Apple Plans Dual MacBook Pro Upgrades in 2026: What to Expect
Introduction
Generally, Apple is getting ready for a big year, and I am feeling pretty excited. Normally, they would just release one new MacBook Pro, but this time they are planning two, which will be available at different times of the year. Obviously, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says the first batch will be available soon, then a full redesign will come later. Basically, it is similar to what they did in 2023, when they released new Pro models in January and October.
First Up: Incremental Upgrades with M5 Chips
Probably, the early-year refresh will have the brand-new M5 Pro and M5 Max silicon. Usually, these chips are better than the M3 line, so we can expect faster CPU cores and more powerful GPU blocks. Apparently, there will not be any big changes to the chassis, but the speed bump will be important for video editors, 3D artists, and devs who use their laptops a lot.
Sometimes, rumors say Apple could announce the M5-powered Pro models with the Creator Studio app bundle on Jan 28. If that happens, they will use the software launch to show off the new hardware, which is what Apple usually does.
A Major Redesign on the Horizon
Later in the year, the big change is coming: a complete Pro redesign. Maybe it will be available in 2027, but the rumored specs are already making people excited.
- OLED Touch Screen – it would be great to have a high-res, touch-enabled display, possibly instead of the Touch Bar.
- Dynamic Island – an interactive area like on the iPhone, for alerts and controls.
- M6 Pro and M6 Max – the next silicon generation, which will be even faster and more efficient.
- Thinner, lighter chassis – a sleeker design without sacrificing battery life.
- Built-in cellular – finally, a laptop that can connect directly to a 5G network.
If these features are real, it will be the biggest Pro overhaul since the M1 launch in 2020.
Other Apple Devices Getting Updates
Apple is not just stopping at the Pro line. Here is a quick look at what else might be refreshed this year:
- MacBook Air – an M5-chip version for everyday users who want speed without the bulk.
- Mac Studio – upgraded to M5 Max and M5 Ultra for creators who need desktop-class power.
- Studio Display – a mini-LED panel with ProMotion (up to 120 Hz), HDR, and an A19 or A19 Pro chip for smarter processing.
- Lower-Cost MacBook – a budget model powered by the iPhone 16 Pro’s A18 Pro silicon, making the ecosystem more accessible.
- Mac mini – refreshed internals aimed at developers and power users.
Precedent for Dual Upgrades
Apparently, Apple is not doing anything new with two releases a year. In 2023 they released M2 Pro/Max in January and followed up with M3 Pro/Max in October. That approach gave early adopters a taste of what was coming, while keeping a bigger surprise for later.
For shoppers, it means more choices, but also a tough decision: buy now or wait for the bigger upgrade.
What This Means for Consumers
If you need a new laptop ASAP, the M5 Pro/Max models will give you a solid performance bump. But if you can wait till the end of 2026, the redesigned Pro with OLED and Dynamic Island might feel like a future-proof investment.
Creative pros should also keep an eye on the refreshed Mac Studio and Studio Display—those upgrades could save you time on rendering and editing workflows.
Conclusion
Apple’s 2026 roadmap looks ambitious: two MacBook Pro upgrades, a slew of device refreshes, and a potential redesign that could change the pro-laptop game. Whether you are chasing raw power now or waiting for the next-gen OLED experience, there will be something for you.
Keep an eye on the Creator Studio launch and other Apple announcements—those events will likely give us the first clues about the upcoming hardware.
