Apple MacBook Pro to Receive the Biggest Redesign in History: The First Touchscreen is Coming, Equipped with M6 Chip

Recently, there have been reports that Apple will introduce the largest-ever update to the MacBook Pro later this year. This flagship laptop will feature numerous upgrades in terms of screen material, interaction methods, and chips.

Specifically, the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will transition from mini-LED display technology to OLED display technology. This will be Apple's first use of OLED displays on Mac computers, although the company has previously employed this technology in iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches.

Compared to traditional backlit screens, OLEDs can independently switch pixels on and off, offering higher contrast and color accuracy. They are highly suitable for professional creative scenarios such as video post-production, graphic design, and 3D modeling. In contrast, mini-LEDs still rely on a backlight system.

On this basis, the new device will become Apple's first Mac to natively support touch operations. The macOS system will also be updated at the underlying level to optimize interface controls for finger taps, swipes, and pinches, making traditional mouse and keyboard operations compatible with touchscreen interactions.

In terms of appearance, the classic notch design will be replaced by a centered front-facing camera. The iconic Dynamic Island feature from the iPhone series will also be introduced to the Mac, allowing real-time display of background running programs, message notifications, and live streaming status. This not only increases the screen-to-body ratio but also enriches the system's interaction forms.

In terms of industrial design and heat dissipation configuration, the new models strike a balance between portability and interface functionality. Since the 2021 MacBook Pro reintroduced full-spec interfaces, its bulky body has been criticized by many users. Thanks to the thin and light OLED screen module and the energy efficiency advantages of the new self-developed chips, the thickness of the new device is expected to be significantly reduced, greatly improving portability. However, it is not yet clear whether Apple will remove any interfaces to maintain a slim profile.

The new MacBook Pro is rumored to be equipped with Apple's latest M6 processor. This processor uses a new 2nm manufacturing process, and its overall performance is expected to be significantly improved.

Regarding product positioning, well-known technology journalist Mark Gurman previously mentioned that Apple plans to use the new name "MacBook Ultra" to position the top-of-the-line model, creating a dual-version parallel model with the regular MacBook Pro. Together with the existing MacBook Air, this will form a complete product matrix covering different consumer levels, with clear distinctions in screen, chip, and build quality among different versions.

In fact, Apple has been hesitant about equipping Mac computers with touchscreens for many years. In the view of the late Apple CEO Steve Jobs, "touch interfaces are not suitable for vertical operation," implying that this type of interaction is not suitable for computer screens. Current CEO Tim Cook has also joked that combining a tablet and a laptop is like "putting a toaster and a refrigerator together." However, Apple has gradually narrowed the gap between iPads and Macs by unifying their operating interfaces, processors, and application ecosystems.

Behind the significant hardware upgrades is the solid market foundation of Apple's Mac business. According to Apple's financial report for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, the company achieved revenues of $111.184 billion, a year-on-year increase of approximately 16.6%; net profit reached $29.578 billion, a year-on-year increase of approximately 19.4%. Among them, the Mac business grew from $794.9 million to $839.9 million, a year-on-year increase of 6%, maintaining an upward trend in a sluggish global PC market.

The entry-level Macbook Neo, launched by Apple in March this year, has been a key driver of the growth of its computer business. Due to high demand that exceeded Apple's expectations, the delivery time for the Macbook Neo has been extended to several weeks, and it is generally out of stock on the official website and in retail stores.

The strong sales of the Macbook Neo have led to a record high in the number of new Mac users and the overall Mac installation base. Meanwhile, thanks to the "lobster fever," the Mac mini and Mac Studio have become highly sought-after products. Apple CEO Tim Cook said, "Both products are excellent platforms for AI and intelligent agent tools, and customers are recognizing their value faster than we expected. We expect it may take several months for the supply and demand of the Mac mini and Mac Studio to reach equilibrium."

Notably, Apple will hold its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC26) in June. The conference will feature a keynote address and a Platforms State of the Union, introducing updates to Apple's platforms, including progress in artificial intelligence, new software, and developer tools. This year's conference is expected to launch the next-generation operating systems for all platforms, including iOS 27, macOS 27, and iPadOS 27, with updates focusing on edge AI, intelligent assistants, and cross-device connectivity.

Tim Cook will also deliver his last CEO keynote address at this year's WWDC. According to Apple's previously announced management adjustment plan, John Ternus will take over as CEO in September this year, and Cook will become the executive chairman. This speech will not only summarize Cook's hardware and ecosystem strategies during his tenure at Apple but also mark the beginning of the transition of Apple's management.

This article is from the WeChat official account "Jiemian News," written by Song Jianan and published by 36Kr with permission.