Apple's iconic MacBook Pro notch is set to disappear in 2026, according to a new roadmap revealed by research firm Omdia. The report indicates that upcoming 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will replace the current notch design with a sleek hole-punch camera.
The change coincides with Apple's planned transition to OLED display technology for MacBook Pros. This major redesign, the first since 2021, promises to deliver a more seamless viewing experience while potentially expanding the usable area of the macOS menu bar.
The hole-punch design raises interesting possibilities - it could either be a simple camera cutout or potentially integrate the Dynamic Island feature currently found on iPhones. The Dynamic Island could serve as an innovative way to display system notifications like battery alerts on Mac devices.
OLED technology is expected to bring several improvements to the MacBook Pro lineup. Users can look forward to enhanced brightness levels, superior contrast ratios with deeper blacks, and better power efficiency leading to extended battery life. The new display technology may also enable Apple to create slimmer MacBook Pro designs.
Before this major overhaul arrives, MacBook Pro updates will focus primarily on performance improvements. The 2025 models are likely to feature new M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max chips, without significant design changes.
Interestingly, while the Pro models move away from the notch design, Omdia's roadmap suggests the MacBook Air will retain its notch until at least 2028.
This strategic shift in design and display technology marks Apple's commitment to evolving its premium laptop lineup, promising users a more refined and capable MacBook Pro experience in the coming years.