Apple Reportedly Preparing Two New MacBook Models for 2026 with Touchscreen Pro Upgrade
Apple appears to be shaping a major shift in its Mac lineup, with new reports revealing plans for two significant MacBook releases in 2026. While minor updates may still arrive next year, the real game changers are expected to come later, signaling Apple’s renewed strategy for both mainstream users and professionals. These two rumored models aim to expand the Mac audience and redefine what the MacBook Pro can be in the future.
Early 2026 is expected to bring an all new entry tier MacBook designed as the most affordable laptop in the entire lineup. This model will reportedly feature a 12.9 inch display and come in vibrant colors including blue, pink, and yellow. It is said to be powered by an A18 Pro chip similar to the one used in recent iPhone models, giving it a strong balance of performance and efficiency. The starting price is rumored to fall between 599 and 699 US dollars, marking a surprising return to the budget friendly laptop segment that Apple has avoided for many years.
This strategic move is viewed as a direct effort to expand the Mac user base. With millions of iPhone users still relying on other brands for their computers due to price considerations, introducing a visually appealing, lower priced MacBook may turn many of them into first time Mac owners. The blend of modern performance, bright colors, and an accessible price point could reshape Apple’s presence in the entry level laptop space.
Toward the end of 2026, a major refresh is also rumored for the MacBook Pro. This model is expected to feature Apple’s next generation M6 chip and undergo a significant hardware redesign. The device will reportedly become thinner and lighter, adopt an OLED display without a notch, and may become the first Mac to support full touchscreen input. This would be a groundbreaking shift, considering Apple has consistently resisted adding touchscreens to Mac computers for more than a decade.
Alongside the expected touchscreen, there are reports that Apple may also integrate optional 5G cellular connectivity through a custom C2 modem. If true, this would allow professionals and mobile users to stay connected anywhere without relying on external hotspots. Even if the 5G feature does not make it into the final product, the introduction of a touchscreen alone marks a pivotal change in Mac history and suggests Apple is opening the door to new usage possibilities.
This shift is particularly notable because Apple has long maintained that the iPad is the optimal device for touch interactions. The potential arrival of touch enabled MacBook Pro models in 2026 suggests Apple may be ready to evolve that stance and move toward a more flexible, hybrid friendly Mac ecosystem. If the reports hold true, 2026 could mark the beginning of a new era for the Mac platform, blending the strengths of traditional computing with the modern convenience of touch based workflows.
If these rumors come to life, Apple is gearing up for one of its most transformative MacBook years yet. An affordable model could welcome a whole new wave of users, while a touchscreen MacBook Pro powered by an M6 chip would signal a bold step into the future of laptops. It feels like Apple is finally ready to rethink old rules and go all in on innovation, making 2026 a defining moment for Mac fans.
SOURCE: 9to5mac
