Apple’s next high-end MacBook Pro could be significantly lighter than the current 16-inch model, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, as the company reportedly redesigns the laptop’s internal components ahead of an expected OLED and touchscreen debut.
Gurman said in his latest Power On newsletter that Apple has miniaturised and rearranged components inside the machine to reduce its weight and make it easier to carry.
The reported redesign comes as Apple is expected to introduce an OLED display and touchscreen to the MacBook Pro, potentially narrowing some of the portability gap between the Pro and MacBook Air.
New MacBook Pro reportedly in testing
According to Gurman, the upcoming models are already being tested with macOS 27.2 and could arrive as early as November.
Apple has not officially announced the reported OLED MacBook Pro or confirmed its specifications.
Earlier reports have suggested that production of OLED panels for Apple’s first MacBook using the technology had begun ahead of schedule, potentially allowing the company to launch the new models sooner than previously expected.
Weight could narrow MacBook Air gap
The current 16-inch MacBook Pro weighs up to 4.8 pounds, while Apple’s 15-inch MacBook Air weighs around 3.3 pounds.
The difference of roughly 1.5 pounds has been one of the key distinctions between Apple’s professional and lightweight laptop lines.
Gurman attributes the reported reduction in the upcoming MacBook Pro’s weight primarily to changes inside the machine rather than the display alone.
OLED display could also save space
The reported switch from mini-LED to OLED could contribute to a thinner and lighter design.
The current MacBook Pro uses a mini-LED display, which relies on a backlight positioned behind the LCD panel. OLED panels do not require a separate backlight because individual pixels produce their own light.
Apple already uses tandem OLED technology in the iPad Pro. The technology uses two OLED layers to improve brightness and potentially extend display lifespan.
Earlier reports have suggested that Apple could use a similar OLED approach in its upcoming MacBook Pro, although the company has not confirmed the display specifications.
Touchscreen and Dynamic Island also reported
The reported redesign comes alongside earlier claims that Apple is preparing its first touchscreen MacBook Pro.
Previous reports have also suggested that the laptop could incorporate a Dynamic Island-style feature similar to the one used on recent iPhone models.
These features remain unconfirmed until Apple officially announces the new MacBook Pro.
If the reported changes materialise, the next-generation MacBook Pro could combine the performance-focused design of Apple’s Pro line with some of the portability features associated with the MacBook Air.
