It has been heavily rumored for several months that Apple is working on the next, redesigned MacBook Pro models that will feature tandem OLED displays just like those on the latest and greatest iPad Pro. We just got another report that backs up this rumor; according to Dealsite.co.kr, Samsung Display will be the sole supplier of OLED panels for future MacBook Pro models.
With the transition from mini-LED to OLED display technology, it will bring several huge benefits across the board: higher brightness levels, improved contrast ratios (especially with HDR content), better color accuracy, and improved energy efficiency, potentially with improved variable refresh rate (ProMotion) that could refresh as low as 10Hz. For comparison, LCD and mini-LED displays with ProMotion can refresh as low as 24Hz. We also expect future MacBook Pros to be thinner as the last major design occurred in October 2021. Hopefully it won’t have any compromises such as ditching the other ports besides the Thunderbolt ports.
The MacBook Pro was last updated in October of last year with the M4/M4 Pro/M4 Max chips. Initially, we expected Apple to introduce its first M5-based Macs since October-November is when Apple would sometimes announce new Macs; however, Mark Gurman claimed otherwise, and instead, Apple will introduce the M5 chip with the updated iPad Pro this October. There are two possibilities of when the MacBook Pro gets refreshed:
- M5-based MacBook Pros in early 2026 and M6-based MacBook Pros with OLED in late 2026, or
- M5-based MacBook Pros in late 2026 and M6-based MacBook Pros with OLED in late 2027
The first scenario would seem unusual, but it wouldn’t be the first time as Apple introduced the M2 Pro/M2 Max MacBook Pros in January 2023 and the M3 family of MacBook Pros later in October of that year. The second scenario would mean pushing the release of OLED MacBook pros even further. Here’s what I think Apple could do: Apple could hold off updating the MacBook Pro for another year since it wouldn’t make much sense to bring a minimal spec bump to a professional-level laptop. Besides, Apple doesn’t need to refresh its MacBooks every year since the M4 series is already good enough. Macs are even at peak level with that level of performance and efficiency. This could also give more time to develop its upcoming M5 Pro/Max chips since they’re rumored to feature significant changes in the silicon that we may see for the first time. So improved M5 Pro/Max chips along with tandem OLED would be a significant update for that MacBook Pro. If Apple were to hold off announcing any M5 Mac models until late next year, this would give Apple a huge opportunity to introduce its upcoming budget-friendly MacBook that will be powered by the A18 Pro chip. Not only this will act as a “filler” update in the Mac lineup, but also it will allow Apple to promote this MacBook going into next year, especially during the summer where it will be back-to-school season. If you haven’t, you should read our article to see what this MacBook may be a great idea.
Whenever this MacBook Pro update will occur, it will definitely be worth waiting for, especially if you want the best display technology to come to any laptop.
