Apple is reportedly gearing up to bring two new products to the Mac portfolio this year. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman the Cupertino based tech-giant is all set for a busy year with a refreshed MacBook Pro in the first half of the year. Additionally, a significantly upgraded MacBook Pro in the second half of 2026 is expected to arrive, thus revitalising the premium laptop segment.
Mark Gurman, in his latest edition of Power On newsletter, says that Apple is gearing to launch a new MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacStudio, and Studio Display models in the first half of 2026. However, it will be the MacBook Pro that is slated to get a major upgrade later this year. The currently available model has remained unchanged since 2021.
First MacBook Pro update expected in first half of 2026
Apple is expected to bring the updated MacBook Pro models with new M5 Pro and M5 Max chipsets in the first half of the year. Although he has not confirmed any dates for the possible launch of these MacBooks, the launch timeline usually coincides with Apple’s annual refresh cycle. Additionally, he added that this MacBook portfolio update is mostly about performance and not design focussed. Hence, the original design from 2021 will serve the M5 Pro MacBook Pro.
These new upgrades can be expected soon since Apple has already launched the Creator Studio bundle of apps. The new M5 Pro and M5 Max variants could end up being positioned as the ideal devices to avail these benefits.
Second MacBook Pro update to be big, expected in late 2026
The more substantial change to the MacBook Pro, however, is expected later in 2026. Gurman reports that redesigned MacBook Pro models featuring an OLED display and touch support, the upgrade, which should arrive toward the end of the year. Gurman is not ruling out an early 2027 launch as well, considering the questionable state of the supply chain. If Apple sticks to the late 2026 timeline, it would mean the MacBook Pro sees two major updates within the same calendar year.
MacBook Air to receive an update too!
Gurman says that the MacBook Air is also expected to receive an update. It is widely expected to receive the M5 chip, continuing Apple’s pattern of bringing new silicon chipsets to its most popular laptop with minimal external changes. Additionally, the Mac Studio, aimed at professionals, is expected to move to higher-end M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips, further widening the performance gap between consumer and workstation-class Macs.
Budget MacBook also on the cards
Gurman has also reiterated that Apple is working on a low-cost MacBook powered by an iPhone-class chip, as well as an updated Mac mini, both expected to arrive at some point in 2026. The cheaper MacBook is said to use a version of the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro, potentially bringing macOS to a much lower price point.
