Apple is actively testing its highly anticipated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models featuring touch-enabled OLED displays, with a release window now firmly pointing to late 2026. The experimental hardware is currently running macOS 27.1, an update scheduled for public release in late October. According to a report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, these high-end laptops have been moved to a list of products launching later this year, accelerating previous expectations of an early 2027 debut. The first developer beta for macOS 27.1 is expected to roll out in the coming days.
The upcoming OLED Touch MacBook Pro models will introduce significant hardware changes, including a thinner chassis and the adoption of a Dynamic Island to replace the traditional display notch. Under the hood, the machines will be powered by the unreleased M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. While Macworld previously speculated that these laptops would carry the MacBook Ultra moniker, that branding rumor has lost credibility after the same outlet incorrectly predicted the foldable iPhone Duo would be named the iPhone Ultra.
Apple plans to position these touch-enabled OLED laptops as a distinct, ultra-premium tier sitting above the standard MacBook Pro lineup. Meanwhile, the regular 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are expected to skip the M5 generation entirely, jumping directly to M7 Pro and M7 Max chips next year.
Other Notable Apple Hardware Leaks
- Apple Watch Updates: The Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, set for a September 9 unveiling, will not feature major design changes compared to the Series 11 and Ultra 3. Rumors of Touch ID coming to the wearables this year have also been dismissed.
- Canceled MacBooks: According to research firm Omdia, Apple has officially scrapped plans for a large foldable MacBook that would have measured between 16.1 and 18 inches unfolded, after it missed its 2026 production window. A larger OLED MacBook Pro model was also canceled.
- iPhone 18 Pro and Duo Colors: Ahead of Apple's September 9 event at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, leaks revealed the color palette for the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone Duo. Options will include Black, Light Blue, Silver, and Burgundy (also described as Dark Red or Dark Cherry).
The End of the Traditional Mac Era
Apple's decision to finally integrate touch screens into the MacBook Pro represents a fundamental shift in a design philosophy that has strictly separated the Mac and iPad ecosystems for over a decade. By introducing touch capabilities exclusively on a higher-priced OLED tier, Apple is treating this launch as a premium market test. If successful, it could redefine how professionals interact with macOS, bridging the gap between desktop power and tablet versatility.
The cancellation of the 18-inch foldable MacBook further clarifies Apple's current hardware strategy. Rather than rushing an unproven, highly experimental form factor to market, the company is choosing to modernize its traditional clamshell design with OLED and touch. This calculated move directly targets premium Windows laptops that have offered touch screens for years, ensuring Apple remains competitive in the high-end creator market without cannibalizing its iPad Pro sales.
