Apple is set to reveal its first MacBook Pro redesign in five years next week. While the new model is expected to continue using the same M5 Pro and M5 Max processors found in the current lineup, industry observers say the refresh will introduce four distinct advantages over the existing design.
Lighter, thinner chassis
The most visible change is a reduction in weight. According to journalist Mark Gurman, the upcoming MacBook Pros will be “significantly lighter” because Apple has re‑engineered the interior, miniaturizing components and rearranging parts to improve portability. The redesign is also projected to be slightly thinner than the current version, though the change in thickness is not expected to be dramatic.
Because the chassis is not being radically slimmed, analysts anticipate that Apple will retain most of the ports found on today’s models. The company appears to have learned from previous generations that preserving connectivity is important to professional users.
OLED touchscreen display
Apple’s current MacBook Pro line uses a Liquid Retina XDR display, which has been praised for its brightness and color accuracy. The forthcoming model will upgrade to an OLED panel, a technology already employed in iPhones for years and most recently showcased on the iPad Pro. The 2024 iPad Pro introduced a tandem OLED screen that Apple billed as “the world’s most advanced display.” While Apple has not provided detailed specifications for the MacBook Pro OLED, the comparison suggests a significant visual improvement.
Beyond the panel technology, the OLED screen will support full touch input. Apple plans to integrate touch capabilities into macOS Golden Gate, offering optimizations that make the touchscreen a viable secondary interaction method. The company emphasizes that touch will not replace the trackpad and keyboard but will serve as an additional “nice‑to‑have” option for users who find it useful in certain scenarios.
Notch‑free screen and camera redesign
The 2021 MacBook Pro redesign introduced a notch to house the webcam. Reports indicate that the new generation will eliminate the notch, likely substituting it with a hole‑punch camera cutout. This change mirrors Apple’s approach on the iPhone, where the notch was removed in favor of a more streamlined front‑face design.
Alongside the notch removal, a new Dynamic Island feature is expected to appear on the MacBook Pro, though Apple may also enable it on older Macs through a software update. Community commentary highlights the trade‑off between a lighter chassis and potential impacts on battery life or cooling, but the removal of the notch is seen as a clear aesthetic upgrade.
Overall, the upcoming MacBook Pro redesign aims to blend incremental performance continuity with notable enhancements in portability, display technology, touch interaction, and visual design. If the rumored improvements materialize as described, the new model could set a higher benchmark for professional laptops while addressing long‑standing user preferences for lighter weight and a cleaner screen.
Norman Pearlstine is the Executive Editor and Co-Founder at News Raise. With over two decades of experience across financial journalism, corporate governance, and market analysis, Norman leads the editorial direction and ensures strict adherence to journalistic accuracy and ethics.
