MacBook to Ditch Notch for Punch-Hole Design While Integrating 5G Modem for Cellular Connectivity

Currently, the MacBook lineup lacks cellular network support, a feature the iPad series has offered for a considerable time, allowing users to easily connect to the internet outdoors.

According to the latest rumors, after developing its own 5G modem chip, Apple plans to introduce a cellular network version of the MacBook. This will enable users to connect to the internet via cellular networks in environments without WiFi, such as while working on fast-moving trains.

However, connecting through a cellular network will inevitably increase power consumption, and the motherboard might need adjustments to accommodate the cellular chip and external antennas. It's unclear whether Apple plans to increase battery capacity to maximize battery life.

The second upgrade involves the MacBook moving away from the notch to a punch-hole design. The current notch design, featuring rounded corners and a cutout for the camera and other sensors, was chosen to achieve a more edge-to-edge display on the MacBook.

By 2026/2027, the MacBook Pro will transition from the rounded corners and cutout to a punch-hole design. Although this will still interrupt the top menu bar, it is considered a significant improvement over the current notch design.

The third update is the switch from mini-LED to OLED screens for the MacBook Pro. Mini-LED, a later entrant compared to OLED technology, is becoming less advantageous, prompting Apple to revert to OLED screens.

Research by market analysis firm Omdia indicates that Apple will switch most of its product screens to OLED, including the iPad Mini, which currently uses an IPS display, to an OLED display.

The MacBook Air series is expected to adopt OLED screens by 2028 but will retain the notch design instead of moving to a punch-hole design, likely indicating Apple needs more time to shift all its devices away from the notch design.