Apple is reportedly working on an OLED upgrade for the MacBook Pro series. The new model with the upgraded display is expected to come in late 2026 or early 2027, but a new rumor now claims that the tech may not be available across the entire lineup.
Not all MacBook Pro models may get the OLED upgrade
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the Cupertino tech giant is not aiming to upgrade all MacBook Pro models with OLED at once. According to Gurman, at first, the M6 Pro and M6 Max versions of the MacBook Pro are going to get the upgrade.
If this is accurate, that means that the lower-level MacBook Pro equipped with the more basic M6 processor may use the usual LCD TFT display that MacBooks have used thus far.
Rumors also claim that the model will come with a new design, including a thinner chassis. A new rumored upgrade also points the potential of the design to include a touchscreen.
Image Credit - Apple
Apparently, the release is expected to come in late 2026, but it's also possible that Apple may launch the new MacBook Pro lineup in early 2027.
Meanwhile, the M5 Pro and M5 Max versions, which are said to come with the current design, may launch in the first half of 2026. Tagging along is said to be a M5-equipped MacBook Air model. Apple is also expected to refresh the Mac mini with the M5 and M5 Pro, as well as offer a Mac Studio with an M5 Mac and M5 Ultra chip.
The M6 launch is said to start with an entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro model.
What would make you upgrade to a new MacBook Pro?
OLED display
50%
Touchscreen support
0%
New M6 chip performance
0%
Thinner, redesigned body
0%
I’m fine with my current one
50%
OLED for the MacBook Pro with M6 Pro and M6 Max isn't that surprising
It's not completely out of the ordinary for Apple to offer only the M6 Pro and M6 Max MacBook Pro models with the OLED upgrade. It could very well be considered as a part of its technique to offer more expensive configurations and cheaper ones.
It's already a thing that Apple customers know. There are differences between models and lineups, and also between specs in a certain lineup as well.
Right now, the current M5 14-inch MacBook Pro starts from $1,599, while the M4 Pro-equipped model costs $400 more, but it also has a bit more memory. There could be a similar price jump between the M5 and M5 Pro, as well as between them and the M5 Max.
Recommended Stories
If an OLED display gets added to equation, it's going to be yet another reason for a user to want to go for the all-in type of device.
Unfortunately, though, if you were looking forward to the OLED upgrade, but you don't want to buy the more expensive MacBook Pro models, you may have to wait for a year or two for Apple to bring the upgrade to other models as well. If, of course, this rumor is accurate, that is.
I'm not surprised, but still a bit bummed
I get why Apple's giving the OLED treatment only to the higher-end MacBook Pro models first – it totally fits the Cupertino tech giant's usual playbook. Still, as someone who's actually been thinking about getting one of those top-tier models, I can't help but feel both excited and a bit frustrated.
On one hand, OLED on a MacBook sounds amazing. We're talking about deeper blacks, better contrast, richer colors – basically, everything on the screen will just pop in a way it never has before.
But even though I want one, it feels like Apple could've made this upgrade available across the whole lineup.
So yeah – I'm both impressed and a little annoyed. Apple knows exactly how to make me want to spend more money, and once again… it's kind of working.
Iconic Phones is now up for pre-order in the US!
Our new coffee table book, Iconic Phones, is a stunning visual tribute to the legends in the world of phones, featuring exclusive high-resolution photography, stories, quotes and fun trivia. Pre-order now and save 15% with code: PARENA15
Izzy, a tech enthusiast and a key part of the PhoneArena team, specializes in delivering the latest mobile tech news and finding the best tech deals. Her interests extend to cybersecurity, phone design innovations, and camera capabilities. Outside her professional life, Izzy, a literature master's degree holder, enjoys reading, painting, and learning languages. She's also a personal growth advocate, believing in the power of experience and gratitude. Whether it's walking her Chihuahua or singing her heart out, Izzy embraces life with passion and curiosity.
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts:
New accounts created within the last 24 hours may experience restrictions on how frequently they can
post or comment.
These limits are in place as a precaution and will automatically lift.
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: