It’s an exciting time for the Mac ecosystem. As of early 2026, we’re positioned between a performance-focused refresh and what could be a major architectural shift later this year.
In the near term, Apple is expected to launch the M5 Pro and M5 Max alongside macOS 26.3. Built on third-generation 3nm technology, these chips are designed to significantly improve AI performance, with a Neural Accelerator integrated into each GPU core to handle “Apple Intelligence” tasks more efficiently. Combined with faster PCIe 5.0 SSDs and increased memory bandwidth, this update should deliver meaningful gains — even if the overall MacBook Pro design remains the same.
There are also rumors of a new 12-inch entry-level MacBook aimed at students and lighter users. Reports suggest it could run on an A18 Pro chip rather than a full M-series processor, potentially lowering the entry price while still delivering the macOS experience.
The bigger shift may arrive later in 2026. Apple is reportedly planning a MacBook Pro redesign featuring tandem OLED displays for deeper contrast, improved brightness, and better power efficiency. There are also indications that touchscreen support is being tested, along with a thinner overall design. Under the hood, the expected M6 chip could move to a 2nm process, focusing heavily on efficiency and AI integration.
If you need performance now, the M5 Pro and Max models will be strong upgrades. But if you’re looking for a more dramatic leap in display and design, waiting until late 2026 may be worthwhile.
The next 12–18 months could have the biggest impact on the Mac lineup since the introduction of Apple silicon.
-Dwayne Schwartz
