Apple has just launched its M4 MacBook Pro lineup, but the rumor mill is already buzzing about a major redesign set to debut in 2026. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this overhaul could bring one of the most requested features to the MacBook Pro: an OLED display. This change, alongside design and performance upgrades, could represent Apple’s most significant MacBook transformation in years. For Apple enthusiasts, this is big news — Cupertino doesn’t often make radical changes to its flagship devices, especially the MacBook Pro, known for its consistent design.
As Apple appears to have a straightforward plan for its 2025 MacBook Pro (with only a minor spec bump expected), anticipation is mounting for what could be a revolutionary MacBook Pro release in 2026. Here’s a closer look at what we might expect.
Incremental Upgrades Expected in 2025
While 2026 looks set for major changes, Apple’s plans for 2025 are far more conservative. Tech analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Ross Young have both reported that next year’s MacBook Pros will likely keep the existing design and mini-LED displays, marking a continuation of the current form factor. The primary upgrade for the 2025 models will be Apple’s next-generation M5 chip series, including the M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max processors. Gurman reports that these chips are “already near completion,” suggesting that Apple’s 2025 MacBook Pro will be more of a performance refinement than a full redesign.
These iterative updates, expected to launch quietly — perhaps with just a press release — indicate Apple’s strategy of maintaining a predictable update cycle for its pro-level laptops. By keeping the focus on incremental improvements, Apple likely aims to keep current users satisfied while saving its big design shifts for the following year.
The MacBook Pro’s OLED Transformation
The rumored 2026 MacBook Pro is expected to showcase Apple’s first OLED display in a MacBook, a feature long-awaited by fans of the vibrant display technology. OLED, which Apple has already introduced in its latest iPad Pro lineup, promises stunning colors, deep contrast, and impressive brightness. The addition of OLED in the MacBook Pro could transform the laptop’s visual experience, especially for users who work in color-sensitive fields like graphic design and video editing.
Beyond the visual benefits, OLED technology is also expected to bring tangible improvements to battery life. Compared to traditional mini-LED panels, OLED panels are thinner and more energy-efficient, which could extend battery life for MacBook Pro users. The shift to OLED also offers design benefits, as Apple could potentially make the 2026 MacBook Pro thinner than any previous model. Gurman reports that Apple aims to make these MacBook Pros the “thinnest and lightest products in their categories across the whole tech industry,” a bold claim that underscores the potential of OLED to enable sleeker designs.
Other Expected Design Changes
In addition to the OLED display, Apple’s rumored 2026 redesign may bring a fresh aesthetic to the MacBook Pro, breaking away from the traditional aluminum frame that has defined the device for years. While the classic aluminum design has served as a hallmark of durability and style, many fans are eager to see what Apple’s design team has in store.
The possibility of a thinner and lighter design aligns with Apple’s overall trend of pushing for increasingly compact and portable devices, but it remains to be seen whether this shift will affect features like the keyboard, trackpad, and port selection. Apple has a history of fine-tuning these details in redesigns, and if the MacBook Pro is indeed going to be as slim as possible, it may involve some rethinking of the current layout.
This projected upgrade cycle for the MacBook Pro — a small update in 2025 followed by a full redesign in 2026 — may also be part of Apple’s broader strategy to encourage users to adopt a longer replacement cycle. MacBook Pro users, especially those with the M1 and M2 models, have expressed satisfaction with their devices’ performance and longevity, which means fewer people feel the need to upgrade annually. Given the high cost of Apple’s laptops, many customers appreciate the predictability of Apple’s design cycles, as they can upgrade every four to five years without falling behind on major innovations.
A full redesign every few years aligns with this strategy, allowing Apple to build excitement with substantial upgrades while providing incremental improvements between major overhauls. With this approach, Apple appears to be focusing on delivering transformative changes only when they bring a real difference to the user experience, as opposed to updating designs yearly.
What This Means for Future MacBook Pro Buyers
For those on the fence about upgrading, the 2026 MacBook Pro rumors may influence their purchasing decisions. If the anticipated OLED displays and thinner designs align with the needs of power users, many may opt to wait for the 2026 model rather than buying next year’s MacBook Pro with a marginal upgrade. Apple’s commitment to refining the MacBook Pro into an even thinner, lighter device with superior display technology could redefine the standards for high-end laptops.
Meanwhile, current MacBook Pro users with M1 or M2 models will likely be satisfied for a few more years, given that these models are still highly capable of handling professional workloads. For others, the incremental performance gains from the M5 chips in 2025 could provide enough of a reason to upgrade, especially if they’re in need of a more powerful machine for everyday tasks.
Outlook: An Exciting Future for Apple’s MacBook Pro
Apple’s rumored plans for the 2026 MacBook Pro suggest that the company is carefully balancing between annual upgrades and transformative, design-driven changes. The anticipated shift to OLED technology, coupled with a thinner form factor, could make the 2026 MacBook Pro one of the most desirable laptops on the market.
If these rumors hold true, Apple’s approach to spacing out major redesigns may ultimately benefit customers by offering long-lasting devices with substantial upgrades at predictable intervals. As we look ahead, the 2026 MacBook Pro could be worth the wait, especially for fans of OLED technology and cutting-edge laptop design. Whether or not Apple will unveil other surprises in this model remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the MacBook Pro’s future is looking brighter than ever.
