Jan 04, 2026
3 min read
Next year could bring a redesigned MacBook, a new Studio display, Apple's first touchscreen Mac, and Apple's first budget model.
After a somewhat tame 2025 largely filled with processor upgrades, 2026 will be a big year for the Mac; possibly the biggest year since Apple introduced the first Macintosh in 1984. It all starts with rumors of Apple's first new MacBook in years, and could end with a bang as the MacBook Pro gets a major overhaul. If you're planning to buy a Mac in 2026, you're in for a big surprise.Here's what to expect from next year's Mac.
MacBook Air M5
2026 is likely to get off to a slow start as Apple's most popular laptop is expected to upgrade its chip to the M5 earlier in the year.The current M4 MacBook Air was released in March 2025, so wait for the M5 update to arrive in early spring.
There are probably no surprises here.Apple launched the M5 chip in the MacBook Pro in October 2025, and there are hints that the M5 will offer a small increase in CPU performance, but a bigger improvement in GPU speed.This update will be an updated chip;The rest of the laptop's features are likely to remain the same.More information on the MacBook Air M5 to come.
M5 Pro / M5 Max MacBook Pro
The M5 PRO and MAX versions of the MacBook Pro are expected in the spring of 2026, probably at the same time that the MetBook Pro is expected to be the only chip upgrade.Ober, the chips can be significantly upgraded.
According to reports, Apple will introduce a new chip design for the M5 Pro and Max, where the CPU and GPU are located in separate blocks.This will allow more customization options;for example, a customer may receive a chip with a base configuration of CPU cores and maximum GPU cores.Learn more about the upcoming M5 Pro/Mac MacBook Pro.
This is where things start to get very interesting.Reports have been swirling for months that Apple is developing a cheaper MacBook to compete in the market with Chromebooks and Windows laptops.The laptop will ship in the first half of 2026, reports Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
The low-cost MacBook will reportedly use an iPhone chip, most likely the A19 Pro.The report says it will have a slightly smaller display than the 13-inch MacBook Air, and we suspect it may lack some of the features found on the MacBook Air, including more Thunderbolt 4 ports and HDR.
With the current MacBook Air starting at $999, expect the new model to start at $699.Learn about the latest MacBooks.
According to Gurman, the M5 Max and M5 Ultra Mac Studio are on Apple's 2026 release schedule.Apple may release this Max in March, but it seems more likely that it will be released at WWDC in June.
Mac Studio will not see design changes, and its update can only be done with its chip.Reports indicate that Apple is using a new chip design with high-end M-series chips that feature the CPU and GPU on separate blocks, allowing for more customization options with both CPU and GPU cores.Learn more about the upcoming Mac Studio.
Studio monitors and Pro Display XDR
Apple has reportedly finally updated its Display Studio, some four years after the first one.Code numbers for the new Studio display were found in a preview of iOS 26, with reference to a refresh rate of 120Hz, support for SDR and HDR formats, and an A19 chip to control Spatial Audio and a built-in camera.Apple introduced the original Presentation Studio along with Mac Studio 2022, to launch at the same time.
As for the Pro Display
Apple will preview macOS 27 at WWDC in June, and since macOS 26 includes major UI changes, reports say it will be a maintenance release with an emphasis on performance and stability and a minimal number of new features.One thing to note: Apple is reportedly launching its first touchscreen MacBook Pro (see below), so it's possible macOS 27 will have some subtle UI updates that make on-screen elements easier to use with the touch interface.
Touchscreen MacBook Pro
Despite the relatively small pace at the start of the year, Apple still plans a major refresh for the MacBook Pro in the second half of the year.Next year marks the 20th anniversary of the MacBook, and Apple is reportedly planning a big celebration.Along with the M6 family of processors, Apple is likely to introduce two important improvements to at least the high-end MacBook Pro models: an OLED touchscreen and the first new design in five years.Read more about the upcoming M6 MacBook Pro.
The M4 iMac was released about a year ago, but we have no reports on the 2026 update to the iconic Mac desktop all in one.Apple may have the iMac on a longer upgrade cycle, so the upgrade won't happen until the M6 is available.Depending on the timing, the M6 may arrive in late 2026 or early 2027.
We'll probably start hearing rumors around WWDC time, but if you're considering buying an iMac, the current M4 model is a great buy.Its M4 chip is fast, it comes with 16GB of RAM, a 12MP Center Stage camera, and a Nano-Texture glass option.
M5/M5 Pro Mac mini
Gurman reports that the M5 and M5 Pro Mac mini are on Apple's 2026 release schedule. With the M6 expected in the second half of 2026, the M5 Mac mini will likely be released in the first half of the year.
Haimona Jari / Foundry
The current M4 Mac mini, which has the smallest footprint of any Mac, was released a year ago.Apple is unlikely to change the design released last fall, so the chip will essentially be all that's new.Learn more about the M5 Mac mini.
M5 Ultra Mac Pro
Gorman reported that Apple has largely phased out the Mac Pro and believes the Mac Studio meets the needs of users who require workstation performance.It still uses the M2 Ultra processor, and if it doesn't get an update in 2026 or early 2027, we expect it to disappear from Apple's lineup.
