Apple’s Mac lineup is on the verge of a massive transformation, according to a detailed industry report that has surfaced, outlining the company’s product roadmap for the next several years. The leak covers a wide range of models, from the entry-level MacBook Pro to the high-end MacBook Pro with OLED and touchscreen support, and even a new MacBook Neo line powered by Apple’s A-series chips. The report also provides insights into updates for the MacBook Air, iMac, Mac mini, and Mac Studio, giving consumers and analysts a clear picture of what to expect from Apple’s desktop and laptop portfolio.
New Macs Coming by End of 2026
According to the report, Apple is aiming to launch several new Macs before the end of this year. The most notable is a new entry-level MacBook Pro powered by the M6 chip, which will bring performance improvements over the current M4-based models. This update is expected to target professional users who need a balance of power and portability. Alongside the MacBook Pro, Apple will refresh the iMac line, likely with the M6 chip as well, continuing the trend of bringing the latest Apple Silicon to the all-in-one desktop.
Additionally, the report reveals that Apple is working on a high-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro lineup with OLED displays and touchscreen capabilities, powered by the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. These machines are described as being “on track for release between the end of this year and early next year.” This marks a significant departure from the current MacBook Pro models, which use Mini-LED displays and do not support touch. The inclusion of OLED screens will deliver deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and improved color accuracy, while touch functionality would bring the Mac lineup closer to the iPad in terms of user interaction, potentially running macOS with touch optimizations. Apple is reportedly testing these machines with macOS 27.1, which is likely to be released at the end of October.
MacBook Air and MacBook Neo in 2027
Looking ahead to early 2027, Apple is planning an updated MacBook Air lineup. The MacBook Air, which has been a bestseller due to its thin design and reliable performance, will likely receive the next-generation M-series chip, possibly the M6 or an M7 variant, along with minor design refinements. The report also indicates that Apple is working on a redesigned entry-level MacBook Pro powered by the M7 chip for release next year, suggesting a two-year cadence for processor upgrades on the lower end.
Perhaps the most intriguing product mentioned is the MacBook Neo. This is a new line of laptops that Apple has been testing with the A19 Pro chip, which is derived from the iPhone processor line. The MacBook Neo is expected to be a more affordable, consumer-focused device, likely positioned below the MacBook Air. It could serve as a replacement for the older MacBook models that were discontinued, offering a lightweight, fanless design with long battery life. The report says Apple plans to “periodically” refresh the MacBook Neo with new colors, similar to how it handles the iPhone and iPad, indicating a fast iteration cycle.
Mac mini and Mac Studio Updates
For desktop users, Apple is testing a Mac mini lineup powered by the M5 Pro and base M6 processors. The Mac mini has become a favorite among developers and prosumers due to its compact size and high performance. The addition of M5 Pro and M6 options would make it even more versatile. Meanwhile, new Mac Studio models are in testing with the M5 Max and M5 Ultra processors. The Mac Studio, introduced as a powerful workstation for creative professionals, would see significant gains in GPU and CPU performance with these chips. However, the report cautions that the timing of these machines, as well as the planned chip and memory configurations, hinge on the state of memory-chip supplies, which have been volatile in recent years.
OLED Expansion and Future Outlook
The report also looks further into the future, stating that an OLED MacBook Air is in the works for “as early as 2028.” This would mark a major upgrade for the Air line, which currently uses LCD panels. An OLED MacBook Air would offer richer colors and better power efficiency, further differentiating it from the MacBook Pro. Apple is also reportedly working on an OLED iMac, which would follow the OLED MacBook Air and likely arrive in 2029 or later. The shift to OLED across the Mac lineup aligns with Apple’s strategy to adopt more advanced display technologies across its products, following the iPad Pro and iPhone.
The leaked roadmap underscores Apple’s aggressive push to differentiate its Mac lineup through performance and display quality. With the transition from Intel to Apple Silicon nearly complete, the company is now focusing on regular chip upgrades and new form factors. The MacBook Neo, in particular, represents a new direction—using A-series chips (typically found in iPhones and iPads) in a laptop could enable even tighter integration with iOS and iPadOS apps, and possibly lower costs. The touchscreen MacBook Pro, if it materializes, would respond to years of user requests for a direct input method on macOS, though it remains to be seen how Apple will implement it without compromising the trackpad and keyboard experience.
Competitors like Microsoft and Dell are also pushing OLED and touchscreen capabilities in their premium laptops, so Apple’s moves are aimed at staying ahead in the premium segment. The use of M5 Pro and M5 Max in the high-end MacBook Pro, alongside the M6 in entry-level models, demonstrates a tiered approach that gives customers clear choices based on performance needs and budget. The Mac Studio with M5 Ultra will likely remain the top-tier option for intensive tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.
In summary, Apple’s Mac roadmap is the most comprehensive we have seen in years, covering nearly every product line with significant upgrades. The next few years will bring new chips, new display technologies, and even a new product category in the MacBook Neo. For consumers wondering whether to upgrade now or wait, the report suggests that those who need the latest performance may want to hold out for the M5 Pro/Max machines later this year, while others could target the MacBook Air refresh in 2027 or the OLED MacBook Air in 2028. The Mac mini and Mac Studio updates are also worth watching, especially if supplies stabilize. The overall trajectory is clear: Apple is committed to making the Mac a powerhouse of innovation, blending its mobile and desktop engineering expertise.
Source: 9to5Mac News