With price hikes and a rumoured high-end MacBook Ultra on the horizon, consumers are contemplating whether to buy now or wait for a potential OLED model with advanced features expected in late 2026 or early 2027.
Apple’s latest MacBook Pro pricing has sharpened the case for waiting. In June 2026, the company lifted the entry price of the MacBook Pro by $300 to $1,999 in the US, reflecting higher costs for memory and storage components amid a global shortage. In Portugal, where tax already pushes Apple hardware into a higher bracket, the increase makes the current Pro harder to justify unless the machine is needed immediately. MacRumors said the new pricing is already live on Apple’s online store.
That backdrop matters because Apple appears to be preparing a more ambitious high-end laptop later in the cycle. Reports from MacRumors, citing Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, point to a new MacBook Ultra with an OLED display, touch-screen support and a thinner design. The device is expected to sit above the current MacBook Pro range rather than replace it, which would leave buyers with a clear, if expensive, premium tier above the existing M5 models.
The timing is also important. MacRumors has reported that the OLED MacBook is still expected to use Apple’s current M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, not the next-generation M6 silicon. That suggests Apple is reserving the major processor jump for a later refresh. Gurman has indicated a launch window between late 2026 and early 2027, while a separate report noted that the machine could also include a Dynamic Island-style cut-out and optional cellular connectivity.
For most buyers, that makes the decision more straightforward. If a laptop is still adequate for writing, web use and lighter editing, delaying the purchase is the more rational approach. Paying record pricing for a MacBook Pro now carries the risk of seeing it overtaken quickly by a more distinctive OLED model. If an upgrade cannot wait, older generations remain the safer value play. MacRumors noted that MacBook Air pricing also rose by $200 to $1,299, while the MacBook Pro sits well above that, and Apple has kept lower-cost machines in the line-up for students and general use.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
