MacBook Pro 2026: Touch screen, M6 chip, and sleeker design tipped

Apple Inc. is gearing up to unveil a groundbreaking touch-screen variant of its MacBook Pro, marking a significant departure from the company's longstanding opposition to touch-enabled laptops. Anticipated for release in late 2026 or early 2027, these new models are expected to feature sleeker, lighter designs along with Apple’s advanced M6 chips, as reported by Bloomberg. Codenamed K114 and K116, the upcoming MacBook Pros are likely to incorporate OLED display technology, a first for the brand's laptops, previously reserved for iPhones and iPad Pros. While the addition of a touch interface is on the horizon, these new laptops will maintain traditional input methods, including a full keyboard and trackpad, allowing users to choose their preferred way to interact with the device. In a design shift, Apple plans to eliminate the current camera notch, replacing it with a hole-punch style reminiscent of the iPhone’s Dynamic Island. Enhanced hinges and display hardware have been engineered to minimize screen movement when touched, addressing a common issue with existing touch-capable laptops. This move comes as the broader PC market has increasingly embraced touch screens over the past decade. Apple has previously resisted this trend, citing the impracticality of vertical touch interfaces and promoting iPads as the solution for those seeking touch functionality. Earlier attempts, such as the 2016 Touch Bar, were short-lived. The new MacBook Pros are expected to come with a price tag several hundred pounds higher than the current models, which start at $1,999 for the 14-inch version and $2,499 for the 16-inch model. Apple is reportedly taking a cautious approach, choosing to assess consumer reactions to the touch feature before rolling it out across its entire Mac lineup. Additionally, other updates on the horizon include refreshed MacBook Air models equipped with the M5 chip, as well as new versions of Mac Studio, Mac mini, and external displays. Apple is also investigating a potential future transition from Touch ID to Face ID for Macs, although this change is projected to be several years away. The introduction of a touch-screen MacBook Pro could entice customers to upgrade from their existing MacBooks or switch from Windows devices, potentially enhancing Apple’s high-end laptop sales while complementing its iPad product range.