2026 is Shaping Up to be a Big Year for the MacBook

Apple has been constantly innovating its products to create some of the best, most user-friendly devices on the market. The MacBook has always been a staple in Apple's products, as so many people use their computers (more specifically, laptops). Not too long from now, we could start seeing some major developments to Apple's MacBook lineup, specifically for the Pro and Air models, and possibly even a cheaper, budget-friendly laptop.

Currently, Apple has on sale 14- and 16-inch models of their ever-so-popular MacBook Pro. Between February and March, Apple is expected to be bringing the newest M5 Pro and M5 Max chips to both of these Pro models (currently only the 14-inch model has access to the power of the M5 chip, while the 16-inch model uses either the M4 Pro or M4 Max chips). These new processors are expected to give the computers more CPU, GPU, and memory capabilities. However, while the M5 chip alone delivers advancements in graphics and AI capabilities compared to M4, it could still take some time for MacBooks to rival PCs in terms of gaming abilities.

Prices are not confirmed for the new machines, but it is likely that the M5 Pro 14-inch and 16-inch models will begin at $1,999 and $2,499, respectively. The current 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models have prices starting at $1,599 (M5 model) and $2,499 (M4 Pro model). With that being said, the new laptop prices would remain consistent, since both laptops would be starting with the M5 Pro processor.

A first for MacBook could also be coming this year: a cheaper option that would be ideal for students. One major difference with this machine compared to the rest of the MacBook lineup is that the budget-friendly laptop will feature A-series chips, which are the chips that power Apple's iPhone lineup. One prediction is that this cheaper MacBook could use the A18 Pro chip, the same chip that was featured in the iPhone 16 Pro. Compared to Macs with the M4 chip, the less-costly MacBook could operate as low as 40% slower than higher-end machines, have a slightly smaller display size than the 13 (technically 13.6)-inch Air, and also likely feature basic USB-C ports as opposed to faster, more capable Thunderbolt ports found on more expensive computers. However, with this smaller number of features also comes a smaller price; it is expected that this laptop will have a base price of around $699, $300 less than the current cheapest MacBook, the 13-inch M4 Air. As previously mentioned, this laptop won't offer breakthrough performance found elsewhere, but would definitely provide a solid competition for fairly basic Windows PCs and Chromebooks. Expect to see this laptop debut before the first half of 2026 is over.

The MacBook Air, which currently only offers the M4 chip in both 13- and 15-inch forms, is also likely to get an M5 refresh sometime before the end of March. Nothing huge in terms of performance will be added to this MacBook, and the RAM and storage levels are likely to remain the same. However, there is a small chance that the minimum 256GB of storage could be bumped up to 512GB.

To wrap up the year, reports have it that Apple will be releasing an OLED, and for the first time, touchscreen MacBook Pro before the end of 2026. While it doesn't happen often, it is probable for Apple to release two generations of MacBook Pro in the same year. As is with any OLED display, this addition to the MacBook will create a more vibrant, natural-looking display that is also more power-efficient and suitable to different viewing angles. A touchscreen coming to MacBook is another big deal, as this could mean more of a blend between their Macs and iPads. There will also likely be a strengthened hinge system so that the display stays stable upon taps and other gestures.

While the keyboard, trackpad, and other essential MacBook features will remain, we could also see the Dynamic Island, a hardware/software feature on most current iPhones, being adopted by the MacBook as well. The camera notch could be eliminated, creating more screen space and having the Dynamic Island floating on the top of the Mac's display. While there aren't exact price estimates yet, the innovative OLED MacBook Pro models are expected to start at a few hundred dollars above the base prices of the current 14- and 16-inch Pro models.

The year is just getting started, and we are already expecting a boatload of advancements/additions to Apple's MacBook lineup. The MacBook updates mentioned are in line with Apple's mission to blur the line between their different products, creating a fluid and satisfying user experience.