New MacBook Pro: OLED design only for M6 Pro and M6 Max Apfelpatient

Apple is working on a comprehensive redesign of the MacBook Pro, expected to launch between late 2026 and early 2027. The new model is rumored to feature not only an OLED display with touch support, but also a significantly slimmer chassis and potentially 5G connectivity for the first time. However, a recent report by Mark Gurman in the Bloomberg newsletter Power On suggests that these changes might be reserved exclusively for the more powerful M6 Pro and M6 Max versions.

The current MacBook Pro lineup consists of three variants: a 14-inch base model with an M5 chip, a 14-inch model with an M4 Pro or M4 Max, and a 16-inch model with the same high-end chips. There are hardly any design differences between these models. The most significant difference lies in the cooling – the base model has only one fan, while the Pro and Max versions are equipped with two. Apple offers the entry-level model for around $400 less, appealing to users who want a MacBook Pro but don't require maximum processing power.

A new design with OLED and touch support

According to Gurman, Apple is planning a new design that will fundamentally change the MacBook Pro for the first time since 2021. The upcoming model is expected to feature an OLED display with touch support – a significant improvement over the current mini-LED technology. OLED enables deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and more consistent brightness, which should elevate image quality to a new level.

Furthermore, the new model's casing is expected to be significantly thinner. There are also rumors of possible 5G support, suggesting that Apple is considering integrated cellular connectivity. The design around the camera opening could also change: instead of the familiar notch, Apple might opt for a Dynamic Island design on the new MacBook Pro – similar to the iPhone.

Focus on the high-end models

As Gurman reports, the new design will not be available for all MacBook Pro models. The revised version is said to be exclusive to models with M6 Pro and M6 Max chips. This means that the base model of the MacBook Pro, which is likely to be equipped with the standard M6 processor, will retain its current design for the time being.

Apple is continuing a familiar product strategy: New technologies and design changes are initially introduced in the more expensive models. A similar approach was observed with the Touch Bar, which was introduced in 2016 with the 13-inch MacBook Pro, but only became available in more affordable versions years later.

Evolution rather than revolution in the M5 lineup

Before the major redesign, Apple will introduce a series of new devices with M5 chips next year. According to Gurman, the company initially plans to release the following models:

MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max
MacBook Air with M5
Mac mini with M5 and M5 Pro
Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra

These models are intended to represent only evolutionary updates – primarily improvements in performance and efficiency, but no visible design changes. A more significant visual and technical update is not expected until the introduction of the M6 processors.

The base model retains the old design.

The report makes it clear that the entry-level MacBook Pro will retain its current design for at least another year. Apple plans to introduce a new 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M6 chip toward the end of 2025, but without a redesign or OLED display. This means that only buyers of the more expensive models with the M6 Pro or M6 Max will benefit from the new design.

Gurman describes these devices as the models that will bring "significant changes." All others will retain the existing look and mini-LED technology. Apple apparently intends to position the new design specifically in the premium segment before later rolling it out to more affordable models.

High-end first: The new MacBook Pro sets standards

The upcoming MacBook Pro with an OLED display will mark one of the biggest design changes in years. OLED, touch support, and a thinner enclosure demonstrate Apple's clear focus on innovation and premium quality. However, this upgrade will initially be available only on the M6 Pro and M6 Max models.

The base model of the MacBook Pro will retain its current design and mini-LED display for the time being. Anyone wanting to benefit from the new OLED design from the start will have to opt for one of the high-end versions. Apple is thus staying true to its policy of introducing technological innovations first in the higher price segment – before gradually rolling them out to the entry-level models.

In the long run, this could mean that OLED and touchscreens will eventually become standard across the entire MacBook line. Until then, however, the redesigned MacBook Pro with the M6 Pro and M6 Max remains the model that defines the future of Apple's notebooks. (Image: Shutterstock / SNAB)