MacBook Pro 2026: Exciting Revamp With One Divisive Change
▼ Summary
– The MacBook Pro is rumored to receive its first major redesign in five years later in 2026, which will include making the device thinner.
– This follows a controversial 2016 design that prioritized thinness, leading to an unreliable keyboard and the removal of most ports, a mistake Apple is now cautioned against repeating.
– The new M6 model is expected to gain significant features like an OLED display without a notch, touch support, and a possible cellular modem.
– The success of the redesign hinges on whether Apple can achieve thinness without sacrificing pro-user essentials like ports, performance, or battery life.
– While the author is excited for the upgrade, they acknowledge that the “thinner” aspect makes some users nervous due to past design failures.
The upcoming MacBook Pro is poised for its most significant transformation in half a decade, with a wave of anticipated upgrades generating considerable buzz. While the prospect of a sleeker design and cutting-edge features is thrilling, one particular aspect of the rumored overhaul is sparking a familiar debate among power users.
Industry whispers suggest that the 2026 model, likely powered by an M6 chip, will be part of a comprehensive “total redesign” that includes a thinner and lighter chassis. This news arrives at a time when the current MacBook Pro design, solidified in 2021 with Apple silicon and a robust port selection, is widely regarded as a high point for professional laptops.
However, the move toward a slimmer profile inevitably brings back memories of a less celebrated era. The 2016 MacBook Pro, developed under a previous design philosophy, became notorious for prioritizing aesthetics over utility. Its pursuit of thinness came with significant compromises, most notably the introduction of a problematic butterfly keyboard and the removal of nearly all ports except for USB-C. That design persisted for years, drawing criticism for its lack of practicality.
Now, with a new generation on the horizon, the hope is that Apple has learned from past missteps. The rumored specifications for the new machine are undeniably enticing. Beyond the refined form factor, expectations include a stunning OLED display that eliminates the familiar notch, potential touch support, and the possible integration of a cellular modem for always-on connectivity. On paper, this represents one of the most substantial leaps forward for the MacBook Pro in recent memory.
Yet, the single word “thinner” gives many professional users pause. The ultimate success of this redesign will hinge entirely on the details of its execution. If Apple manages to reduce the device’s thickness without sacrificing the ports, performance, or battery life that professionals rely on, the new model could be a monumental success. Conversely, if achieving that slim silhouette requires stripping away these core functionalities, it risks repeating a painful history.
The balance between elegant design and uncompromising capability is a delicate one. While there is optimism that Apple will apply the lessons learned, the proof will be in the final product. The community’s reaction is mixed, with some eagerly awaiting the modernized form and others cautiously watching to see if the essence of a true “Pro” machine remains intact.
(Source: 9to5 Mac)
