Apple plans four MacBook launches throughout 2026, targeting every segment from budget buyers to professional users. Reports from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo outline the company's most comprehensive Mac refresh in years.
The lineup begins with a low-cost MacBook designed to compete with Chromebooks and entry-level Windows laptops. This model reportedly features a 13-inch LCD display, A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro, and regular USB-C ports instead of Thunderbolt. Pricing reportedly targets $599 to $899, with $699 or $799 considered most likely, positioning it below the current $999 MacBook Air.
Apple will refresh its MacBook Pro lineup with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips in early 2026. The company already updated the base 14-inch MacBook Pro with standard M5 chips in October. These models maintain current chassis designs while delivering faster SSD speeds and higher memory bandwidth through TSMC's 3nm process technology.
The MacBook Air moves to M5 chips in the first quarter, likely March 2026. Benchmarks from the M5 iPad Pro show 10-15% CPU gains and up to 36% faster GPU performance compared to M4 models. The design remains unchanged from current models, with pricing expected to remain close to current levels, potentially around $799 according to some reports.
Apple's most significant update arrives in late 2026 to early 2027 with redesigned MacBook Pro models featuring OLED touchscreen displays and M6 chips. These machines reportedly use TSMC's 2nm process for tighter component integration and offer thinner, lighter frames with hole-punch cameras replacing the notch.
The OLED displays provide deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and improved power efficiency compared to current mini-LED screens. Touchscreen functionality marks Apple's first departure from traditional Mac input methods while maintaining full keyboard and trackpad support.
Professional models with M5 Pro chips start at $1,999 for 14-inch versions and $2,399 for 16-inch configurations. M5 Max equivalents could reach $3,199 and $3,499 respectively. The OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro models will reportedly command premium pricing several hundred dollars above current levels.
Apple's 2026 strategy covers the entire market spectrum. Budget-conscious users gain access to macOS through the low-cost MacBook, while professionals receive incremental M5 Pro/Max updates. The OLED touchscreen models represent Apple's most significant Mac redesign in years, targeting late 2026 to early 2027 availability.
Current Mac owners face a clear decision timeline. Those needing immediate upgrades can consider existing M4 models, while users with functional systems may benefit from waiting for March's M5 Air updates or the late-year OLED Pro redesigns. The low-cost MacBook provides an entry point for students and first-time buyers previously priced out of Apple's ecosystem, complementing other Apple hardware developments.
