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Apple is preparing a major upgrade for its MacBook Pro lineup in 2026, replacing mini-LED screens with OLED displays. The M6 series marks a pivotal shift in portable Mac design, offering slimmer bezels, a potential touchscreen, and Apple’s first 2nm chip for Macs. Fans can also expect a refreshed chassis and reinforced hinge to improve usability.
A New Display and Sleeker Design
The biggest change is the move from mini-LED to OLED. This eliminates the need for a backlight and allows Apple to make the chassis thinner. Cooling remains efficient thanks to Apple’s in-house M6 SoC. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman confirms the M6 series will remove the notch and introduce a touchscreen for more interactive experiences.
Apple is aware that touch-enabled screens can wobble despite strong hinges. To counter this, the company has reportedly reinforced the hinge mechanism, reducing pushback when tapping the display. These refinements are expected to add to the cost of the new MacBook Pros.
Performance and Specifications
The M6 MacBook Pro will retain the 14-inch and 16-inch sizes. OLED panels may allow thinner bezels and more compact designs. The M6 chip will use TSMC’s 2nm N2 process, the same used for the A20 and A20 Pro for the iPhone 18 and the iPhone Fold.
M6, M6 Pro, and M6 Max will benefit from improvements seen in Apple’s A-series, including better efficiency, upgraded chip packaging, and GPU dynamic caching. These enhancements aim to boost performance while maintaining energy efficiency.
Pricing and Availability
Upgrades such as OLED, touchscreen, reinforced hinge, and the 2nm chip will increase costs. The current base M5 MacBook Pro starts at $1,599 (currently $1,499 on Amazon) with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD.
The base 14-inch M6 MacBook Pro will not feature OLED or touchscreen, keeping it more affordable. OLED-equipped M6 Pro and M6 Max models are likely to start around $2,199, a $200 increase over current Pro models. Customers seeking lower prices can opt for older M5 models, which may see heavy discounts from third-party sellers.
Launch Timeline and Model Differentiation
Apple traditionally announces new Macs in the fourth quarter. Since the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro launched in October, the M6 series is expected around the same time. High-end M6 Pro and M6 Max models will likely launch alongside the base 14-inch version, offering OLED, touchscreen, and design changes.
Model identifiers indicate which versions receive these upgrades. The base 14-inch M6 is labeled J804, while OLED and touchscreen-equipped M6 Pro and M6 Max models carry the K116 designation. Other identifiers include J604 (14-inch M4), J704 (14-inch M5), and J716 (16-inch M5 Pro and M5 Max).
What to Expect
Apple’s M6 MacBook Pro lineup promises significant upgrades: OLED displays, thinner bezels, a reinforced hinge, touchscreen support, and the first 2 nm Mac chips. Prices are expected to rise, but these innovations may redefine the MacBook Pro experience for power users and creative professionals.
