Apple’s next Macs will finally check every box
Apple’s next Macs will finally check every box
https://www.macworld.com/article/3023806/apple-mac-features-oled-budget-touchscreen-5g.html
Publish Date: 2026-02-22 10:00:00
Source Domain: www.macworld.com
Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Macworld reports Apple is developing multiple Mac innovations, including a touchscreen MacBook Pro expected in late 2026 and a budget MacBook potentially launching March 4.
- The upcoming MacBook Pro may feature Ultra Retina XDR displays, M6 Pro/Max chips, and Apple’s own cellular modems for enhanced connectivity.
- These developments could finally address longtime user requests for touch functionality and built-in cellular capabilities while expanding Apple’s laptop market reach.
According to rumors, 2026 is shaping up to be a huge year for the Mac, starting in just a couple of weeks with Apple’s first event (or “experience”) of the year. Along with the usual faster chips, Apple reportedly has new tricks up its sleeve in 2026, with several new features that will have Mac users everywhere saying, “Finally!” Here are four major overdue announcements we expect to arrive this year.
A budget MacBook
iPhone fans have long pined for a truly affordable MacBook priced below the $999 MacBook Air that isn’t just an older model with a cut-rate price. That dream machine may finally arrive in just two short weeks. On March 4, Apple will hold a series of “experiences” in New York, London, and Shanghai, and the star is expected to be the first-ever low-cost MacBook.
After tackling the mid-range market with the MacBook Air, Apple reportedly wants to compete with Chromebooks and Windows laptops, with a new laptop that could be as cheap as $599. Apple will reportedly use an A18 Pro or A19 Pro iPhone chip, and it will likely have a smaller screen than the Air and possibly fewer USB ports. But it will be powerful enough for everyday tasks and light work. For a lot of users, that’s all that’s needed.
MacBooks with OLED displays
When Apple unveiled the M1 Pro/M1 Max MacBook Pro in 2021, it was the first Mac to get the Liquid Retina XDR display, which was introduced in the 12.9-inch iPad Pro a few…
