According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, the release of the updated MacBook Pro has been delayed. The reason is a global shortage of memory and storage components, from which even Apple is not immune. For those waiting for a revolution in the MacBook lineup, this means additional months of waiting. But judging by rumors about what the new MacBook with OLED and touchscreen will be like, it may be worth the wait.
Poking at the MacBook screen won’t happen anytime soon
Why the OLED MacBook Pro and Mac Studio launches were delayed
Previously, Gurman mentioned the launch of the new MacBook Pro between late 2026 and early 2027, and many expected the announcement of the new MacBook in October-November 2026. Now he believes that Apple is leaning more toward the later part of that window — that is, early 2027.
The reason is a shortage of RAM and SSD storage on the global market. This is not an Apple-specific problem: the entire electronics market is experiencing a massive memory component shortage, which analysts have already dubbed “RAMmageddon.” For the same reason, the release of the updated Mac Studio has also been delayed — it was expected by summer, but now the timeline has shifted to October 2026.
Memory and SSD shortage
The global shortage of RAM and NAND memory (the type of chips used to make SSDs) is linked to a sharp increase in demand from companies building data centers for AI. The largest memory manufacturers — Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron — have redirected production capacity toward expensive server components, leaving significantly fewer resources for regular consumer electronics.
Memory prices are rising every day
According to IDC estimates, up to 70% of the world’s memory production in 2026 goes to data centers. DRAM prices in Q1 2026 rose by 90–95% compared to the previous quarter. Laptop manufacturers — Dell, Lenovo, HP, ASUS — have already warned of price increases of 15–20%.
Apple reportedly secured long-term supply contracts for memory in advance and has been affected less than competitors. But when it comes to an entirely new device requiring large-scale production, even good contracts don’t guarantee sufficient volumes. Moreover, in the new reality, this could further increase the cost of the OLED MacBook Pro, which was already going to be very expensive.
What the new MacBook Pro with OLED and touchscreen will look like
The new MacBook Pro is not just a chip upgrade — it’s the first major design overhaul since 2021. Here’s what’s expected based on rumors and insider information:
The long-awaited MacBook Pro update has been delayed due to supply issues
- OLED display replacing the current mini-LED — deeper blacks, brighter colors, thinner and more energy-efficient
- Touchscreen — a first for Mac
- Dynamic Island instead of the camera notch — like on iPhone
- M6 Pro and M6 Max chips
- A thinner and lighter body
Gurman notes that software support for the touchscreen will be ready by fall as part of macOS 27 — the delay is specifically related to manufacturing, not software development. The new interface features contextual touch controls and enlarged buttons in the menu bar.
MacBook Pro or MacBook Ultra: what will Apple call the new laptop
One of the key questions is how Apple will position the new product. According to Gurman, with so many simultaneous updates, Apple may release this OLED MacBook Pro as a new top-tier model — possibly even under the name MacBook Ultra — with a higher price tag. The current MacBook Pro models with M5 would continue to sell at current prices.
The OLED screen in the MacBook should be appreciated by everyone who works with graphics
This strategy would also help Apple mitigate the shortage problem: if demand is split between two lineups, the limited supply of the OLED model would be sufficient for the initial period. Currently, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip starts at $1,699 (approximately 183,000 ₽ in Russia), and models with M5 Pro start at $2,199 (approximately 237,000 ₽ in Russia). If the OLED version turns out to be even more expensive, the starting price of the updated model could exceed $2,000.
Should you wait for the new MacBook or buy the M5 version
If you’re considering purchasing a MacBook Pro right now, here’s what to keep in mind. Models with M5 Pro and M5 Max were released very recently, in March 2026, and they offer excellent performance. The base 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 is also a great option in terms of price-to-performance ratio.
Waiting for the OLED model makes sense for those who work with graphics and video and are willing to pay more for the new screen and touch controls. However, if you need a laptop now and your budget doesn’t allow for a top-tier configuration — the current models aren’t going anywhere and will remain on sale even after the new model launches.
It’s also worth considering the rising electronics prices overall. Against the backdrop of the global memory shortage, laptops are already getting more expensive — and the new MacBook Pro with an OLED screen could end up being significantly pricier than optimists expected. There’s no reason to rush, but you shouldn’t count on familiar prices either.
