Plenty of new Macs are rumored to be waiting in the wings. Mostly, it’s about bringing the speedy new M6 processor to more models, but we can also look forward to the most radically redesigned MacBook in many years. And a better budget notebook, too.
Anyone on the market for a new Mac take note: Here’s every macOS notebook and desktop currently rumored to arrive by mid-2027.
2 new Macs are already out
Apple already kicked off this Mac refresh with revamped Mac mini and Mac Studio models.
These are “chip-and-ship” upgrades, with the new processors the main improvements. The 2026 Mac mini now comes with the M6 or M5 Pro chip, while the 2026 Mac Studio packs Apple’s M5 Max or M5 Ultra. Both machines went on sale on September 22.
The highlight of the latest Mac mini is the M6 processor, marking the debut of the next generation of Apple silicon. It brings faster CPU and GPU performance along with a much more powerful Neural Engine. Apple promises a major jump in AI performance, while also increasing memory bandwidth and overall efficiency.
Look forward to the M6 processor appearing in plenty of new models in the coming months.
M6 MacBook Pro
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
A MacBook Pro could be one of the first new Macs out of the gate, and the second with the M6.
Apple is reportedly preparing an entry-level 14-inch notebook with the new chip for release in October, or at least by the end of 2026. This would be a relatively straightforward update, with the existing design retained and the new processor providing the biggest change.
Despite the modest upgrade, the ongoing RAMageddon global memory crisis might force a price hike. The current version starts at $1,999.
M6 iMac
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple also reportedly plans to replace the current 24-inch M4 iMac with an M6 version this fall. The basic design isn’t expected to change significantly, although new colors are reportedly possible.
Still, this would be the iMac’s first processor upgrade since the M4 model debuted in October 2024.
And again, the rising cost of memory might lead to a jump in the selling price — currently $1,499 and up.
M6 MacBook Air
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
The MacBook Air isn’t expected to get the M6 quite as soon. Apple reportedly plans to update both the 13-inch and 15-inch versions of the MacBook Air with the new chip in early 2027.
The machines are expected to retain the design from the current versions. So another pair of “chip-and-ship” upgrades.
And yet again, RAMageddon likely will spur price increases. The 13-inch MacBook Pro currently starts at $1,299 while the 15-inch version costs $1,499. Expect that to change in 2027.
Touchscreen MacBook Pro
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Perhaps the most interesting Mac in Apple’s pipeline apparently won’t launch with an M6 processor. But it’ll be packed with other enhancements, including the first-ever touchscreen in a MacBook.
Reports also indicate the new machine will combine an OLED display with a touch-friendly version of macOS.
Rumors indicate the machine will come in 14- and 16-inch versions, with a substantially thinner design. There might even be enough enhancements to justify a name change to MacBook Ultra.
There’s an important wrinkle, though: Unconfirmed reports indicate Apple decided to not make an M6 Pro or M6 Max version of this laptop. Instead, the first touchscreen MacBook will be built around M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. (The next version will use the M7 Pro and M7 Max.)
As for the launch date … no one knows for sure outside of Apple. It could debut this fall, but it might also come in early 2027 — the rumors remain unclear.
As the touchscreen Mac will be well supplied with premium features, expect a starting cost higher than any current MacBook Pro.
MacBook Neo 2
AI image: Apple/ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Apple is surely planning a second-generation MacBook Neo. The original version of the affordable laptop launched in the spring and was a huge success, despite its A18 Pro chip and just 8GB of RAM. Apple is reportedly already preparing an updated version with an A19 Pro chip and 12GB of memory. New color options are also expected.
The extra memory could prove particularly significant as Apple’s on-device AI features become more demanding.
The original debuted in March, and a launch date for the MacBook Neo 2 is widely expected roughly a year later. The current version starts at $699. A jump in cost is entirely possible, though.
Lots to look forward to from Apple
Summing up, fall 2026 likely will bring the M6 MacBook Pro and M6 iMac, which might arrive as early as October. The bigger event could come around the end of the year or early 2027 with the 14- and 16-inch touchscreen MacBook. This will be followed by the M6 MacBook Air models and the MacBook Neo 2.
What this means is that, with the new Mac mini and Mac Studio models, Apple could refresh nearly its entire Mac lineup over a span of about half a year.
Ed Hardy has been writing full-time about tech for 26 years, and using it for much longer than that. His intro to Apple was a Macintosh SE/30 (which he still has), but now he uses a 13-inch iPad Pro as his primary computer.
That’s because he’s a “tablet first” type of guy. Rather than use a Macbook, he connects a keyboard case to the iPad. And instead of a desktop Mac, he connects his tablet to a 27-inch display and full-size keyboard. (So don’t try to tell him that everyone has to use a Mac to be productive.)
Before coming to Cult of Mac, Ed wrote for NotebookReview, TabletPCReview and Brighthand, as well as other sites.
