A global RAM shortage could delay the release of the next-generation MacBook Pro and Mac Studio, according to the latest rumors. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has repeatedly stated that the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with touchscreens are scheduled to launch in late 2026 to early 2027.
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However, in the recent Power On newsletter, he said that we should be prepared for the possibility of laptops reaching the end of that timeframe due to chip shortages. In other words, early 2027 is now more likely than late 2026.
Gurman previously expected a new Mac Studio to launch around mid-2026, which suggested an announcement around WWDC 2026 in June. However, in the recent newsletter, he wrote that sources within Apple believe the next Mac Studio models won't ship before October of this year due to shortages.
See also: Mac Mini and Mac Studio shipments delayed due to RAM shortage
Touch screen support will be part of a major refresh planned for the high-end MacBook Pro models, with other rumored features including the M6 Pro and M6 Max chips, an OLED display, a Dynamic Island, and a thinner design.
The laptops may be branded as MacBook Ultra, and macOS 27 will offer a touch-friendly interface. For the Mac Studio, the main change will be the M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips. The current model has incompatible M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips, as Apple never introduced an M4 Ultra chip. No major design changes are expected for the desktop.
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Overall, a Mac Studio refresh is expected around October of this year, followed by the touchscreen MacBook Pro models by the end of January 2027.
