Apple plans multi-year Mac refresh beginning fall 2026

Apple is preparing a comprehensive, multi-year refresh of its entire Mac lineup, beginning this fall, according to a new report. The updates are designed to capitalize on growing sales and rising demand for machines capable of handling artificial intelligence workloads.

The initial wave of new hardware is expected to start in the fall of 2026. This includes a new entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro, codenamed J804, which will be among the first Macs to feature Apple's next-generation M6 chip. The company also plans to release updated iMac models, the first redesigns for the all-in-one desktop in two years. A more significant transformation is planned for the high-end MacBook Pro, with redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch models featuring OLED touchscreens. These premium laptops, codenamed K114 and K116, are on track for release in late 2026 or early 2027 but will reportedly use M5 Pro and M5 Max chips rather than moving to the M6 generation.

This chip strategy indicates Apple is accelerating development of its subsequent M7 family. Updates for the touchscreen MacBook Pro models with M7 Pro and Max chips are tentatively scheduled for late 2027 or early 2028. Furthermore, a newly designed...