Apple just announced the new 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro, and there’s already buzz about the next wave of MacBook Pros. The exciting news? The upcoming models might finally feature a touchscreen.
Mark Gurman from Bloomberg is reporting that a high-end touchscreen MacBook Pro could launch in late 2026 or early 2027, coinciding with the anticipated M6 chip release. This move could change the way users interact with their laptops.
The new touchscreen display may use OLED technology, similar to what’s found in the iPhone and iPad Pro. This would be the first time a MacBook Pro features such thin displays. To tackle a common issue with touchscreen devices—where the screen pushes back or bounces when tapped—Apple is also working on a reinforced hinge and screen hardware.
Additionally, the notorious notch at the top of the display will be replaced by a hole-punch design, resembling the iPhone’s Dynamic Island. For context, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs had been opposed to vertical touchscreen surfaces until his passing in 2011. This change of heart signifies a significant shift in Apple’s design philosophy.
Current models like the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro start around $1,999, and the new touchscreen version is expected to be priced slightly higher.
Historically, Apple has cautiously approached touchscreen technology. The company previously introduced the touch bar—a slim touchscreen above the keyboard—back in 2016, but it never gained much traction and was retired in 2023. In contrast, most other laptop brands now commonly offer touchscreen options.
In recent surveys, up to 70% of users prefer laptops with touchscreens, highlighting a trend that Apple may be wise to follow. With competitors already dominating this market, Apple’s delay could mean they need to work hard to reclaim their innovative edge.
As touchscreen laptops become the norm, Apple’s venture into this territory could redefine how people use their MacBooks. Users are eager for more functionality and versatility from their devices, and this move could satisfy that demand.
For those interested, you can read more about these developments in Mark Gurman’s article on Bloomberg here.
