If you've been eyeing a new MacBook Pro, recent reports suggest you might want to hit pause. While Apple refreshed the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips in March, bigger changes are reportedly on the horizon. This isn't just another spec bump; analysts are pointing to the first major MacBook redesign in five years, potentially introducing an entirely new, top-tier laptop.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman initially shifted the narrative from a simple M6 MacBook Pro update to something more significant. Apple is reportedly considering a new flagship device, possibly branded "MacBook Ultra," which would sit above the current MacBook Pro line. This means existing M5 MacBook Pros would likely remain on sale, but an Ultra model almost certainly implies a higher price. Gurman notes Apple's history of roughly 20% price hikes when introducing OLED displays to the iPhone X and iPad Pro, suggesting a similar increase for the MacBook's first OLED screen.
A Suite of Major Upgrades
OLED Touchscreen & Dynamic Island
The biggest rumored change is an OLED display. Current MacBook Pros use mini-LED LCD panels, but OLED would bring richer colors, higher contrast, and true blacks. Every iPhone, Apple Watch, and iPad Pro already uses OLED. Beyond OLED, the screen is also expected to be touch-enabled, allowing direct interaction while still using the keyboard and trackpad.
The MacBook Ultra is also rumored to swap the current notch for a hole-punch camera, paving the way for a Dynamic Island. This would display alerts and indicators around the camera area, pushing towards a more edge-to-edge display with thinner bezels.
Next-Gen M6 Chips & Thinner Design
Powering this new machine would be Apple's next-generation M6 Pro and M6 Max chips. These are notable for reportedly being built on TSMC's advanced 2nm process, a significant jump from the current M5 chips' 3nm. This move should deliver larger year-over-year gains in performance and efficiency.
The Ultra is also expected to be slimmer than current MacBook Pros, partly thanks to the thinner OLED display stack. Crucially, there's no indication Apple plans to remove essential ports like HDMI, MagSafe, or the SD card slot.
Built-In Cellular Connectivity
Finally, built-in cellular connectivity is a long-requested feature. Currently, Macs rely on tethering to an iPhone or iPad. The MacBook Ultra could include Apple's own C1X or C2 modem, supporting 5G and LTE directly, eliminating the need for a separate device and its associated battery drain.
When to Expect It (And What It Means for You)
While late 2026 was previously rumored, Gurman now suggests early 2027 is a stronger bet, reportedly due to a global memory chip shortage. These features are strictly for the high-end model; the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with a standard M6 chip isn't expected to get most of these upgrades.
Apple last redesigned the MacBook Pro in 2021. If these rumors hold, the MacBook Ultra would be the first true redesign in at least five years. If you're weighing a MacBook purchase now, this context is worth considering. Waiting might be worthwhile for what could be a truly different machine.
