The MacBook Pro’s controversial notch could be a thing of the past by 2026. A recent component roadmap from research firm Omdia suggests Apple is planning a significant display redesign for its 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, slated for release in 2026. The notch is expected to be replaced by a more streamlined hole-punch camera design.
While it remains unclear whether Apple will integrate its Dynamic Island feature, currently seen on iPhones, into the MacBook Pro lineup, the shift to a hole-punch design offers several potential advantages. Beyond a cleaner aesthetic, it could free up valuable menu bar space, offering a more immersive user experience. Interestingly, the roadmap also indicates the MacBook Air will retain its notch until at least 2028.
This projected 2026 overhaul aligns with previous reports hinting at a major redesign for the MacBook Pro, potentially including the introduction of OLED displays. This would mark the first significant redesign since 2021, when Apple controversially introduced the notch to house its 1080p webcam. The rumored OLED display could enable a thinner chassis and enhanced visuals, alongside a powerful M6 chip built on a 2nm process.
The current M4 MacBook Pro series utilizes a mini-LED display, a technology expected to continue in next year’s M5 models, albeit with minor upgrades. This has led some analysts to advise consumers to hold off on upgrades until the anticipated 2026 models arrive.
The transition to OLED for the MacBook Pro seems increasingly inevitable. OLED technology offers notable improvements in performance, color accuracy, and energy efficiency, making it a prevalent choice across the computing industry. Given Apple’s history of adopting mature technologies, their move towards OLED appears strategically timed.
