Apple's October 28 Laptop Launch Skips New Chips
The redesigned MacBook Pro will feature OLED screens and touch support but rely on silicon released eight months ago.
By Ayanda Boateng ·
Apple is preparing to unveil a completely redesigned MacBook Pro on October 28. The device will debut at an event titled "Pro and tell," but reports indicate the hardware update will not include a new generation of processors.
The upcoming model is expected to use the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. These components first appeared in the lineup nearly eight months ago. Consequently, the new laptop will offer the same processing speed as the machines currently available for purchase.
Mark Gurman, who provided the chip details, noted that Apple is skipping the M6 Pro and M6 Max generations entirely. The company is reportedly fast-tracking M7 Pro and M7 Max processors for a 2027 release. This strategic gap leaves the redesigned 2026 model relying on existing silicon to bridge the timeline.
While performance remains static, the physical design is undergoing a major overhaul. Rumors describe a lighter and thinner chassis. The display is expected to switch to OLED technology and will support touch input for the first time in the MacBook Pro line. The familiar notch at the top of the screen is set to be replaced by a Dynamic Island.
A C2 cellular modem is also a possibility, though this feature remains less certain. If these design changes materialize, the machine will represent a significant shift in the product's physical characteristics, even if its internal speed does not improve.
Pricing for the new model has not been confirmed. Current speculation suggests a starting price of approximately $2,999. This potential premium would force buyers to pay more for a laptop that is not faster than its predecessor. Apple has not officially confirmed any of these details, leaving the final specifications and cost to be revealed at next week's event.
