According to a report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is preparing a major update for the entry-level MacBook Pro, which will receive a completely redesigned chassis and the M7 chip as early as the first half of 2027. This is a significant departure from historical patterns, where base models typically waited years to inherit design changes from their higher-end siblings.
Shorter design gap between Pro and base models
To understand the impact, consider the past. When Apple introduced the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M1 Pro and M1 Max in 2021, the base model kept the old 13-inch design until 2023, when it finally adopted the 14-inch chassis with the M3 chip. Similarly, the 2016 redesign with Touch Bar reached the entry-level only in 2019. This time, the gap will be roughly six months.
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As covered in a related article, Apple accelerated the M7 development while scaling back the M6 program, explaining this faster timeline. The high-end MacBook Pros, reportedly called MacBook Ultra, are expected to launch between late 2026 and early 2027 with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips and a new design, with the entry-level model following shortly after with the M7 processor.
Expected features of the M7 entry-level MacBook Pro
According to leaks, the new entry-level MacBook Pro (codename K104) will feature a thinner profile, an OLED display with touch support, and possibly a Dynamic Island. It will be a 14-inch model aligned with the aesthetics of the premium versions. Notably, Apple will still release an entry-level model with the old design and M6 chip this fall before the transition.
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The quick redesign adoption is excellent news for those seeking an updated MacBook Pro on a budget. Given the high-end M5 Pro model could cost over $2,500, the entry-level M7 variant at around $2,000 offers a more affordable option, though memory shortage-driven price increases remain a concern.
For more background, Wikipedia provides a detailed history of the MacBook Pro. With the new design and M7 chip, Apple once again demonstrates its ability to bring innovation to a broader audience in record time.
