to change that.”
Photo via Yanko Design // A concept rendering of an Apple MacBook Pro with ultra slim bezels and a gorgeous new design.
The Wait: Is It Worth It?
If you’re eyeing an upgrade, is holding out for the 2026 model the best strategy? Not necessarily. Today’s MacBook Pro lineup, especially models equipped with the M4 Max chip, already boasts cutting-edge speed and performance. For those who can’t afford to wait two more years, the current M4 models offer ample power and efficiency.
Still, the prospect of a thinner, OLED-equipped MacBook Pro is compelling. For Apple loyalists willing to hold off, 2026 may herald a new chapter for the MacBook Pro—a chapter where design meets innovation without compromise.
Outlook and Industry Implications
Apple’s pursuit of thinner, more efficient designs reflects a broader industry trend. Consumers increasingly expect their devices to blend power with portability, and Apple appears poised to lead that charge. Whether the 2026 redesign sets a new standard for the tech industry remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the anticipation is already building.
In a world where incremental updates are the norm, the promise of a significant MacBook Pro overhaul is a reminder that some innovations are worth the wait.
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