Apple is preparing a significant overhaul of its professional laptop series, with anticipated features including a touchscreen, energy-efficient hybrid OLED panels from Samsung, and a complete redesign that promises a slimmer profile.
Insiders reveal that Samsung is expected to begin supplying new display panels to Apple in July. This development paves the way for the release of the MacBook Ultra in the third quarter of 2026, likely coinciding with a major September event alongside the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and the flexible iPhone Ultra.
The new models will see a slight increase in screen size due to reduced bezels:
- The standard model will feature a 14.3-inch display, up from the previous 14 inches.
- The higher-end version will grow from 16 to 16.3 inches.
Apple’s current laptop design has remained unchanged for several years. The Ultra version aims for a noticeably thinner and lighter chassis. To maintain impressive battery life, engineers will implement a complex hybrid OLED technology.
This innovative display combines specialized transistors with a dual-layer LED structure, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to traditional OLED screens found in modern devices. This advancement will enable a compact design without sacrificing battery performance.
One of the most anticipated features of the MacBook Ultra is the introduction of a touchscreen—marking Apple’s first foray into touch-enabled laptops. Additionally, the laptops are likely to eliminate the large black notch at the top of the screen, a feature introduced with the M1 chip models. Instead, Apple plans to integrate Dynamic Island, an oval cutout for the camera and sensors currently used in iPhones.
The new laptops will be powered by a next-generation series of proprietary processors, the M6 Pro and M6 Max.
Apple is set to unveil a revamped MacBook lineup featuring a touchscreen, hybrid OLED displays, and a thinner design. The MacBook Ultra is expected to launch in late 2026, coinciding with new iPhone models.