Apple is preparing to launch a new high-end MacBook model, tentatively named the ‘MacBook Ultra,’ featuring an OLED touchscreen display. This device is expected to be released between late 2026 and early 2027 and will be powered by the current M5 Pro and M5 Max chips.
The MacBook Ultra will be available in 14-inch and 16-inch display sizes, internally code-named ‘K114’ and ‘K116,’ respectively. In addition to the OLED touchscreen, the device will introduce a new design that includes an iPhone-style Dynamic Island, enhancing the user interface and providing a more interactive experience.
Despite the introduction of the OLED display and new design elements, the MacBook Ultra will utilize the existing M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. These chips, introduced earlier in 2026, feature an 18-core CPU with six high-performance ‘super cores’ and 12 efficiency-focused performance cores. The M5 Pro includes up to 20 GPU cores, while the M5 Max offers up to 40 GPU cores, each with Neural Accelerators to enhance AI performance.
Apple’s decision to use the M5 series chips in the MacBook Ultra aligns with its broader chip development strategy. The company plans to skip the M6 Pro and M6 Max iterations, moving directly to the M7 Pro and M7 Max chips, which are expected to focus on intensive AI workloads with upgraded neural accelerators, enhanced graphics, and increased memory bandwidth. These M7 series chips are slated for release toward the end of 2027.
In the interim, Apple is expected to release an entry-level MacBook Pro with the M6 chip later in 2026. Additionally, the Mac Studio is anticipated to receive updates with M7 Max and M7 Ultra chip options in 2028.
The introduction of the MacBook Ultra with an OLED touchscreen and the current M5 series chips represents a significant step in Apple’s laptop lineup. While the device will offer advanced display technology and a refreshed design, it will not immediately benefit from the forthcoming M7 series chips. This approach suggests that Apple is prioritizing design and display innovations in the near term, with substantial performance upgrades planned for future models.
