Apple is reportedly gearing up for a significant year for its MacBook Pro lineup in 2026, with plans for two separate rounds of upgrades according to reliable Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman.

The first update is expected in the first half of 2026. This will expand the current MacBook Pro family to include models powered by the higher-end M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. Currently, only a base model with the standard M5 chip is available, starting at $1,599. These new models will likely retain the current Mini-LED "Liquid Retina XDR" display technology.

The second, more substantial upgrade is tentatively scheduled for late 2026. This could involve a major redesign for the MacBook Pro featuring next-generation M6 Pro and M6 Max processors. The most anticipated change is a potential switch to OLED display panels, which would offer better contrast and color accuracy. This redesign might also include a new front-facing camera system that replaces the current screen notch with a smaller "hole-punch" cutout, similar to the iPhone's Dynamic Island, and could even introduce touchscreen functionality.

In related news, a new policy shift by Apple has caused confusion among buyers in the European Union and United Kingdom. Due to a recent EU law aimed at reducing electronic waste, Apple has made buying a MacBook Pro without a power charger the default option at checkout. Customers must actively select (and pay for) a charger if they need one, a move some critics see as a cost-cutting measure disguised as environmentalism.

This means 2026 could be a pivotal year for professionals, offering a choice between the powerful M5 Pro/Max models earlier in the year and waiting for the potentially groundbreaking M6 redesign with an OLED screen later on.