MacBook Pro Turns 20 as Reports Point to Late‑2026 Redesign
Two chip transitions defined the pro laptop’s identity with Apple silicon delivering major performance gains.
Overview
- Steve Jobs introduced the MacBook Pro on January 10, 2006 as the Intel-based successor to the PowerBook during his Macworld San Francisco keynote.
- Apple initially sold a 15-inch model, added a 17-inch version months later, and folded the 13-inch aluminum MacBook into the Pro lineup in 2009.
- Over time the notebook added MagSafe charging, a built-in webcam, unibody aluminum construction, and Retina displays while experiments like the Touch Bar and the butterfly keyboard drew criticism and led to repair programs and lawsuits.
- Apple began its shift from Intel to its own chips in 2020 by bringing the M1 to the MacBook Pro, unlocking notable gains in speed, battery life, and efficiency through tighter hardware–software integration.
- Industry reports now suggest higher-end models could get a significant redesign in late 2026 or early 2027 with OLED panels, potential touchscreen support, a Dynamic Island-like display cutout, and thinner, lighter builds, though Apple has not confirmed these plans.