According to a display technology roadmap published by research firm Omdia, Apple intends to remove the notch from the MacBook Pro range starting in 2026. While the iPad mini 8 will upgrade to a panel Single-layer OLED, the new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will move to a tandem display (like the iPad Pro M4), but with a punch-hole camera at the top of the screen. Enough to remove the notch and/or create a “Dynamic Island” type functionality for notifications and quick interactions.
An improved design on the MBP
Removing the MacBook Pro notch, introduced in 2021 with the miniLED models, would improve the display by providing a more comfortable space, potentially increasing the functional area of the macOS menu bar and providing a more edge-to-edge style. close to that of the iPad Pro.
This lines up with previous rumors suggesting that Apple’s first OLED MacBook Pro models will debut in 2026, confirming the expected timeline for the display transition on the Mac. This update is expected to coincide with the MacBook Pro’s first significant redesign since 2021, which could include a slimmer profile and other improvements. OLED displays offer benefits such as higher brightness, better contrast ratios with deeper blacks, improved power efficiency, and extended battery life compared to current mini-LED displays.
In the short term, no major design changes are expected for the MacBook Pro. The 2025 models are expected to receive an upgrade to the M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max chips, but the design is expected to remain unchanged until the 2026 redesign. The 2026 MacBook Pro lineup will logically be powered by the M6 chip.
For its part, the MacBook Air would retain its notch at least until 2028, according to the road map of Omdia. Enough to always maintain a clear distinction between the ranges.
Remember that Apple has just launched its MacBook Pro M4 and should offer a MacBook Air M4 in early 2025.
