Apple is gearing up for an active start to the year, with a series of Mac updates expected across its laptop and desktop lineup, according to a new report from Bloomberg. The company is said to be preparing refreshed versions of the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Studio Display in the coming months, with performance-focused upgrades arriving first and a more significant redesign planned further down the road.
New Mac models expected in early 2026
In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple intends to roll out several updated Mac models within the first half of the year. These releases are expected to prioritize improved processing power rather than major visual or structural changes.
The upcoming MacBook Pro refresh is likely to be powered by Apple’s next-generation M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. According to the report, these new MacBook Pro models could debut as early as this week, potentially alongside Apple’s upcoming Creator Studio software bundle aimed at professional users, which is scheduled to launch on Wednesday, January 28.
Major MacBook Pro redesign targeted for late 2026
Looking beyond the immediate updates, Apple is reportedly developing a substantially redesigned MacBook Pro that could launch toward the end of 2026, although a delay into 2027 has not been ruled out.
This future iteration is expected to bring several major changes, including the introduction of an OLED display on a MacBook Pro for the first time. The redesign is also rumored to feature a thinner and lighter chassis, a Dynamic Island–style interface element, and support for next-generation M6 Pro and M6 Max chips. Additionally, Apple is said to be exploring built-in cellular connectivity, potentially enabling always-on internet access without relying solely on Wi-Fi.
If this timeline holds, the MacBook Pro lineup could see two updates in a single year. Apple has followed a similar strategy before, most notably in 2023, when it released M2 Pro and M2 Max MacBook Pro models in January, followed by M3 Pro and M3 Max versions later that October.
MacBook Air and Mac Studio also set for upgrades
Apple’s thinner and lighter MacBook Air is also expected to receive an internal update, with Gurman suggesting the device will transition to the standard M5 chip. As with previous refreshes, the changes are expected to focus on better performance and power efficiency rather than a redesigned exterior.
On the desktop side, the Mac Studio is tipped to receive more powerful silicon as well. The report indicates that Apple is working on versions equipped with the M5 Max and a new M5 Ultra chip, reinforcing the company’s commitment to high-performance desktops designed for creative professionals and power users.
Together, these updates suggest Apple is following a two-phase Mac strategy: delivering incremental chip upgrades in the near term while laying the groundwork for more transformative hardware changes in the years ahead.
