Rumors circulating this week suggest Apple will launch its next laptop under the MacBook Ultra name, leaving the current MacBook Pro untouched. The upcoming design is said to be thinner and lighter than the 2021 Pro, possibly sacrificing some ports and battery life while adding a touch screen and OLED panel. Separating the line could spare pros from a repeat of the 2016 misstep, professionals.

The 2021 MacBook Pro redeemed the brand after the 2016 overhaul that introduced the problematic butterfly keyboard, removed legacy ports, and forced users onto a Touch Bar. By restoring a full‑size keyboard, HDMI, SDXC and MagSafe, Apple won back professional trust. A distinct MacBook Ultra could let the company experiment without compromising the proven Pro formula today in laptops.

If Apple follows this split, existing Pro users keep the thick, port‑rich machines they rely on, while the Ultra targets consumers craving cutting‑edge features like OLED, cellular connectivity, and a touch interface. This dual‑track approach mirrors Apple’s past strategy of offering separate lines for stability and innovation, ensuring that neither market segment feels neglected for users today.