New MacBook Pro: M5 Chips, OLED Display & 2024 Release Dates Revealed

February 8, 2026 Lisa Park Tech
News Context
At a glance
  • Apple is poised for a busy year of MacBook Pro updates, with a staggered release schedule bringing new chips and, eventually, a significant redesign to the lineup.
  • The initial update, confirmed by code discovered in iOS 26.3 beta and reported by multiple sources, centers around the M5 Pro and M5 Max processors.
  • According to Macworld, the M5 Pro and M5 Max will feature a new modular chip architecture, separating CPU and GPU blocks for improved efficiency, and performance.
Original source: forbes.com

Apple is poised for a busy year of MacBook Pro updates, with a staggered release schedule bringing new chips and, eventually, a significant redesign to the lineup. The first wave, expected in early , will focus on performance enhancements with the introduction of the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. Later in , Apple is planning a more substantial overhaul, potentially including an OLED display and touchscreen functionality.

The initial update, confirmed by code discovered in iOS 26.3 beta and reported by multiple sources, centers around the M5 Pro and M5 Max processors. These chips will be integrated into both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, building on the foundation laid by the M5 chip released in the 14-inch MacBook Pro last . While the core design of the laptops will remain consistent with current models, the new chips promise noticeable performance gains.

According to Macworld, the M5 Pro and M5 Max will feature a new modular chip architecture, separating CPU and GPU blocks for improved efficiency, and performance. This architecture is expected to deliver a performance boost of 25-30% over the existing M4 chips. The new processors will also incorporate support for Thunderbolt 5 and Wi-Fi 7, bringing the MacBook Pro in line with the latest connectivity standards.

The focus on performance in the early releases suggests Apple is targeting professional users who demand the most processing power for tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and software development. Geeky-Gadgets highlights that the M5 Pro will offer enhanced CPU and GPU cores optimized for multitasking and resource-intensive workflows, while the M5 Max will provide even greater GPU performance and machine learning capabilities.

However, the most significant changes are reserved for later in the year. Reports indicate Apple is preparing to introduce a completely redesigned MacBook Pro, potentially as early as the fourth quarter of . This redesign is expected to include a move to OLED display technology, a feature long-rumored for Apple’s professional laptops. The inclusion of a touchscreen is also being heavily speculated, marking a significant departure from Apple’s traditional MacBook Pro design.

The shift to OLED displays would offer several advantages, including improved contrast ratios, wider color gamuts, and faster response times. A touchscreen would open up new possibilities for creative workflows and user interaction, though it remains to be seen how Apple will integrate this feature into the macOS ecosystem. Macworld notes that these major design changes are not expected until the M6 generation, potentially arriving in late or .

The decision to split the updates into two phases – a performance-focused release in early and a design overhaul later in the year – allows Apple to address immediate performance needs while simultaneously working on a more ambitious redesign. This strategy also provides a clear distinction between the M5 and M6 generations, ensuring that the latter offers a truly transformative experience.

While pricing for the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models is expected to remain consistent with current pricing, starting at $1,599, the redesigned OLED models may command a premium. The current MacBook Pro lineup, launched in , already represents a significant investment, and the addition of advanced display technology and a touchscreen is likely to increase the cost further.

The upcoming MacBook Pro updates represent a continuation of Apple’s commitment to the professional market. By delivering both incremental performance improvements and a potentially groundbreaking redesign, Apple is aiming to maintain its position as a leader in the high-end laptop space. The release of the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips will provide an immediate boost for power users, while the anticipated OLED and touchscreen models promise to redefine the MacBook Pro experience in the years to come.

The MacRumors Show discussed these upcoming releases, emphasizing the two-pronged approach Apple is taking. The initial focus on the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips allows for a quicker refresh, while the more significant redesign is being carefully developed for a later release. This strategy allows Apple to cater to different segments of the professional market, offering both immediate performance gains and a long-term vision for the future of the MacBook Pro.