The recently launched 2024 MacBook Pro with the M4 chip is barely on shelves, yet whispers of future generations are already circulating. Speculation suggests a relatively uneventful 2025 model, with the truly groundbreaking changes reserved for the 2026 MacBook Pro.
MacBook Pro with M4A prominent rumor revolves around the display technology. While the current and upcoming 2025 models are expected to retain the mini-LED display introduced in 2021, industry analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo and Ross Young predict a shift to OLED for the 2026 MacBook Pro. This transition has been anticipated for some time, and would represent a significant visual upgrade.
Apple has maintained the mini-LED display technology since 2021, though the upcoming M4 release boasts improved SDR brightness. However, Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman lends further credence to the 2026 OLED prediction, stating that a substantial MacBook Pro redesign is anticipated for that year.
In his “Power On” newsletter, Gurman responded to a reader’s upgrade inquiry by advising against immediate action, suggesting a wait for the 2026 model, which he anticipates will offer a “true overhaul.” While speculative, Gurman’s insights into Apple’s product timelines are generally well-regarded.
TechRadar observes that Apple appears to have transitioned to a five-year cycle for major device redesigns, compared to a four-year cycle previously. The 2026 MacBook Pro, in addition to the potential OLED display, is rumored to feature a thinner chassis and a more powerful M6 chip built on a 2nm process. These combined changes paint a picture of a truly transformative update.
The 2025 MacBook Pro will likely receive a performance boost from the M5 chip, along with incremental improvements similar to those seen in the M4, M3, and M2 generations. For instance, the newly announced M4 Max boasts not only impressive benchmark results but also an upgraded webcam, Thunderbolt 5, and the option for a nano-texture display.
In conclusion, while the 2025 MacBook Pro promises incremental improvements, the 2026 iteration appears poised for a more substantial transformation. The potential integration of an OLED display, a thinner design, and the powerful M6 chip suggest a significant leap forward, making it a potentially worthwhile wait for those considering a MacBook Pro upgrade.
