Apple plans MacBook Ultra with OLED and touchscreen for 2026

Apple is reportedly preparing a significant redesign of its high-end laptop line, with new models potentially featuring OLED displays and touchscreen capabilities for the first time. According to a report from research firm Omdia, these laptops, which may be branded as the MacBook Ultra, are expected to launch in the third quarter of 2026.

The new models are anticipated to come in two screen sizes, 14.3 inches and 16.3 inches, and will utilize a hybrid OLED display architecture. This technology combines oxide thin-film transistor (TFT) backplanes with tandem OLED layers, an approach already used in Apple’s iPad Pro. Analysts say this combination offers higher brightness, improved power efficiency, and a longer lifespan compared to conventional OLED or the Mini-LED technology currently used in MacBook Pro models. Samsung Display is expected to be the panel supplier.

A notable departure from Apple’s longstanding design philosophy would be the introduction of touchscreen support. For years, the company has maintained that touch interfaces are not suited for laptops, despite the feature being common on Windows-based devices. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman...