Apple's 2026 Mac Lineup: Seven New Models Including Redesigned Pros and Affordable 'MacBook'

Apple is preparing its most extensive Mac refresh in years, with seven new models slated for 2026 across laptops and desktops. This represents a significant expansion from Apple's typical annual release cadence, reflecting both evolving market demands and the company's silicon roadmap.

Laptop Evolution: Four Distinct Models

The portable lineup features four distinct models:

1. MacBook Pro with M5 Pro/Max: Expected mid-year, this maintains Apple's current laptop design language but will be the final iteration before a major overhaul. The M5 chip brings performance improvements over M4, particularly in GPU-intensive workflows like video rendering and machine learning tasks.

2. 'MacBook' M5: Positioned as Apple's new entry point ($699 target), this model revives the iconic 'MacBook' branding without suffixes. Designed to compete directly with Chromebooks and budget Windows PCs, it emphasizes portability and color options over raw power, making it ideal for students and light productivity users.

3. MacBook Air M5: A spec-bump update focused on CPU improvements and efficiency gains. Developers will appreciate the thermal headroom for sustained compilation tasks, while casual users gain longer battery life.

4. MacBook Pro with M6 Pro/Max: Late 2026's flagship features a complete redesign:

   • Thinner/lighter chassis despite Pro-level performance
   • OLED displays with higher brightness and contrast
   • Experimental touch input capabilities
   • Next-gen Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support

Desktop Power: Studio, Mini, and iMac

Apple's desktops receive substantial updates:

• Mac Studio: Launching alongside a new Studio Display in H1 2026. Configurations include:

  • M5 Max for prosumer workflows
  • M5 Ultra (marking Ultra's return after M4 generation skip) The Ultra variant targets high-end video production and scientific computing with unified memory scaling beyond 192GB.

• Mac mini: M5 and M5 Pro options. The Pro configuration gains traction with developers needing affordable headless workstations for CI/CD pipelines and local testing environments.

• iMac: Details remain scarce, but expectations point to M5 chips across the line. The all-in-one's appeal for creative studios hinges on display technology enhancements.

Developer Considerations

Cross-platform developers should note:

1. The M6 Pro/Max transition may introduce new thermal constraints affecting sustained performance
2. Touch input APIs could enable new interaction paradigms (though iPadOS-style touch interfaces aren't expected)
3. M5 Ultra's memory architecture changes may require optimization for high-throughput applications

Apple last released multiple Pro models in 2023 (M2 in January, M3 in October), but 2026's bifurcation represents a strategic segmentation between traditional pro users and those prioritizing cutting-edge form factors. With seven models spanning price points from $699 to over $5,000, Apple appears to be targeting every major computing demographic in a single year.

Which models are you considering? Share your upgrade plans below.