Apple is planning one of the most comprehensive MacBook updates in years for 2026. Four new models are expected to cover different price and performance segments. The range extends from an affordable MacBook for the education and entry-level markets to a completely redesigned MacBook Pro with an OLED display, touchscreen, and M6 chip. The upcoming devices demonstrate a clear strategy to expand the Mac portfolio both at the lower and upper ends.
A look at the information currently available from reliable industry sources such as Mark Gurman, Ming-Chi Kuo, and Omdia reveals how Apple plans to differentiate its product lines in 2026. A new entry-level model will open up the market, while existing series will be further developed with modern chip technology. At the same time, Apple is preparing a major leap with a new Pro generation that will significantly surpass current standards in design, display, and performance.
Affordable MacBook
A MacBook is expected to be released in 2026 that is clearly aimed at the low-budget segment for the first time. It targets students, businesses, and individuals who primarily use the web, edit documents, or complete simple media projects. The model is expected to have a 13-inch LCD display, slightly smaller than the MacBook Air. Current estimates suggest the casing will remain very thin and light, but will use more economical materials to keep the price down.
Inside, the A18 Pro chip, first used in the iPhone 16 Pro, is expected to power the device. This chip is about 40 percent slower than the M4 chip, but achieves multi-core performance on par with the M1 and even surpasses the M1 in graphics performance. The A18 Pro does not support Thunderbolt, so the device will feature standard USB-C ports. The starting price is expected to be between $699 and $899. This affordable MacBook could be sold in colors like silver, blue, pink, and yellow, and is intended to be a clear alternative to Chromebooks and budget Windows devices.
MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max
Following the MacBook Pro update with the base M5 chip, Apple plans to update the more powerful models in early 2026. The M5 Pro and M5 Max are based on TSMC's third-generation 3nm technology. Compared to the previous chips, improvements in SSD performance and memory bandwidth are expected.
The design remains unchanged. A more significant redesign is expected with the M6 generation. If Apple maintains current pricing, the 14-inch M5 Pro model will start at €2,299, and the 16-inch model at €2,799. The M5 Max variants are expected to start at around €3,799 for the 14-inch model and €4,099 for the 16-inch model.
M5 MacBook Air
Although the M4 MacBook Air is still new to the market, attention is already turning to the upcoming M5 model. Like the Pro versions, the M5 chip will be manufactured using TSMC's 3nm technology. Initial performance figures are taken from the M5 iPad Pro, which has already been unveiled.
There, the chip achieves approximately 4,133 points in the single-core test and around 15,437 points in the multi-core test. This represents an increase of 10 to 15 percent compared to the M4. The GPU shows a performance increase of up to 36 percent. Instead of a complete redesign, Apple is focusing on higher efficiency and moderately increased clock speeds. This should not only deliver more performance but also improve battery life. Mark Gurman expects the market launch in the first quarter of 2026, probably in March. The base model is likely to remain at €1,099.
MacBook Pro with touchscreen OLED display
The most interesting project within the upcoming MacBook pipeline is a MacBook Pro that will reportedly feature an OLED display and a touchscreen for the first time. According to current reports, these devices are expected to be released in late 2026 or early 2027. Inside, they are said to be powered by M6 chips based on TSMC's 2nm process. This manufacturing process would allow the CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, and DRAM to be integrated more closely, which should significantly improve both performance and efficiency. OLED offers several advantages over Mini-LED, such as higher peak brightness, deeper blacks, stronger contrast, and better energy efficiency. The enclosure is also expected to be thinner and lighter.
The new generation is expected to feature a punch-hole camera at the top of the display, similar to the iPhone's Dynamic Island design, while the screen remains usable around the camera. The touchscreen has been confirmed by both Kuo and Gurman. However, it will only supplement the user interface, as the keyboard and trackpad will remain fully functional. Since OLED displays and new chip technology result in higher production costs, prices are expected to be several hundred dollars higher than current models. The current Pro devices start at €1,799 for the 14-inch model and €2,799 for the 16-inch model. A further price increase is considered likely.
Apple is restructuring its 2026 MacBook lineup
The four planned MacBook releases for 2026 demonstrate Apple's ambition to broaden its notebook lineup. A new, more affordable MacBook will open up a new product category. The MacBook Air will receive a significant performance upgrade, while the existing MacBook Pro will be modernized with more powerful M5 chips. Finally, the upcoming OLED MacBook Pro with an M6 chip will represent the most substantial technological leap. Apple is thus heading into a year that could significantly reshape the Mac lineup. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those compatible with HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Wirestock Creators)
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