Apple is poised to refresh its MacBook Pro lineup as early as March, but for those considering a high-end model, patience may be the better part of valor. A more substantial overhaul, featuring significant technological leaps, is expected later in , making the upcoming M5 Pro and M5 Max updates a comparatively incremental step.
The initial March release will focus on integrating the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips into the existing 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro designs. According to sources, this update will largely be a processor upgrade without any accompanying changes to the chassis or display. This contrasts sharply with the anticipated changes coming later in the year.
The real transformation is expected in late , with the introduction of the first OLED MacBook Pro models. This refresh isn’t expected to be a single event, but rather two distinct updates within the year. The second update will bring a complete redesign, faster M6 chips and a new display technology – OLED – to the MacBook Pro line. Perhaps most surprisingly, Apple is also preparing to introduce touch screen capabilities to the Mac for the first time.
This move to OLED represents a significant shift for Apple’s Mac lineup. While iPhones have utilized OLED displays for years, and the technology was adopted for the iPad Pro in , Macs have historically relied on LCD technology. The transition to OLED promises improved contrast ratios, deeper blacks, and potentially greater energy efficiency. The addition of touch screen functionality, a feature Apple has long resisted on Macs, further signals a major departure from established design principles.
The integration of touch controls will not replace traditional input methods like the mouse and keyboard, but rather complement them, offering users a more versatile interaction experience. This approach mirrors the functionality found on the iPad, potentially bridging the gap between Apple’s laptop and tablet ecosystems.
Beyond the display and input changes, the OLED MacBook Pro models are slated to be the first Macs to utilize Apple’s 2-nanometer chip technology. This advancement in semiconductor manufacturing promises significant performance and efficiency gains. There’s also speculation that these models could be the first Macs to offer cellular connectivity, enabling users to stay connected without relying on Wi-Fi networks.
The combination of these advancements – OLED displays, touch screen capabilities, 2-nanometer chips, and potential cellular connectivity – positions the upcoming OLED MacBook Pro as the most substantial update to the Mac lineup since the introduction of Apple silicon in . Given the scale of these changes, the advice for prospective buyers is clear: if you can defer a purchase, waiting for the OLED models is likely the more prudent course of action.
However, the cost of OLED technology is expected to limit the availability of these features. Initial reports suggest that the OLED touch displays will be exclusive to the higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch models. The standard M5 MacBook Pro, released last fall, is not expected to receive the same upgrades, though it will likely benefit from an M6 chip update. It’s also possible that OLED will be reserved for a single, exceptionally expensive high-end model, given the current cost of the technology.
Apple’s history demonstrates a willingness to release multiple Mac refreshes within a single year. The MacBook Pro received updates with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips in January , followed by another update with M3 Pro and M3 Max chips in October . This pattern suggests that the dual-release strategy for is not unprecedented, but rather a calculated move to deliver incremental improvements followed by a more transformative update.
For users who require a new machine immediately, or who prioritize a familiar design and are less concerned with cutting-edge features, the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros remain viable options. However, for those who can wait, the promise of OLED displays, touch screen integration, and the performance of the M6 chip makes the late refresh a significantly more compelling proposition.
