For years, the MacBook Pro has stood for high performance, premium displays, and professional work environments. However, Apple is planning a major evolution for 2026. A touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro with Dynamic Island, redesigned macOS controls, and 2-nanometer chips is slated for release. This will not only change the hardware but also the device's user interface.
For many years, Apple emphasized that a touchscreen was not planned for the Mac. While the iPad was consistently designed as a touch device, the MacBook Pro remained a classic notebook with a keyboard and trackpad.
While there was an initial attempt to integrate touch elements into the MacBook Pro with the OLED Touch Bar, this solution was later removed due to its poor reception from many users.
With the planned 2026 touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro, Apple is fundamentally changing this approach. The new model is expected to be the first Mac to support touch gestures directly on the display. At the same time, it will remain a classic notebook and will not be positioned as a touch-first device like the iPad (via Bloomberg).
OLED display in the MacBook Pro: Two sizes planned
Apple plans to release OLED versions of both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro. This means OLED will replace the current display technology in these models. The switch to OLED offers several technical advantages:
- Higher contrast
- Deeper black tones
- Faster response times
- Improved energy efficiency
The new MacBook Pro will thus be the first to combine an OLED display with touch functionality. It is the first Mac model to support full touch gestures directly on the screen.
Touchscreen support in the MacBook Pro
The upcoming MacBook Pro will support touch input on the display in addition to traditional operation via keyboard and trackpad.
It's important to note that Apple is not removing the keyboard or trackpad. The basic functionality of the device remains unchanged. All functions can still be controlled via mouse or trackpad.
The MacBook Pro is therefore not positioned as a tablet replacement. Touch is an additional input method, not a mandatory one.
Dynamic Island replaces the Notch
A key feature of the new MacBook Pro is the introduction of Dynamic Island. This replaces the previous notch at the top of the display.
Instead of a wide cutout, a pinhole camera is integrated. This creates more usable screen area for content. The Dynamic Island surrounds the camera. Its functionality is based on the iPhone:
- The Dynamic Island is interactive
- It expands depending on the context.
- It responds to active apps or system processes.
- It displays relevant information.
Depending on the app or Mac function used, the display changes dynamically. This makes more functional use of the upper display area than with the previous notch solution.
macOS is becoming more touch-friendly
Apple is also adapting macOS to the touchscreen. The operating system is being made more touch-friendly. Planned changes include:
- Users can tap or click on screen elements.
- Controls adapt to the input method.
- Larger, optimized controls are displayed when using touch.
- Integration of touch-based options directly into macOS
- Support for pinch gestures to zoom in or out
- Fast scrolling via finger movement
For example, when a menu bar item is tapped, additional controls optimized for touch operation appear. A traditional click maintains the familiar layout. Thus, the MacBook Pro combines two operating concepts in one system.
Design: Sleeker, yet familiar
In addition to the touchscreen and OLED technology, the MacBook Pro is expected to receive a slightly updated design. A slimmer case is anticipated.
Nevertheless, the basic form factor remains very close to the current MacBook Pro. No changes to the display sizes are planned, and the classic notebook structure will be retained. In summary:
- Slimmer case
- Pinhole camera instead of notch
- OLED display
- Keyboard remains
- Trackpad remains
- 14- and 16-inch versions remain
Apple focuses on further development rather than radical restructuring.
Two MacBook Pro updates in 2026
Apple is apparently planning two separate updates to the MacBook Pro for 2026.
Spring 2026
The MacBook Pro is expected to be released in the spring, initially with new chips:
- M5 Pro
- M5 Max
These models will not yet be equipped with OLED.
End of 2026
A larger update will follow towards the end of 2026:
- OLED MacBook Pro
- M6 Pro
- M6 Max
- Chips based on a new 2-nanometer process
The M6 chips are expected to be based on Apple's new 2-nanometer manufacturing process. This should result in improvements in performance and energy efficiency. Apple is therefore planning two separate product cycles for the MacBook Pro starting in 2026.
The MacBook Pro before its biggest update in years
The 2026 MacBook Pro brings together several fundamental innovations: OLED display, touchscreen support, Dynamic Island with punch-hole camera, touch-optimized macOS and new M6 chips manufactured using a 2-nanometer process.
At the same time, the device remains true to its design principles. The keyboard and trackpad are retained, the display sizes do not change, and the notebook is not positioned as a purely touch-based device.
With two updates in the same year and a major overhaul towards the end of 2026, the MacBook Pro is poised for one of the most extensive upgrades in recent years. (Image: Shutterstock / Shahid Jamil)
- iPhone Fold: Mystery surrounding missing production leaks
- iPhone 18 Pro enters crucial testing phase
- This is how Apple intends to win the AI competition in the long term
- Apple March Event 2026: Five new products expected
- iPhone 18 Pro: Apple tests new Deep Red color
- OpenAI plans smart speaker with camera
- MacBook 2026: Color ideas are still from 2022
- macOS 26.3 code reveals three new Apple products
- Apple Experience: Is Immersive F1 coming?
- Meta launches a new attack in the smartwatch market
- MacBook 2026: These colors are planned
- Apple could surprise with a product week in March
- Report: Apple plans two new Home devices
- Apple is developing three new AI wearables with Siri
- iPad Pro: Why major updates are missing
- iPhone 18 Pro: No major upgrade in sight
- MacBook soon with integrated privacy screen?
- Apple launches hardware offensive in spring 2026
- CarPlay in Teslas: Why it's taking longer
- Affordable MacBook: All the info on the March launch
- iOS 27 brings more stability and battery life
- iPhone 18 Pro: These changes are planned
- iPhone Flip: Prototype apparently already tested
- The iPhone Fold brings new life to the book format
