As we prepare to bid adieu to 2025, expectations from the next year are already running high, especially for Apple fans who have been waiting for something big on the Mac front. And if the reports are anything to go by, 2026 could be the year Apple finally shakes up its entire laptop lineup. From an entry-level MacBook aimed at students to cutting-edge Pro machines with OLED displays and touch support, the next year seems stacked with announcements that cater to every kind of user. For anyone planning an upgrade or simply curious about where the Mac lineup is headed, 2026 is shaping up to be a milestone year. Let’s take a closer look at all we know so far and what we can expect from the upcoming year.
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A budget MacBook
Apple is reportedly preparing its most wallet-friendly laptop yet, designed to pull users away from entry-level Windows machines and Chromebooks. This new 13-inch model is expected to come with a lightweight design, a lower-cost LCD panel and an A18 Pro chip that currently powers the iPhone 16 Pro.
The chipset sits below the M-series in raw performance but is said to match or even beat the original M1 in some areas, especially GPU output. The absence of Thunderbolt means standard USB-C ports instead, which aligns with its rumoured starting price between USD 699 – USD 899. Apple may even offer the laptop in multiple colours to appeal to students and first-time buyers.
MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips
Apple launched the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 chip in October this year and the news took the internet by storm. Now, in 2026, the premium MacBook Pro lineup is expected to get its next refresh.
Apple will reportedly bring the more powerful M5 Pro and M5 Max chips to the 14-inch and 16-inch models. Built on TSMC’s advanced third-generation 3 nm process, the new chips should unlock faster SSD speeds, higher memory bandwidth and improved efficiency. Apple is not expected to introduce design changes yet, with the big redesign reportedly held back for the generation that follows. If pricing stays similar, the M5 Pro laptops could start around USD 1,999 for the 14-inch and USD 2,399 for the 16-inch, while the Max configurations are expected to move into the USD 3,000-plus bracket.
M5 MacBook Air expected in early 2026
Even though the M4 MacBook Air is still fresh on the shelves, Apple is already working on its next iteration. The MacBook Air with the M5 chip is expected to deliver around 10 to 15 percent faster CPU performance, a more efficient architecture and a GPU that could see up to a 36 percent boost compared to the M4. Early benchmarks from the M5 iPad Pro give a good sense of this generational jump. The new Air models are expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2026, most likely around March, and Apple is expected to retain the current USD 999 base price to keep the Air attractive as its mainstream option.
OLED touch-screen MacBook Pro with M6 chipset
The most dramatic MacBook update is expected toward late 2026 or early 2027, when Apple might finally introduce a redesigned MacBook Pro with an OLED touch-screen display. Powered by next-generation M6 chips built on TSMC’s 2 nm process, the new models could offer tighter integration between CPU, GPU and the Neural Engine, leading to better performance and battery life.
The OLED panels promise higher contrast, deeper blacks and superior power efficiency compared to mini-LED. Apple is also reportedly shrinking the bezels, adopting a hole-punch camera setup and making the chassis thinner and lighter. Due to these premium upgrades, prices are expected to climb a few hundred dollars above the current Pro lineup.
As the rumour mill continues to gather pace, one thing seems to be quite clear- Apple is gearing up for a MacBook lineup that has something for everyone. Whether you are waiting for an affordable entry point into the Mac ecosystem or holding out for a next-generation Pro machine with every cutting-edge feature imaginable, 2026 is shaping up to have something for everyone. And with Apple’s track record of surprising its users when they least expect it, the final reveals may end up being even more exciting than what the leaks suggest.
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Divyanshi Sharma
Divyanshi Sharma is a media and communications professional with over 8 years of experience in the industry. With a strong background in tech journalism, she has covered everything from the latest gadgets to gaming trends and brings a sharp editorial lens to every story. She holds a master’s diploma in mass communication and a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Her love for writing and gaming began early—often skipping classes to try out the latest titles—which naturally evolved into a career at the intersection of technology and storytelling. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her exploring virtual worlds on her console or PC, or testing out a new laptop she managed to get her hands on. View Full Profile
