Apple still has several major Mac updates planned for fall 2026, even after introducing the M6 Mac mini and updated Mac Studio in August. The next wave is expected to include a new entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro, an updated 24-inch iMac, and a completely redesigned high-end MacBook that could become one of Apple’s biggest laptop upgrades in years.
Two of these Macs are expected to use Apple’s new M6 chip, which is manufactured on a 2-nanometer process and brings substantial gains in CPU, graphics, memory bandwidth, and AI performance. The third model is more ambitious, with reports pointing to OLED, touch input, a thinner chassis, and M5 Pro or M5 Max processors.
| Mac | Expected chip | Main changes | Expected launch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-inch MacBook Pro | M6 | Faster CPU, GPU and AI performance | October 2026 |
| High-end MacBook Pro / MacBook Ultra | M5 Pro or M5 Max | OLED touchscreen, thinner design, Dynamic Island | Late 2026 or early 2027 |
| 24-inch iMac | M6 | Major chip upgrade, possible new colors | Before end of 2026 |
14-inch MacBook Pro moves to M6
Apple is expected to update the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with its new M6 processor, while keeping the current chassis and display design largely unchanged.
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The M6 represents a significant internal upgrade because Apple has moved the chip to a 2nm manufacturing process. Apple says the processor includes a 12-core CPU, a 12-core GPU with Neural Accelerators, a dual 16-core Neural Engine, and up to 170GB/s of unified memory bandwidth.
Key M6 improvements include:
- A larger 12-core CPU architecture
- A 12-core GPU with Neural Accelerators
- Dual 16-core Neural Engines for AI workloads
- Up to 170GB/s unified memory bandwidth
- Higher performance with improved power efficiency
The base 14-inch MacBook Pro is currently expected around October, roughly one year after the previous generation arrived.
A redesigned OLED MacBook Pro is also coming
Apple is also preparing a much larger MacBook upgrade aimed at professional users, although its final branding remains unclear. Reports have referred to the machine as either a new MacBook Pro or a possible MacBook Ultra.
The laptop is expected to introduce an OLED touchscreen, giving the MacBook its first touch-enabled display. Apple is also reportedly developing a thinner and lighter chassis along with a Dynamic Island-style display cutout.
Interestingly, this model is expected to use M5 Pro and M5 Max chips rather than M6 Pro and M6 Max processors. Current reporting indicates Apple does not plan to release those higher-end M6 variants.
Its release window remains less certain than the standard M6 MacBook Pro, with a late-2026 launch possible while an early-2027 release remains on the table.
The iMac will reportedly jump straight to M6
Apple’s 24-inch iMac is also approaching an update after going without a major refresh since the M4 generation.
Instead of releasing an M5 version, Apple is reportedly preparing to move the iMac directly to M6. The physical design and display are expected to remain similar, although Apple could introduce a refreshed selection of colors.
That means the biggest improvements will come from the processor, with the M6 bringing substantially stronger CPU, GPU, and AI performance compared with the M4 model.
For anyone planning to buy a MacBook Pro or iMac, Apple’s fall 2026 Mac lineup is shaping up to offer several meaningful choices, with the M6 models focused on faster internals while the upcoming high-end MacBook introduces the more substantial redesign.
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