What to expect from MacBook next year

Apple is developing 15 different computer models, including a MacBook Pro with an OLED screen and a MacBook using the A18 Pro chip.

MacBook Pro 16-inch M4 Pro. Photo: TechCrunch .

According to AppleInsider , Apple is developing 15 different Mac models. The products use M5 and M6 processors, expected to launch between the end of this year and 2026.

Currently, most Macs are equipped with M4 processors, the latest devices include the MacBook Air and Mac Studio (launched in March). However, Apple has quickly started developing the next generation, including the not-so-popular Mac Pro model.

While the M5 generation mainly improves performance, devices with the M6 chip are expected to have many changes in design, especially the MacBook Pro 2026. Here is a detailed list of models being developed by Apple.

MacBook Pro and MacBook Air M5

Apple tends to release MacBook Pros in the fall. Late last year, Apple introduced the MacBook Pro with M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips. The Mac mini was also upgraded with M4 and M4 Pro chips, while the iMac was equipped with M4 chips.

Rumors suggest that the company could introduce the MacBook Pro M5 around the same time frame. Apple is currently testing a device with the codename J873s. Speculation suggests that this could be the Mac mini M5 Pro, as the M4 Pro version is codenamed J773s.

Apple is also likely to launch the MacBook Pro with M5 chip, M5 Pro and M5 Max later this year. Based on rumors, the device only upgrades the configuration, the design remains the same.

Currently, there are 4 MacBook Pro code names being developed at Apple including J714c (MacBook Pro 14 inch M5 Max), J714s (MacBook Pro 14 inch M5 Pro), J716c (MacBook Pro 16 inch M5 Max) and J716s (MacBook Pro 16 inch M5 Pro).

MacBook Air 15 inch M4. Photo: Macworld .

According to AppleInsider , the above code names match the current MacBook Pro M4, including J614c, J614s, J716c and J716s, meaning there won't be many changes in design. However, the hardware inside the product is likely to be upgraded significantly.

Regarding the release date, MacBook Pro M5 is expected to be launched at the same time as iPad Pro M5 and Apple Vision Pro M5.

After the MacBook Pro M5, Apple may introduce two MacBook Air models in early 2026. Similarly, the MacBook Air M5 will retain the same design as its predecessor, with a thin, light appearance and a notch above the screen.

Internally, the MacBook Air M5 is codenamed J813 and J815, which correspond to the 13-inch and 15-inch versions. Currently, the MacBook Air M4 is codenamed J713 and J715.

New desktop series

In addition to the mainstream models, Apple is said to be developing a new generation of Mac Pro, codenamed J704. Rumors say the product could launch this year. For comparison, the last time Apple upgraded the Mac Pro was in 2023.

Previously, the 2019 Mac Pro used Intel processors, then switched to M chips with the highest line equipped with M2 Ultra. Although still having good performance, M2 Ultra is not an ideal choice for professional users because it does not support external GPU.

Apple typically updates its desktop Macs mid-year, but that schedule has changed recently. While the Mac Pro is expected to launch in late 2025, the smaller Mac Studio is likely to arrive in 2026.

Mac Studio M4 Max. Photo: Engadget .

According to rumors, Apple is developing two Mac Studio models codenamed J775c and J775d. For comparison, the current Mac Studio is codenamed J575, supporting M4 Max or M3 Ultra chips. With rumors that the M5 series will be more powerful than the M3 Ultra, Apple has a reason to equip the new Mac Studio.

Another unreleased device, codenamed J833ct, could be the iMac M5. For comparison, the iMac M4 uses the codename J433 internally at Apple. However, it is not yet confirmed that the new codename belongs to the next-generation iMac.

Some rumors say that the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips will use separate packaging for the CPU and GPU, which will “improve performance and thermal efficiency.” Specifically, Apple’s latest chip packaging process, called System-in-Integrated-Chips-Molding-Horizontal (SoIC-mH), is likely to be applied first on the M5 Pro.

Special products

As for the MacBook Pro line, Apple plans to change the design in 2026 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the product launch. Based on rumors, the device's appearance may be thinner and lighter, the screen will use an OLED panel instead of LCD, and the processor will be upgraded to M6.

Similar to previous generations, Apple is developing four high-end models for the 2026 MacBook Pro, including K114c (14-inch MacBook Pro M6 Max), K114s (14-inch MacBook Pro M6 Pro), K116c (16-inch MacBook Pro M6 Max) and K116s (16-inch MacBook Pro M6 Pro).

Based on the code name above, it is likely that the MacBook Pro M6 will still have 2 screen options. Based on rumors, the M6 chip can integrate a network modem. This allows the device to access the Internet independently, without the need for Wi-Fi or broadcasting the network from the phone as it does today.

MacBook 12 inch. Photo: iMore .

Finally, there are two “strange” codenames appearing in Apple’s database, including J700 and J804. While J804 is most likely the Mac Pro or MacBook Pro with a standard chip version, J700 could be the MacBook model with the A18 Pro processor chip, which has been rumored recently.

The basic MacBook line debuted in 2006 in white and plastic, and was sold until 2012. In 2015, Apple “revived” the MacBook with a 12-inch screen, a USB-C port, and a thin, light design. The product could not survive the market after 4 years.

While the MacBook Air is positioned as a thin and light laptop similar to the 12-inch MacBook, the $1,000 price tag isn't a suitable choice for many people.

According to AppleInsider , a low-cost MacBook version with an A18 chip and Apple Intelligence support could be a solution to reach customers who don't want to spend too much money on a laptop. Of course, everything is just a rumor at the moment, and Apple could change its plans in the future.

Source: https://znews.vn/dieu-thu-vi-tren-macbook-nhung-nam-toi-post1566651.html