Every year, Apple refreshes its MacBook lineup and brings upgrades majorly in terms of performance. Since 2020, we’ve been getting a new laptop powered by a new chipset. There are rarely any major design hauls that Apple introduces as the Macbook, in all honesty, is already a very well-designed machine. But this year, things appear to be different. Apple’s MacBooks seem headed to not a clean generational leap, but a split one this time. An early wave of MacBooks that feel safe, familiar, and very Apple are set to launch soon. And after that, there is a second wave in store that could quietly redefine what a MacBook even looks and feels like. Confused? Intrigued? Read on!
SurveyAlso read: Five times Apple surprised us with unexpected laptop launches
M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro coming soon?
The first MacBooks of 2026 are expected to arrive soon, led by updated MacBook Pro models powered by M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. These machines are widely expected to retain the current chassis with the same industrial design, port selection, and mini-LED display with a notch at the top.
The focus here is likely to be performance and efficiency, especially around on-device AI workloads. Apple has been steadily positioning its silicon around “Apple Intelligence,” and M5 is expected to push that further with stronger neural engines and GPU improvements rather than headline-grabbing CPU jumps.
M5 MacBook Air: What to expect
The MacBook Air is also expected to move to M5 in the first half of this year, likely in spring. As with the Pro, the design is not expected to change meaningfully and the big talking point is internal.
One persistent rumour points to Apple introducing its in-house N1 networking chip, promising better Wi-Fi performance and power efficiency. There is also chatter around GPU architecture changes tuned specifically for AI tasks, though this is expected to be subtle rather than revolutionary.
In short, the early 2026 MacBooks feel like machines you buy because you need one now, not because they represent Apple’s next big vision.
Late 2026: The awaited MacBook moment
This is where things will start to get interesting. If the first half of 2026 is about continuity, the second half is expected to be all about change. Apple’s next big silicon jump this year is expected to be the M6 family, potentially built on TSMC’s more advanced manufacturing process.
Whether it lands exactly at 2nm or something close, the expectation is clear – better performance per watt, more headroom for thermal design changes, and the freedom to rethink the MacBook’s physical form. Apple rarely redesigns its laptops without a silicon shift to match. And the M6 looks like that moment.
The upgrade we have all been waiting for
The most dramatic MacBook update is expected toward the end of this year. However, rumours have also said that this laptop might get delayed till early 2027.
Apple might finally introduce a redesigned MacBook Pro with an OLED touch-screen display. Expected to be powered by M6 chips, the new models could offer tighter integration between CPU, GPU and the Neural Engine, promising a 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.
Thinner and lighter, at last
With OLED panels being physically thinner than mini-LED, Apple is expected to slim down the MacBook Pro chassis for the first time since 2021. While this won’t be a radical redesign, it will be enough to make the next MacBook Pro feel meaningfully more portable. After years of performance-first thinking, this could mark a return to elegance without sacrificing power.
Rumours have also said that Apple might finally get rid of the notch in some MacBooks. It could be replaced by either a simple hole-punch camera or a Dynamic Island-style cutout.
A Dynamic Island on macOS would be controversial, but also very Apple. A hole-punch would be cleaner, quieter, and arguably more in line with professional expectations. Either way, the notch’s days appear numbered.
Touchscreen MacBooks, maybe?
This is the rumour that divides opinion the most. Multiple reports suggest Apple is testing touch input for macOS alongside the OLED transition. Not a full iPad-style experience, but basic touch support to match what Windows laptops have offered for years.
Apple has resisted this for over a decade, arguing that macOS is not built for touch. It would be interesting to see if it changes its mind now or not. This is still far from confirmed, but the fact that it keeps resurfacing makes it hard to ignore.
A truly affordable MacBook
Buried beneath all the Pro talk is a rumour that will capture the attention of every kind of user- a cheaper MacBook. Well, relatively.
Reports had said that Apple is exploring a MacBook priced between $699 and $799. And to hit this price, Apple may ditch M-series chips entirely and use an iPhone-class processor, possibly an A18 Pro.
With the reduced price, we can also expect a few trade-offs. For example, we can expect fewer ports, likely no Thunderbolt, and performance capped well below a MacBook Air. But for basic productivity, coding, writing, and everyday use, this laptop could be enough.
If this happens, it would quietly be one of Apple’s most important laptop launches in years.
As rumours keep picking up momentum, one thing is becoming clear. Apple appears to be preparing a MacBook lineup that caters to a wide range of users. Whether you are looking for a more affordable way to enter the Mac ecosystem or waiting for a powerful next-generation MacBook Pro packed with the latest features, this year is expected to offer plenty of choices. And given Apple’s history of springing surprises, the final announcements could turn out to be even more exciting than what current leaks point to.
Also read: MacBook Air 2025 available on discount: Should you buy or wait?
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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
