What’s Coming This Fall: MacBook Pro M6 and New iMac

The first wave of Apple’s Mac overhaul is scheduled to arrive this fall, and according to Bloomberg’s reporting, development of both machines is already complete — they’re simply not shipping yet.

Entry-Level 14-inch MacBook Pro with M6 Chip

The most immediately relevant new Mac for businesses is the refreshed entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro (internally codenamed J804). This will be one of the first Macs to ship with Apple’s upcoming M6 chip.

For businesses managing Apple fleets, this model occupies an important position in the lineup. The entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro has consistently been the go-to choice for professional employees who need more power than the MacBook Air offers but don’t require the high-end Pro or Max chip configurations. If your fleet refresh was already planned for later this year, this model will be worth evaluating before committing to current-generation hardware.

First iMac Refresh in Two Years

Apple is also releasing updated iMac models this fall (internally codenamed J833 and J834) — the first iMac refresh in approximately two years. For businesses that use iMacs at fixed workstations — front desk, design, accounting, or reception — this is particularly relevant. Buying a current-generation iMac right now, knowing a new model is confirmed for fall, is generally not recommended. MacRumors’ own Buyer’s Guide currently lists the iMac as “Don’t Buy” for exactly this reason.

The Biggest Mac in Years: OLED Touchscreen MacBook Pro (Late 2026 to Early 2027)

The most significant product in the entire roadmap is the redesigned high-end MacBook Pro. Apple is confirmed to be working on an all-new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro (codenames K114 and K116) with a completely redesigned chassis and — for the first time on any Mac — an OLED touchscreen display.

Key confirmed details about these models:

• Display: OLED panel with touchscreen capability — a first for the Mac
• Chips: M5 Pro (14-inch) and M5 Max (16-inch) — not new chip generations, but a new design built around existing chips
• Design: All-new, thinner chassis — described as a meaningful departure from the current MacBook Pro design
• Software: Currently being tested internally with macOS 27.1, which is scheduled for release at the end of October

The expected window for these models is late 2026 to early 2027. The release could align with the macOS 27.1 update in October, or could slip into early 2027 depending on production timelines.

For businesses with employees who do demanding creative, development, or data-intensive work, this is worth understanding before making a high-end MacBook Pro purchase today. The current high-end MacBook Pro remains a strong machine — MacRumors’ Buyer’s Guide currently rates it “Buy Now” — but if your procurement cycle has flexibility, late 2026 or early 2027 brings a substantially redesigned model.

What’s Coming in 2027: MacBook Air, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and More

MacBook Air Refresh (Early 2027)

A refreshed MacBook Air in both 13-inch and 15-inch configurations (codenames J913 and J915) is expected in early 2027. Bloomberg’s reporting describes this as an incremental update — the same overall design as the current MacBook Air — rather than a redesign. The MacBook Air remains the highest-volume Mac for business fleets, and this refresh will keep it current without requiring a significant wait. MacRumors currently rates the MacBook Air as “Neutral” — buyable now but with an update on the horizon.

Redesigned Entry-Level MacBook Pro with M7 Chip (2027)

Following the OLED models, Apple plans a redesigned entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro (codename K104) with the M7 chip and a new design that matches the higher-end OLED MacBook Pro aesthetic. This is the model that represents the bigger generational shift for the entry-level MacBook Pro — the fall 2026 model gets the M6 chip in the current chassis, while this 2027 model gets the M7 chip in the all-new design. For businesses that can wait, this is the more significant upgrade.

Mac mini and Mac Studio (2027, Timing Fluid)

Apple is currently testing new Mac mini models with M5 Pro and M6 chips and new Mac Studio configurations with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips. However, Bloomberg’s reporting is explicit that the timing of these models is uncertain, with global memory supply constraints potentially pushing launches deeper into 2027.

This is directly relevant to businesses trying to order Mac mini or Mac Studio units right now. Demand for current models is significantly outpacing supply — new orders for some Mac mini and Mac Studio configurations reportedly face delivery times exceeding three months. Apple CEO Tim Cook acknowledged in April that it could take “several months” before supply and demand reach a balance. MacRumors currently lists both Mac mini and Mac Studio as “Don’t Buy” — not because the hardware is poor, but because new models are in active development.

MacBook Neo (Timing Unclear)

A refreshed MacBook Neo is in development with an updated A19 Pro chip, more memory, and potentially new color options. No specific release window has been confirmed. The current MacBook Neo is rated “Buy Now” on MacRumors’ Buyer’s Guide, making it a strong option for employees who need a capable, affordable Mac for everyday business tasks.

The Business Purchasing Decision: What to Buy Now, What to Wait For

With this roadmap now confirmed, here’s a clear breakdown for business IT managers and purchasers:

Buy now with confidence:

• Current MacBook Pro (M5 Pro / M5 Max): Still rated “Buy Now.” The upcoming OLED models use the same chip generations with a new design — the performance difference is not significant enough to justify a long wait for most business use cases.
• Current MacBook Neo: Rated “Buy Now.” The refresh is in development but has no confirmed timeline. The current model is a strong value for business productivity workloads.

Buy with awareness of upcoming updates:

• MacBook Air: The early 2027 update is expected to be incremental. Buying a current MacBook Air today for a fleet refresh is a reasonable decision — you won’t be significantly behind when the update arrives.

