2 Minutes
Apple could bring touch to the MacBook Pro with OLED
Apple appears to be rethinking a long-standing design choice. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that Apple is planning a MacBook Pro with an OLED panel that supports touch input, a first for the Pro lineup. Mass production is expected to begin in late 2026, and Samsung is said to be the supplier using on-cell touch technology.
Why the change matters
Apple has historically resisted adding touchscreens to macOS laptops, citing usability and product positioning concerns. Kuo suggests the company has observed iPad usage patterns closely and concluded that touch can be beneficial in specific workflows — improving interaction and efficiency in some scenarios without necessarily cannibalizing iPad sales.
Features, unknowns and use cases
Details are still sparse. Key unanswered questions include:
- Will the new MacBook Pro use a 360° hinge to function like a tablet?
- Will Apple Pencil or other stylus support be provided?
- How will macOS adapt to native touch interactions?
Possible use cases for a touchscreen MacBook Pro:
- Creative tasks like sketching and annotation
- Fast navigation and pinch/zoom editing in apps
- Hybrid workflows combining keyboard shortcuts with touch gestures
"This move seems rooted in real-world behavior observed across devices," industry sources say, reflecting a pragmatic approach rather than a radical platform shift.
What about cheaper MacBooks?
Apple is also working on an entry-level MacBook reportedly powered by an A18 Pro-derived chip and priced around $700. That first-generation budget model is not expected to include touch. However, Kuo indicates a touchscreen could arrive in the second-generation affordable MacBook, possibly launching in 2027 — though that remains under internal discussion.
Overall, adding touch to an OLED MacBook Pro would align Apple more closely with competitors while keeping product segmentation flexible. Expect more concrete specs and demo-capable prototypes as production timelines firm up.
Source: gsmarena
Comments