Apple refreshed the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips in March 2026, but if you're not in a rush, waiting could be smarter. Rumors point to a major overhaul later in 2026 or early 2027 featuring an OLED display, touchscreen support, a thinner design with a Dynamic Island, and even more powerful M6 chips built on a 2nm process. Here’s what you need to know before making a purchase.
Why Should You Consider Waiting for the Next MacBook Pro?
The current M5 models bring faster chips but keep the same design introduced in 2021. If you value cutting-edge display tech, a fresh look, or potential new features like cellular connectivity, the upcoming generation is worth the wait. Apple is expected to debut OLED displays with individual pixel control for true blacks and vibrant colors—a big leap from today’s mini-LED. Additionally, the next MacBook Pro is rumored to include touch input, a thinner chassis, and a Dynamic Island instead of the notch. For power users, the move to 2nm M6 chips promises better performance per watt. Unless you need a laptop immediately, holding out could give you a device that feels genuinely new rather than a spec bump.
What Advantages Will the OLED Display Offer Over Current Mini-LED?
OLED technology lights each pixel independently, so blacks are truly black and colors appear richer without the blooming effect seen on mini-LED screens. This makes HDR content—like movies or photo editing—far more immersive. Response times are faster, viewing angles wider, and there’s potential for power savings, which could extend battery life. Brightness, once a weakness of OLED, has improved significantly in recent years, so you won't sacrifice visibility. Apple already uses OLED in iPhones and the M4 iPad Pro, bringing proven benefits to the MacBook Pro. If you work with media or simply enjoy vivid visuals, the OLED upgrade is a compelling reason to postpone your purchase.
Will the Next MacBook Pro Have a Touchscreen?
Yes, according to multiple rumors. Apple has long resisted putting a touchscreen on the Mac, but the company’s stance has shifted. The upcoming MacBook Pro is expected to support touch input alongside the traditional keyboard, trackpad, and mouse. This would make the Mac more like an iPad, allowing you to tap, swipe, and interact directly with the display for certain tasks. It won’t replace existing input methods—the keyboard and trackpad remain—but it adds flexibility, especially for creative work or when using apps that benefit from touch controls. Apple is likely to integrate this smoothly into macOS, so you get the best of both worlds.
What Design Changes Are Rumored for the Next MacBook Pro?
Apple is expected to slim down the MacBook Pro without sacrificing the keyboard or trackpad. The biggest visual change: replacing the notch with a Dynamic Island. This interactive cutout will adapt to what you’re doing, showing context like timers, audio controls, or notifications without taking up extra screen space. The overall footprint should remain similar—14-inch and 16-inch sizes—but the chassis will be thinner. Given that the current design dates back to 2021, this refresh brings a fresh look and feel, making the laptop more modern and aligned with other Apple devices.
How Will the 2nm M6 Chip Improve Performance?
The next MacBook Pro is rumored to feature Apple’s first 2-nanometer chips, likely called the M6 series. Moving from the current 3nm process, the 2nm node offers higher transistor density, faster speeds, and lower power consumption. The chips will use Gate-All-Around (GAA) nanosheet transistors, which improve control and efficiency over traditional FinFET designs. TSMC, Apple’s chipmaker, claims these changes deliver a significant boost in performance per watt. For users who run demanding apps—video editing, 3D rendering, software development—this means snappier workflows and potentially longer battery life. It’s a generational leap that makes the M5 models seem more like an incremental update.
Will the Next MacBook Pro Offer Cellular Connectivity?
It’s possible. Rumors have suggested Apple may bring 5G to Macs, and the OLED MacBook Pro would be a perfect debut. Built-in cellular would let you stay online without Wi‑Fi or tethering to your phone—ideal for travelers or field workers. Apple already offers cellular on iPads, so the technology is proven. If included, it would likely be an optional configuration, and you’d need a data plan from a carrier. While not confirmed, it’s a feature many professionals have wanted, and waiting could give you that flexibility.
What Is the “Ultra” Branding Rumored for Higher-End Models?
Because OLED touch displays are expensive, Apple may reserve them for the top-tier 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, possibly branding them as “MacBook Pro Ultra” or similar. This would differentiate the premium versions from standard models that might retain mini‑LED or a less advanced display. The “Ultra” label would signal the highest performance and best screen technology, potentially combined with the M6 Max chip and other upgrades. If you’re aiming for the ultimate MacBook Pro, waiting for this ultra‑tier could get you the best display, fastest processor, and maybe even cellular—all in one package.