New MacBook Ultra design will not remain exclusive for long

Apple is rumoured to be preparing the release of a MacBook Ultra, which is expected to be the highest-tier variant of the MacBook Pro featuring an OLED display. However, new reports reveal that this new design will not remain exclusive to high-end models for long.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, as reported by Macrumors, the MacBook Ultra’s design may reach much cheaper Mac models approximately one year after its initial launch. Apple is reportedly planning to update every Mac in its lineup over the next two years. The report indicates that a lower-end 14-inch MacBook Pro, codenamed K104, is slated for release in 2027 and will likely adopt the high-end chassis design while utilising a standard M7 chip.

In terms of design, the last major redesign of the MacBook Pro occurred in 2021 alongside the introduction of the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. That redesign saw the MacBook Pro become heavier and thicker, reintroducing the HDMI port and SD card slot. Apple’s upcoming direction for 2027 appears to move towards making laptops thinner and lighter once again. The chassis is expected to be significantly slimmer, and the company is likely to replace mini-LED backlighting with a hybrid OLED arrangement.

There is currently no indication that Apple will sacrifice connectivity ports, as previous attempts to do so proved inefficient for users. The most significant changes may occur on the front of the device, where the notch is expected to disappear, replaced by a smaller punch-hole camera. This camera cutout may feature a pill-shaped design, enabling an interactive ‘Dynamic Island’ feature similar to the iPhone.

While exact dimensions are unconfirmed, industry research firm Omdia claims that Samsung Display will supply 14.3-inch and 16.3-inch panels for Apple, slightly larger than the current 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch models. Apple is also reportedly working on reinforced hinges to prevent screen wobble, though it remains unclear if this will result in external visual changes. Gurman describes the approach to the tactile experience as ‘touch-friendly, but not touch-centric.’

Furthermore, there is no certainty regarding the future naming conventions for high-end MacBook Pro models. The new ‘MacBook Ultra’ name may either replace the current high-end MacBook Pro models equipped with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips or exist as a new, even higher tier above them.