Apple MacBook Ultra: Six new features
While the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models were only updated last month with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, reports indicate that bigger changes are on the way. According to Mark Gurman Bloomberg reports that the higher-end MacBook Pro models are expected to receive a comprehensive redesign by early 2027. He speculates that Apple will market them under the name “Apple MacBook Ultra.” In this case, the Ultra would likely be a more expensive top-of-the-line model in the MacBook series and would be priced significantly above the standard MacBook Pro.
So far, rumors are circulating about up to six new features, including an OLED display, touch functionality, a Dynamic Island architecture, M6 Pro and M6 Max chips manufactured using TSMC’s advanced 2nm process, a thinner design, and integrated cellular connectivity. Below, we summarize the rumors surrounding the features of the Apple MacBook Ultra.
OLED display
Regardless of whether Apple uses the name MacBook Pro or MacBook Ultra, it is generally expected that these are the first MacBooks with OLED displays.
Current MacBook Pro models are equipped with LCD displays featuring mini-LED backlighting. Switching to OLED technology would result in improved image quality thanks to richer colors, a higher contrast ratio, and true blacks.
All iPhone, Apple Watch and iPad Pro models that Apple sells today are already equipped with OLED displays, except for refurbished models.
Touchscreen
The Apple MacBook Ultra is not only being switched to OLED, but the display will apparently also have additional touchscreen functions. This allows Mac users to use their fingers, keyboard, and mouse/trackpad for input.
Steve Jobs said a touchscreen Mac would cause arm fatigue, but he made that statement a long time ago, and Apple changes its mind from time to time.
Dynamic Island
Another rumored change to the Apple MacBook Ultra’s display is a punch-hole camera, which will pave the way for a Dynamic Island instead of a notch.
With a Dynamic Island display, the MacBook Ultra would take another step towards a truly borderless display with narrow bezels. Similar to the iPhone, the Dynamic Island would display information such as low battery warnings and AirPods connection indicators in the area around the camera, centered at the top of the screen.
M6 Pro and M6 Max chips
It’s obvious: The Apple MacBook Ultra will likely be equipped with Apple’s next-generation M6 Pro and M6 Max chips. These chips are expected to be manufactured using TSMC’s advanced 2nm process, which should result in significantly greater performance and efficiency improvements compared to last year.
The current M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are manufactured using TSMC’s third-generation 3nm process.
Thinner design
The Apple MacBook Ultra is expected to have a thinner design compared to the MacBook Pro. The switch from LCD with mini-LED backlighting to OLED would contribute to a thinner form factor, and there could be further changes that contribute to a slimmer construction.
So far, there are at least no indications that Apple plans to remove ports such as HDMI, MagSafe, or the SD card slot again to enable this thinner design.
Mobile communications
Macs can already connect via the “Personal Hotspot” feature of iPhones or iPads to a nearby cellular network. Apple has reportedly considered at least an integrated cellular connection for future Macs. Should these plans be implemented, the Apple MacBook Ultra would likely be equipped with Apple’s C1X or the future C2 modem for 5G and LTE.
Apple MacBook Ultra Launch Date
The exact release date is still unclear, but Gurman recently stated that early 2027 is now more likely than late 2026 due to the global shortage of memory chips. Apple’s RAM supplies are limited, which could delay the launch.
Apple last redesigned the MacBook Pro in 2021, when the M1 Pro and M1 Max models were released. The Apple MacBook Ultra would therefore be the first major redesign in at least five years and is a model many customers are eagerly awaiting.
