I review MacBooks for a living — and these are the biggest developments I expect in 2026

2025 was another busy year for the best MacBooks. Apple launched M4-powered versions of the 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air in March, and followed that up with the M5 14-inch MacBook Pro in late October. Whether you wanted something thin and light for everyday use or a workhorse for video editing, there was a MacBook to suit your needs.

I review MacBooks for a living, and as 2025 ends, I’ve begun thinking about what 2026’s MacBooks will have to offer. Spec bumps are a given, but we’ve heard rumors that the first OLED MacBook might finally surface. A brand-new design could also manifest, and perhaps a low-cost MacBook.

Whatever happens, it should be another exciting year for the MacBook line. Here are some of the things I want and expect to see from MacBooks in 2026.

MacBook Air M5 and M5 Pro/Max chips

Let’s start with something we all expect. With the M5 MacBook Pro now available, it’s not unreasonable to assume that Apple will eventually release M5-powered versions of the MacBook Air 13-inch M4 and MacBook Air 15-inch M4. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the M5 MacBook Air is expected to launch in the spring of 2026.

This is the least surprising of Gurman’s reports, because it’s a predictable routine from Apple. First comes the Pro in the fall, then comes the Air next spring. Just like the M5 Pro, we don't expect any significant overhaul of the design or display technology.

As for MacBook Pros packing the still-unannounced M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, those could also arrive in early 2026. Apple released the M2 Pro and M2 Max MacBook Pros in early 2024, so it’s possible we could see history repeat with a similar time frame.

OLED MacBook and a new design

I’ve always appreciated the Liquid Retina displays on MacBooks for the sharp and vivid image quality they deliver. However, after enjoying the gorgeous tandem OLED panel on the last two iPad Pro models, I really hope the persistent rumors of an OLED MacBook come true. If recent rumors are accurate, not only might this happen in 2026, but we could also get touchscreen functionality.

According to Mark Gurman, the rumored OLED MacBook could arrive in 2026. Not only is it expected to pack a next-gen M6 chipset, but it's tipped to feature a complete redesign, including a hole-punch camera with no notch, and a lighter, slimmer form factor. The latter is particularly interesting since MacBooks have generally had the same design for nearly three years.

My main concern with introducing an OLED panel is how that could affect battery life. But if Apple can find a way to work around this, then a MacBook’s endurance might not be greatly affected. I’m personally fine with a bit less battery life if it means I get an OLED MacBook.

Low-cost MacBook

Though we frequently see discounted MacBooks, such as the 13-inch MacBook Air M4 currently selling for $749 at Amazon, Apple’s laptops have a reputation for being expensive. However, if recent rumors are true, the company might launch a low-cost MacBook in 2026.

In our report about Apple's cheap MacBook, we said that the lower end has been largely dominated by a combination of Windows laptops and Chromebooks. Apple could be eyeing this market with a $599 or $699 MacBook, and not just out of the goodness of its heart.

Hardware sellers make most of their money from brand-new products. Right now, you can buy an M1 MacBook Air from Walmart for $599. That’s great for us, but bad for Apple since the company doesn’t see a dime of that. If we were to hazard a guess, Apple might want to nip that with a new system that’s similarly priced.

A super affordable MacBook would be a laptop I could easily recommend to readers, so I hope this particular rumor comes true. However, it makes me wonder who the MacBook Air would be marketed toward if it's no longer the most affordable Apple laptop. But we’ll just have to cross that bridge when we get there.

Outlook

M5 MacBook Air laptops in 2026 are a safe bet, but we’ll have to see if Apple redesigns the MacBook with an OLED panel and other features. A low-cost MacBook would also be an interesting prospect, especially with the ongoing tariff situation and RAM crisis. Regardless of what happens, I expect another interesting year for MacBooks.

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