Consider waiting:

• iMac: New models are confirmed for fall 2026 and development is complete. If your timeline allows, waiting a few months for the updated iMac is worth it.
• Mac mini and Mac Studio: Both are formally rated “Don’t Buy” due to confirmed incoming models. If you can work around supply constraints, waiting is the better call. If you need units now and face a three-month queue regardless, the timing calculation changes.
• Entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro: The M6 version arrives this fall. If you’re evaluating this model for your fleet, it’s worth waiting a few months for the new chip generation.

What This Means for Intel Mac Fleets

This roadmap has a direct implication for businesses still running Intel Macs. The fall 2026 Mac refresh — new iMac, new entry-level MacBook Pro — arrives at almost exactly the same time as the macOS 27 Golden Gate release, which drops Intel Mac support entirely.

That creates a specific purchasing window: organizations that trade in Intel Macs now, while trade-in values are still favorable, can apply that credit toward the new fall 2026 models and enter the Apple Silicon era with hardware that’s current rather than a generation behind. Waiting six months to a year from now means lower Intel trade-in values applied toward the same hardware at the same price — a worse outcome at every variable.

Digital Fix Consulting’s trade-in program handles Intel Mac evaluations for fleet-scale transitions, with data erasure included and credit applied toward new Apple Silicon hardware purchases through our Apple Authorized Reseller relationship.

Practical Guidance for Business Procurement Right Now

If you manage Mac procurement for your organization, here’s the short version:

For everyday productivity workers — MacBook Neo now, or MacBook Air now or early 2027. Both are strong options and the upcoming refreshes are incremental.

For professional and power users — current M5 Pro MacBook Pro is still “Buy Now,” but if your timeline has flexibility, the OLED redesign in late 2026 or early 2027 is a meaningful upgrade.

For fixed workstations — wait for the new iMac this fall unless the current supply window forces your hand.

For AI-intensive workloads — Mac mini and Mac Studio are the machines the market wants, but supply is constrained and new models are coming. Evaluate your timeline against the current wait and the expected successor release.

For Intel Mac fleets — the next 90 days are the right time to move. Get a trade-in assessment and use the credit toward new hardware before fall 2026 launches.

If your organization uses Jamf for device management, every new Mac shipping this fall will enroll automatically through Apple Business Manager — zero-touch deployment means employees receive a configured, ready-to-use machine on their first day, no IT hands-on required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What new Macs is Apple releasing in 2026? Apple has confirmed a refreshed entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M6 chip and new iMac models for fall 2026. High-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with OLED touchscreens and all-new designs are expected in late 2026 to early 2027.

What is the Apple Mac roadmap for 2027? In 2027, Apple plans a refreshed MacBook Air, a redesigned entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M7 chip, and updated Mac mini and Mac Studio models — though the timing of the desktop models depends on memory supply conditions.

Should I buy a Mac now or wait for new models? It depends on the model. The MacBook Neo and current MacBook Pro are rated “Buy Now.” The iMac, Mac mini, and Mac Studio are rated “Don’t Buy” due to confirmed new models in development. The MacBook Air is rated “Neutral” with an early 2027 refresh expected.

Will the new MacBook Pro have a touchscreen? Yes. The high-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models expected in late 2026 to early 2027 are confirmed to feature OLED touchscreen displays — the first touchscreen Macs Apple has ever produced.

What chip will the new 2026 MacBook Pro use? The entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro arriving in fall 2026 will use the M6 chip. The high-end 14-inch and 16-inch models with OLED touchscreens are confirmed to use M5 Pro and M5 Max chips respectively, despite arriving later.

When is the new iMac coming out? A refreshed iMac is confirmed for fall 2026. It will be the first iMac update in approximately two years. Development of the new model is reportedly complete.

Is the MacBook Air getting updated? Yes. A refreshed MacBook Air in 13-inch and 15-inch sizes is expected in early 2027. It is described as an incremental update with the same overall design as the current models.

What happened to the M6 Pro and M6 Max chips? According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is skipping M6 Pro and M6 Max chips entirely and accelerating development of the AI-focused M7 chip family. The high-end MacBook Pro models arriving in late 2026 will use M5 Pro and M5 Max rather than new chip generations.

How DFC Can Help

As an Apple Authorized Reseller, Digital Fix Consulting sources Apple hardware directly for businesses of all sizes — with access to current-generation inventory, fleet pricing, and configuration support that individual Apple Store purchases don’t offer.

Whether you’re planning a fleet refresh ahead of the fall 2026 launches, evaluating Intel Mac trade-ins, or just trying to make sense of which machines to buy for which roles, we can help you build a procurement plan that makes sense for your budget and timeline.

Our services relevant to Mac purchasing decisions include:

• Product Purchasing — New and certified refurbished Apple hardware sourced directly as an Authorized Reseller
• Trade-In Program — Competitive valuations for Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, with secure data erasure included
• Financing — Spread hardware costs across predictable monthly payments, bundled with Jamf and AppleCare
• Zero-Touch Deployment — New Macs arrive pre-configured and ready to use via Apple Business Manager
• Jamf MDM Management — Centralized device management across your entire Apple fleet from day one

Talk to us about your Mac procurement plan →

Digital Fix Consulting is a Pittsburgh-based Apple Authorized Reseller specializing in Mac procurement, fleet management, and end-to-end Apple device deployment for businesses. Sources: Bloomberg / Mark Gurman, MacRumors. Contact us with questions about Mac purchasing for your organization.