Apple fans, you won’t love this one: rumors suggest OLED will be exclusive to M6 MacBook Pro and Max models
- Reputable Apple leaker states M6 Pro and M6 Max MacBook Pro models will be the only ones with OLED redesign
- Both models are slated between late 2026 and early 2027
- The base M6 MacBook Pro may be stuck with the current mini-LED technology
We’re in the final stages of 2025, which means Apple’s rumored M5 Pro, Ultra, and Max chips may be edging closer, with an expected early 2026 release. However, there’s not great news for fans anticipating Apple’s M6 launch, regarding a major redesign coming to all models.
As reported by Wccftech, Apple’s M6 Pro and M6 Max MacBook Pro models will be the only ones receiving the rumored OLED redesign, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. These models are slated to launch between late 2026 and early 2027, with Apple making a major departure from its usual mini-LED technology, a thinner chassis, and touch support.
Wccftech states it’s been aware of this exclusivity plan from Apple, and since Mark Gurman’s credibility is solid, it looks like this will very much be the case – and that’s bad news for many Apple fans.
We may be seeing base variants of M6 MacBooks launch without any redesigns, so if fans want an OLED viewing experience, the only way to do that may be via purchasing expensive M6 Pro or M6 Max models (at least with the initial launch) – and if I’m honest, it will be a little bit of a surprise to see if Apple takes this route.
It’s not unlike Apple to adhere to exclusivity, but considering how big a leap it is going from mini-LED to OLED, it’s a bold move and one that will certainly annoy some of its consumers. Many Apple fans may not need the power that the anticipated M6 Pro or M6 Max chips will provide, nor be able to afford them.
Analysis: This looks like it could be a case of gatekeeping, and I don’t think it’s fair
While I’d say it’s possible OLED will come to the next MacBook Pro model (after M6), it feels as if this is Apple’s way of enticing consumers to pay more for M6 Pro and M6 Max models, gatekeeping the OLED upgrade from those who can only settle with base models.
As much as I’ve given Lenovo criticism with its new Lenovo Legion Go 2 handheld due to its price, it’s at least given every consumer who purchases the device an OLED display – and yes, I’m fully aware that MacBooks and handheld gaming PCs are very different, but it’s the point of gatekeeping that matters here.
Fortunately, though, the mini-LED technology Apple has been using for years still holds up very well, especially without concerns of burn-in or any form of OLED maintenance. We’ll just have to wait and see when Apple decides to make OLED the main display type for all of its MacBook models – and hopefully that doesn’t take too long.
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