If you're thinking about buying a new MacBook Pro, the timing is especially interesting. Major changes are coming next year. OLED displays, a new design, and more powerful chips are planned for the 2026 models. The switch to OLED could be a bigger step than the introduction of mini-LEDs. Therefore, it's worth taking a closer look at what Apple is currently preparing.
Apple regularly updates its MacBook Pro lineup—usually with new processors or minor design tweaks. The last major redesign was several years ago, arriving in 2021 with a new chassis, HDMI port, MagSafe, and mini-LED. Visually, little has changed since then. But that's likely to change soon. Analysts and industry rumors point to a major technological leap with the display taking center stage.
OLED displays: More than just better colors
According to Omdia analyst Linda Lin, the first MacBooks with OLED displays will be available from 2026 appear. It doesn't explicitly mention the MacBook Pro, but Apple usually brings major innovations to the Pro series first. So it's very likely that the MacBook Pro will be the first model with OLED, before the MacBook Air follows later. OLED offers several advantages over current Mini-LED technology. You can expect higher contrast, which is particularly noticeable in deep blacks. Colors are clearer and more vibrant. The brightness is also said to be higher with OLED panels - good for anyone who works outdoors a lot or with HDR content. Another important point is energy efficiency. OLED panels consume less power on average than Mini-LEDs. This improves battery life, which is of course a clear advantage for a mobile device like the MacBook Pro.
Redesign planned – thinner housing possible
In addition to the new display, there are also hints of a comprehensive redesign. As mentioned, the last major chassis update was several years ago. Rumors suggest that the new MacBook Pro will not only feature an OLED display, but will also be thinner and more compact overall. Whether certain ports will be omitted or how the new design will affect weight and cooling remains unclear.
Will the pinhole camera replace the notch?
An interesting detail was also published by Omdia in December 2024. Analysts believe that Apple could switch to a so-called hole-punch camera in future MacBook Pro models. Instead of a wide notch at the top of the display, only a small camera opening would be visible – similar to many current smartphones. Whether Apple will actually take this step has not yet been confirmed. It also remains unclear whether this change will come in 2026 or later. Nevertheless, it would fit well with the planned redesign and the OLED panel, as this would create more space for display content.
M-Chips: M6 series for 2026, M5 this year
The next MacBook Pro generation will not only change on the outside. A lot will change on the inside as well. Apple plans to switch to the new M6 processor series in 2026: M6, M6 Pro, and M6 Max. These chips are expected to deliver even greater performance and efficiency—especially for compute-intensive tasks like video editing, software development, and AI applications. Before then, however, a smaller update is expected: Apple is expected to release models with the new M5 chip as early as the end of this year. However, there are unlikely to be any major design changes or display innovations. The update is likely to be limited to the processor.
Buy MacBook Pro or wait? This is what makes 2026 a good option
If you're thinking about buying a new MacBook Pro and don't need one right away, the wait may well be worth it. OLED technology will bring noticeable improvements, the design is likely to be slimmer, and the M6 chips are also expected to provide a significant leap in performance. There are also possible changes like a pinhole camera and an even more efficient power supply. However, those who buy this year will get modern technology with the M5 chip, but will still have to miss out on these major innovations. So, for many, 2026 could be a better time to upgrade—especially if you value display quality, battery life, and modern design. (Image: Shutterstock / Dontree_M)
