Apple is developing the MacBook Ultra, its first touchscreen OLED laptop featuring Dynamic Island. Expected by year-end, it will be a premium model above MacBook Pro.
© A. Krivonosov
Apple is developing a new laptop, likely to be called the MacBook Ultra. This model will expand the existing MacBook lineup rather than replace current devices. According to Mark Gurman, the device will be the first MacBook with a touch-enabled OLED display and Dynamic Island instead of the familiar screen notch. The MacBook Ultra will position itself above the MacBook Pro 14 and MacBook Pro 16 models equipped with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, creating a new peak in the MacBook range.
The update is expected by year-end, alongside new processors and probable price increases. Historically, Apple has charged extra for OLED displays, as seen with the iPad, and the new MacBook Ultra will likely be a premium model. Internally, the device carries the code names K114 and K116, and it breaks from Apple's traditional philosophy, which previously expressed skepticism toward touchscreens.
Apple is gradually adapting to market changes and preparing a laptop with features once deemed impossible. Despite Steve Jobs' criticism of touchscreen laptops, market competition is pushing the company to innovate. For the first time in MacBook history, users will get a touchscreen with Dynamic Island, combining functionality and interactivity.
A recent MacBook version introduced in March showcased Apple's new capabilities in SoC packaging. TSMC's SoIC-MH 2.5D technology allows for separating CPU/NPU and GPU, opening new paths for scaling the processor and graphics die. This means Apple can now increase CPU and GPU core counts independently, creating more configurations and reducing the likelihood of defective dies.
The MacBook Ultra is expected to become the most technologically advanced and flexible model in the MacBook lineup, with performance scaling to a whole new level. This move highlights Apple's ambitions in the premium laptop segment and helps the company stay competitive in the high-tech device market.