Apple has already introduced three new Macs this year, but there are four more new models on the way, expected later this year. Rumors about future Mac announcements are increasing, especially around powerful upgrades with the M5 and M6 chips. From a new iMac with fresh colors to perhaps a completely redesigned MacBook Pro with a touchscreen.
For Apple enthusiasts interested in new technology, especially in the field of AI, the new Macs offer interesting improvements. The Mac Studio gets an M5 Ultra chip, the Mac mini becomes more accessible, and the MacBook Pro now has an OLED display with a touchscreen, which is new for Macs. Below you’ll find all the details on what might be coming.
Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra
The Mac Studio was last updated in spring 2025, with the M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips included in that model. Rumors indicate that a new Mac Studio will launch in the coming months, equipped with the M5 Max and a brand new M5 Ultra chip.
No design changes are expected, but with the growth of AI pushing computing needs further, the M5 Ultra model of the Mac Studio could prove especially interesting. In addition, Apple can choose to add the N1 chip with WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0.
M5 iMac with new colors
The iMac, Apple’s all-in-one desktop, is expected to receive an M5 upgrade later this year. The M4 model was launched in late 2024 and if we follow the pattern of previous years, a new model could be announced in late 2026.
In addition to improved performance, the M5 iMac is also expected to include the N1 chip for WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0. In addition, the new iMac may undergo one other notable change: a new color palette. Although Apple has already given the M4 iMac new color options, it is possible that the M5 model will have the same colors as the MacBook Neo.
Mac mini with M5 and M5 Pro
The Mac mini remains the most affordable desktop in Apple’s range, although you still have to buy a display, keyboard and mouse or trackpad separately. The new version with M5 chip and N1 network chip is expected later this year and comes with two options: the basic M5 and the more powerful M5 Pro. As with the new Mac Studio, no design change is expected, but the performance increase due to the M5 chip is significant for this compact desktop.
The Mac mini has become popular for AI applications in the past year and is seen as the future of personal computing, partly due to projects such as OpenClaw and Perplexity’s vision. A simple chip upgrade makes the new Mac mini attractive to users who want a compact, quiet, and affordable desktop with the latest Apple Silicon technology for everyday tasks and heavier AI workloads.
MacBook Ultra with brand new design and M6 chip
Although Apple has already launched the MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro and M5 Max this year, another MacBook Pro may be expected this year. This could possibly be called the MacBook Ultra and is rumored to promise a significant advancement for the Mac.
The MacBook Ultra has been circulating in the rumor world for some time as a new premium laptop that clearly differentiates itself from the regular MacBook Pro line. Although details are scarce, experts mainly point to an OLED screen with touchscreen, Dynamic Island and a new, slimmer design.
Combined with the expected M6 Pro/Ultra improvements in CPU and GPU performance, support for 5G and a touch-friendly version of macOS 27, the MacBook Ultra could be an attractive alternative for users who want to get the most out of a premium laptop.
It is good to know that the MacBook Ultra may not be released until the spring of 2027 due to the current chip shortage.
Chip shortage can cause problems
What we can expect from these products depends on the production chain; there are still problems with producing enough chips. There is a shortage of RAM chips worldwide due to the enormous demand, mainly due to the growth of artificial intelligence (AI). Major companies like Google, Microsoft and Amazon are investing billions in data centers packed with powerful GPUs and CPUs, which require a lot of RAM for complex AI models. This demands a lot from chip manufacturers such as Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron, which creates a shortage for other sectors. This has disrupted the consumer electronics supply chain, as RAM is essential for laptops, desktops and smartphones.
Manufacturers such as Apple, who need these chips for products such as the MacBook Pro and Mac Studio, cannot achieve their production on time. Even though Apple’s chips are only intended for its own products, production capacity goes to the highest bidders. This has led to delayed release dates and changes in priorities, such as skipping certain chip variants or adjusting designs. The problem has existed since 2024 and is exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and limited production capacity, resulting in longer wait times for pro users.