Apple is gearing up for a significant refresh of its Mac product portfolio during the first half of this year, with multiple updated models expected across both laptop and desktop categories. According to reliable reports from Bloomberg's technology journalist Mark Gurman, the company is planning comprehensive upgrades that will bring new chips and hardware enhancements to several key products.
MacBook Pro to Lead with M5 Chip Introduction
In his weekly PowerOn newsletter, Gurman revealed that Apple will first introduce updated MacBook Pro models powered by the company's upcoming M5 Pro and M5 Max processors. These new models are expected to deliver substantial performance improvements while maintaining the current design language that Apple users have become familiar with. This strategic approach mirrors Apple's previous patterns where processor upgrades precede major aesthetic changes.
Major Redesign Planned for 2026 MacBook Pro
Looking further ahead, Apple is reportedly working on a completely redesigned MacBook Pro scheduled for launch toward the end of 2026. This ambitious project could potentially introduce groundbreaking features including an OLED touch screen display, a thinner and lighter chassis, next-generation M6 Pro and M6 Max chips, and possibly even cellular connectivity options. While the timeline remains flexible with early 2027 still under consideration, this represents Apple's most significant MacBook Pro overhaul in years.
Comprehensive Mac Lineup Updates
The refresh extends beyond the MacBook Pro to include other popular models in Apple's ecosystem. The MacBook Air is expected to receive the standard M5 chip upgrade, bringing enhanced performance to Apple's most accessible laptop. Meanwhile, the Mac Studio desktop workstation, designed specifically for professional users, will likely gain more powerful configurations featuring M5 Max and M5 Ultra chip options for demanding creative and computational tasks.
Studio Display Gets Technical Enhancement
Apple's Studio Display is also slated for an upgrade, with the next generation expected to incorporate mini-LED backlighting technology, support for up to 120Hz refresh rates, enhanced HDR capabilities, and integration of an Apple-designed chip. Recent sightings in Chinese regulatory databases have confirmed the development of this next-generation display, suggesting an imminent launch timeline.
Additional Mac Developments in Pipeline
Beyond the immediate product refreshes, Apple is reportedly exploring additional Mac innovations. The company is said to be developing a more affordable MacBook model that would utilize a version of the A18 Pro chip found in iPhone 16 Pro devices, potentially creating a new entry point in the MacBook lineup. Additionally, an updated Mac mini is expected to launch later this year, continuing Apple's commitment to refreshing its entire desktop computing range.
This aggressive update strategy isn't unprecedented for Apple. In 2023, the company demonstrated its capability for multiple annual updates by launching M2 Pro and M2 Max MacBook Pro models early in the year, followed by M3 Pro and M3 Max versions later. This established a pattern that suggests Apple may continue refreshing key product lines more frequently than traditional annual cycles.
