Apple plans $2,999 laptop launch

Working professionals considering a new laptop this fall may face a steep price tag for the next MacBook Pro. Apple is reportedly preparing to unveil a fully redesigned model on October 28. The starting price could reach $2,999, an increase over the current lineup.

The upcoming device features a lighter and thinner body. It replaces the traditional screen with an OLED display that supports touch input. The design also removes the notch at the top of the screen, substituting it with a Dynamic Island element. These physical changes mark a major shift for the product line.

Despite the external overhaul, the internal hardware remains unchanged. The new laptops will use the same M5 Pro and M5 Max processors that debuted nearly eight months ago. Users buying the new machine will not gain any additional processing power compared to the models already available for sale.

Apple is reportedly skipping the M6 Pro and M6 Max chips entirely. The company is fast-tracking M7 Pro and M7 Max processors for a 2027 release. This strategic gap leaves the October 28 launch relying on existing silicon rather than new technology.

Mark Gurman, who provided the reporting details, noted the lack of performance gains. For buyers who prioritized speed, the new unit offers no advantage over the current generation. The decision reflects a shift in Apple's chip development schedule rather than a temporary supply issue.

The potential price hike coincides with a current memory crisis in the industry. While Apple could theoretically maintain current pricing, analysts suggest the redesign will carry a premium. This creates a challenge for customers who delayed purchases earlier this year to await an upgrade.

Apple has not confirmed the specific details of the upcoming release. The company will host an event called "Pro and tell" on October 28. The presentation will reveal how much of the reported design and pricing information is accurate.