OLED M6 MacBook Pro Launch Won’t Force The Discontinuation Of M5 Pro & M5 Max Models, As Apple Is Planning An Even Higher Price Bracket Later This Year

A design overhaul of the M6 MacBook Pro is expected either in late 2026 or early 2027, with Apple introducing a display transition from mini-LED to OLED for the first time in the portable Mac’s history. Typically, when the technology giant introduces a newer lineup, it ends up discontinuing the older-generation models, like it has done with the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max versions now that the M5 Pro and M5 Max family is here. However, according to the latest report, Apple isn’t going to phase out its newest SoCs or the MacBook Pro lineup that houses them because its M6 MacBook Pro series is expected to occupy an even higher price bracket.

New 2nm chipsets, OLED upgrade, touchscreen, and other changes will make the M6 MacBook Pro range significantly more expensive

In the past, any Apple product that switched to OLED has always become more expensive because it is a pricey display technology. Unfortunately, those looking forward to skipping the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro and focusing their attention on the M6 MacBook Pro will also have to pay a premium because the OLED, revamped design with a new hinge, touchscreen capabilities, and advanced 2nm chipsets aren’t going to come cheap. According to details shared by Mark Gurman’s ‘Power On’ newsletter, the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models will continue to be sold even after the M6, M6 Pro, and M6 Max family has arrived.

“Apple’s next high-end MacBook Pro update will feature a touch-enabled OLED display — a component that will almost certainly raise the overall price. When Apple switched the iPad to OLED, its starting price rose by roughly 20%. A similar change with the iPhone in 2017 pushed the base price to $1,000 for the first time. Given that history, these upcoming laptops will likely sit above the current M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models, rather than replace them. While Apple could keep the traditional MacBook Pro name, a “MacBook Ultra” label would more clearly signal their position at the top of the lineup. One thing is certain: Apple, yet again, is moving firmly upmarket.”

To make things clear, we have reported that the base M6 MacBook Pro isn’t going to feature the OLED, touchscreen, and revamped design, as these upgrades will be exclusive to the M6 Pro and M6 Max variants. Our assumption is that the base M6 Pro MacBook Pro will retail for $2,399, making it a $200 premium over its immediate predecessor, with the M6 Max MacBook Pro starting from $3,999, a $400 increase. Keep in mind that these figures are purely estimates, with Apple expected to provide actual pricing details during the official launch.

Then again, if you’re more comfortable making an upgrade right now, Amazon is taking pre-orders for both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro range, with the M5 Pro version going for $2,199, giving you a 15-core CPU, 18-core GPU, 24GB of unified memory, and a 1TB SSD. As for the M5 Max MacBook Pro, you will have to set aside $3,599 for this machine, which will give you an 18-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 36GB unified memory, and a 2TB SSD.

News Source: Bloomberg

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