MacBook Pro 2026: Why it's worth waiting Apfelpatient

The MacBook Pro has been considered the benchmark in the premium notebook segment for years. Performance, display quality, and build quality remain consistently high. Those who invest in such a device are usually planning for the long term. That's precisely why the right time to buy is crucial. For 2026, there are strong indications that the first update of the year won't be the wisest choice.

Apple plans to unveil new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models as early as the beginning of March. Variants with the M5 Pro and M5 Max processors are expected. At first glance, this sounds like a typical performance upgrade. However, aside from the processor, very little is expected to change. The design and display will apparently remain unchanged.

At the same time, there are increasing indications that 2026 will be an unusual year. Instead of just one update, there could be two. And the second one is likely to be significantly more exciting than the first.

The March update: M5 Pro and M5 Max without major changes

New MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max processors are expected to be released in the spring. Technically, this primarily means more processing power. Architecture and efficiency will be improved, but beyond that, much will remain the same.

Neither the casing nor the display will be redesigned. No new form factors, screen technology, or fundamental features that would alter the user experience are planned. The update therefore feels like a classic intermediate step: faster, but not fundamentally different.

The big update at the end of 2026: OLED, M6 and new design

What's expected by the end of 2026 is considerably more interesting. That's when the first MacBook Pro models with OLED displays are expected to appear. This would bring a technology to the Mac that has been standard on the iPhone for years and was also introduced in the iPad Pro in 2024. So far, Macs haven't used OLED.

Additionally, this generation is expected to receive a redesigned look. This means it's not just about internal improvements, but a visible evolution of the device. At its core will be new M6 chips based on 2-nanometer technology. This manufacturing process promises greater efficiency and higher power per watt, which could be noticeable in both performance and battery life.

There's also the possibility that these models could be the first Macs with integrated cellular capabilities. If this proves true, it would make mobile use significantly more flexible.

Touchscreen in the MacBook Pro: A change of strategy

The issue of touchscreens is particularly noteworthy. Apple had emphasized for years that the Mac would not have a touchscreen. However, several recent reports now suggest a change of heart.

The new OLED MacBook Pro models are expected to support touch functionality. This would not replace the mouse and keyboard, but rather complement them. Touch-based input would be added alongside traditional control methods. This would bring the MacBook Pro closer to the iPad while maintaining the familiar desktop experience.

Such a move would be one of the biggest conceptual changes since the switch to Apple Silicon in 2020.

Which models are affected?

The planned OLED touch displays are expected to be limited to the high-end 14-inch and 16-inch models. This is due to the high cost of the technology. It's even conceivable that OLED will initially only be available in a single, very expensive high-end model.

The standard M5 MacBook Pro, released last fall, is unlikely to benefit from the updates to the same extent. While it's expected that this model will also receive an M6 chip later, OLED and touchscreen features will probably remain exclusive to the premium versions. Nevertheless, a design update for the entire product line is anticipated.

Two updates in one year are not unprecedented

Two major updates within a single year are unusual, but not unprecedented. In 2023, the MacBook Pro was updated in January with the M2 Pro and M2 Max, and then again in October of the same year with the M3 Pro and M3 Max. A similar scenario appears likely to repeat itself in 2026, but this time with significantly greater differences between the generations.

First a small update, then a major overhaul of the MacBook Pro

The MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max, expected in the spring, is likely to primarily offer increased performance, but no visible or conceptual innovations. However, a comprehensive redesign is rumored to follow a few months later, potentially combining an OLED display, a new design, a 2-nanometer M6 chip, possible cellular support, and, for the first time, touch functionality.

Against this backdrop, the first update of the year seems like a stopgap solution. Anyone planning a high-end MacBook Pro and thinking long-term will find good reasons not to immediately jump to the first new generation in 2026. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those compatible with HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Mar Fernandez)