As of January 26, 2026, leaks and analyst reports point to four MacBook launches in 2026: a cheaper entry MacBook, an M5 MacBook Air refresh, an M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro refresh, and a bigger MacBook Pro redesign later in the year that may bring OLED and touch.
Apple has not confirmed any of these products yet, so treat dates and specs as “best guess” based on reporting. Still, multiple sources are describing the same roadmap, especially for the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro updates.
Here is the full list of MacBooks expected in 2026.
- Low-cost MacBook (new model, iPhone-class chip)
- MacBook Air 13-inch and 15-inch with M5
- MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch with M5 Pro and M5 Max
- Redesigned MacBook Pro (late 2026) with OLED and possibly touch (may slip into 2027)
Upcoming MacBooks in 2026 at a glance
| Model (rumored) | Sizes | Chip (rumored) | Biggest expected changes | Most likely launch window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-cost MacBook | Smaller than current 13.6-inch Air (reported) | A18 Pro or similar iPhone chip | New cheaper tier, simpler hardware | First half of 2026 |
| MacBook Air (refresh) | 13-inch, 15-inch | M5 | Mostly a chip update, same design | First few months of 2026 |
| MacBook Pro (refresh) | 14-inch, 16-inch | M5 Pro, M5 Max | Performance update, minimal design change | Early 2026 |
| MacBook Pro (redesign) | 14-inch, 16-inch | M6 Pro, M6 Max | OLED display, possible touch, thinner body, other design changes | Late 2026 (2027 still possible) |
1) Low-cost MacBook in 2026
This is the most “new” MacBook story for 2026. Reporting says Apple is testing a lower-cost MacBook aimed at competing with Chromebooks and entry Windows laptops, using an iPhone-class chip to keep costs down.
A few details that keep coming up:
- Expected to cost well under $1,000 (not confirmed pricing)
- Screen is reportedly slightly smaller than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air
- Timing is commonly described as the first half of 2026
If this ships, it likely becomes the go-to option for students and basic work: docs, web, streaming, light photo edits.
2) MacBook Air with M5 (13-inch and 15-inch)
The MacBook Air update sounds straightforward: the same 13-inch and 15-inch designs, but with the M5 chip. The expected timing is early 2026.
What that usually means in practice:
- Better CPU and GPU performance for everyday tasks
- Potential efficiency improvements, so similar battery life with more speed
- No major port or design changes have been strongly reported yet
If you have an M1 or Intel Air, this is the cleanest upgrade path. If you already have a recent Air, this may feel optional unless you need the extra performance.
3) MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max (14-inch and 16-inch)
Reports say Apple will refresh the higher-end MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips in early 2026, and that big external changes are not expected for this step.
One helpful context point: MacRumors notes Apple already updated the base 14-inch MacBook Pro with a standard M5 in October 2025, and the rest of the lineup follows in 2026.
Likely improvements (based on how Apple handles Pro updates):
- Faster sustained performance for video, 3D, and coding
- Better memory bandwidth and storage performance are commonly expected in the Pro tiers
4) The big MacBook Pro redesign (late 2026)
This is the headline rumor: the MacBook Pro may get a major redesign in late 2026, and OLED screens are repeatedly mentioned. Some reports also describe a touchscreen and a new camera cutout style (often described as a “Dynamic Island”).
What is being reported for this redesign:
- OLED display, possibly paired with touch support
- Thinner design
- M6 Pro and M6 Max chips (not the base M6 in this rumor set)
- Built-in cellular connectivity is also mentioned, but it is one of the least certain items
- Timing note: sources still say 2027 is not ruled out
If you want OLED or touch on a MacBook Pro, this is the model to watch, but it also has the biggest schedule risk.
What feels solid vs what could change
| Item | How safe it looks | Why |
|---|---|---|
| M5 MacBook Air in early 2026 | Higher | Mentioned consistently as a chip refresh |
| M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro in early 2026 | Higher | Repeated across reporting, fits Apple’s cadence |
| Low-cost MacBook exists in 2026 | Medium | Multiple reports, but new category products can slip |
| OLED + touch redesigned Pro in late 2026 | Medium | Many details are rumored, and 2027 is still possible |
| Cellular MacBook Pro | Lower | Mentioned, but not widely detailed yet |
Simple buying advice for 2026
- Buy now if your current MacBook is slowing you down and you need it for work or school today.
- Wait for M5 MacBook Air if you want the best Air for the next few years and you can hold off a bit.
- Wait for M5 Pro or M5 Max MacBook Pro if you do pro work and you want the next performance jump without betting on a redesign.
- Wait for the late-2026 redesign only if OLED or touch is a must-have for you, and you can handle the chance it slips into 2027.
FAQs
How many MacBooks are rumored for 2026?
Most reporting points to four: a low-cost MacBook, M5 MacBook Air (13 and 15), M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro (14 and 16), and a redesigned MacBook Pro later in the year.
Is the redesigned MacBook Pro definitely coming in 2026?
No. The common wording is late 2026, but 2027 is still possible.
Will the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro look different?
Current reports suggest no major design change for the early 2026 refresh, with the bigger redesign coming later.
What chip will the low-cost MacBook use?
The repeated idea is an iPhone-class chip, often described as A18 Pro or similar, to keep costs down.
Will the MacBook Air get OLED in 2026?
No strong reporting says OLED is coming to the Air in 2026. Most OLED talk is focused on the MacBook Pro redesign.
