[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] As Apple unveils MacBook Pro models based on its latest M5 chip, speculation has emerged that major changes such as a touchscreen and an OLED display could be applied to the next-generation M6 MacBook Pro.

According to IT outlet 9to5Mac on March 6 local time, Apple recently launched MacBook Pro models equipped with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. At the same time, expectations are growing that multiple new features could be introduced in the next model, the M6 MacBook Pro.

The biggest change being discussed is support for a touchscreen. Apple has maintained that touchscreens are not necessary on laptops, but the M6 MacBook Pro could introduce it as a supplementary input method. The keyboard, trackpad and mouse would remain the main input tools, with touch used as a complement.

The operating system is also expected to change accordingly. The next macOS 27 is expected to be optimised with touch input in mind, and functions such as fast scrolling and zooming in and out on images and PDFs are said to be implemented in a way similar to how they are offered on iPhones and iPads. On this, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman said, "More intuitive touch-based controls will become possible on Macs."

The display is also expected to see a big change. The M6 MacBook Pro is likely to become the first Mac product to adopt an OLED panel. While 14-inch and 16-inch models are expected to be released as before, applying OLED technology is expected to provide higher colour reproduction and contrast. The industry is also raising the possibility that tandem OLED technology used in the iPad Pro could be applied.

On the design side, the possibility of adopting a Dynamic Island to replace the existing notch is also being discussed. The approach would place a small camera cutout at the top of the screen and apply a Dynamic Island interface. It is expected to support use not only in system apps but also in third-party apps.

Another variable is cellular connectivity. There is speculation that the M6 MacBook Pro could be equipped with Apple's next-generation modem, the C2 modem. It is said to have the same specifications as the modem set to be applied to the future iPhone 18 Pro. If a cellular function is added, the MacBook Pro could become the first model in the Mac lineup to support connections to mobile telecom networks.

Still, it has not been confirmed whether all of these changes will be applied to the actual product. The industry sees the possibility that Apple could significantly redesign the next MacBook Pro's design and functions, but says the final specifications will be confirmed through an official announcement later.