[DigitalToday reporter Yoonseo Lee (이윤서)] A forecast says Apple's next-generation MacBook could be released in the third quarter of 2026.

On June 4 local time, IT outlet 9to5Mac reported that market research firm Omdia expects a new MacBook Pro that Apple is preparing to be unveiled in the third quarter. The industry is also discussing the possibility that the product could be called 'MacBook Ultra'.

The most notable point in the forecast is the timing. Many in the market had expected the new MacBook to come after October to November this year or slip to early 2027. Omdia, however, pointed to Samsung Display beginning supplies of panels for the MacBook Ultra in 2 sizes from July and said it expects the device to be released in the third quarter of 2026.

If a third-quarter release materialises, September is the most likely announcement window. Apple rarely unveils major new products in July or August. That has also raised the possibility that the new MacBook Pro could be unveiled alongside an iPhone launch event.

Display specifications have also taken shape. Omdia expects the new laptop to come in 2 sizes, 14.3 inches and 16.3 inches. With the current MacBook Pro sold in 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch models, it has yet to be confirmed whether the new figures are simple rounding or a true increase in screen size.

The display is expected to use tandem OLED. Omdia also mentioned specific technologies to be used in the panel and advantages in power consumption. That is expected to allow battery life similar to the current MacBook Pro even with a thinner design.

The product name has not been finalised. The market has been speculating that the next-generation MacBook Pro, which is expected to undergo a major overhaul, could be renamed 'MacBook Ultra', but it remains unconfirmed what name Apple will actually adopt.

The report's key point is not a simple panel replacement, but that the release schedule and product positioning have been specified together. With Samsung Display's supply timing, 14.3-inch and 16.3-inch screen sizes, tandem OLED adoption and possible power-efficiency improvements mentioned at once, the outline of Apple's next-generation MacBook overhaul has become somewhat clearer. The focus going forward is expected to be whether the actual unveiling is pulled forward to the third quarter and whether Apple adopts a new product name.