Apple is expected to give the MacBook Pro its biggest redesign in years with a next-generation model rumored to arrive in early 2027. The overhaul is expected to include a thinner design, Apple's next-generation M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, a Dynamic Island replacing the notch, and support for touchscreen input for the first time on a Mac.
Here's a closer look at six features of the new displays that are destined for the 14-inch and 16-inch models. Samsung is expected to be the sole supplier of the panels, with mass production likely beginning in August 2026.
- OLED display: The redesigned MacBook Pro is expected to switch from LCD-based mini-LED to OLED technology, which is sure to bring deeper blacks, improved contrast, faster response times, and more precise per-pixel brightness control.
- Oxide TFT backplane: Oxide thin-film transistor technology should improve power efficiency and help the display support a wide adaptive refresh-rate range.
- Two-stack tandem structure: Two stacked light-emitting layers are further expected to increase brightness, improve efficiency, extend panel longevity, as well as reduce strain on the OLED materials.
- Integrated touch technology: The touch sensor will reportedly be built directly into the display module, allowing the complete assembly to measure less than 2mm thick.
- Brightness above 2,000 nits: The panel is said to support peak HDR brightness exceeding 2,000 nits, suggesting it could surpass the 1,600-nit HDR peak brightness of Apple's current M4 iPad Pro.
- 1Hz–120Hz refresh rate: The display is expected to be able to dynamically adjust its refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, making it a true ProMotion screen enabling smooth on-screen motion and reduced power consumption when showing static content.
Apple's first touch-enabled MacBook Pro is also expected to be accompanied by software changes. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, macOS 27 will introduce a touch-friendly interface designed to accommodate the new hardware while preserving the Mac's traditional keyboard and trackpad-focused experience.
Gurman originally reported that Apple planned to release the new MacBook Pro models in late 2026. However, his most recent update on the matter said that early 2027 is now more likely because of the global chip shortage.
