M5 MacBook Pro March Launch Fuels Hope for M6 OLED Model This Year

According to Mark Gurman's Power On newsletter, Apple is preparing to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips as early as the week of March 2, 2026. This update, while expected to be a modest spec bump, doesn't eliminate the possibility of a more significant M6 Pro redesign featuring OLED displays and touch support arriving later this year.

For consumers anticipating a major MacBook Pro overhaul, this spring refresh might seem like bad news. However, Apple's recent history suggests a different narrative. In 2023, the company released two major MacBook Pro updates: the M2 Pro/Max models in January and the M3 Pro/Max versions just nine months later in October. This precedent demonstrates Apple's willingness to deliver multiple chip upgrades within a single calendar year when new technology becomes available.

The context surrounding these updates is key. The 2023 M2 Pro release served primarily as a minor performance improvement, while the M3 Pro transitioned the line to a more efficient 3nm manufacturing process. Similarly, the rumored March 2026 M5 Pro launch appears positioned as a stability update – getting the latest M-series architecture into the hands of professionals who need it now, while clearing the path for a transformative redesign.

That redesign, potentially landing in late 2026 under the M6 Pro banner, is rumored to include several major advancements:

• Vibrant OLED displays replacing the current mini-LED technology
• A thinner overall chassis design
• Long-awaited touchscreen functionality

This bifurcated approach serves a strategic purpose. The M5 Pro update maintains the current product line's momentum and fulfills immediate performance demands. The subsequent M6 Pro launch, featuring cutting-edge display technology and interaction methods, would represent a true generational leap.

There's also a potential pricing strategy at play. Apple could position the redesigned M6 Pro MacBook Pros as a new ultra-premium tier, carrying a higher price tag justified by the advanced components and novel features. Meanwhile, the M5 Pro models introduced in March could remain in the lineup at their current price points. This would allow Apple to capture both mainstream professional users and early adopters seeking the latest innovations without alienating recent M5 Pro purchasers or significantly increasing the entry cost for a Pro-level MacBook Pro.

It's important to note that the base M5 MacBook Pro (non-Pro chip) is expected to be a capable machine, avoiding the pitfalls of earlier base models like the M2 MacBook Pro. As long as the M5 Pro launch stays on track for March and doesn't experience significant delays (pushing into mid-year), the possibility of an M6 Pro MacBook Pro arriving before the end of 2026 remains firmly on the table.

The potential for two major MacBook Pro updates in 2026 hinges on component readiness and manufacturing timelines, particularly for the OLED displays. If Apple can replicate the aggressive 2023 update cadence, professionals could have access to both a reliable workhorse in the M5 Pro and a groundbreaking redesign with the M6 Pro before the year is out.