Apple’s First Touchscreen MacBook Pro May Be Near

Apple’s historic opposition to touchscreen Macs appears to be giving way. According to a new report, the company is planning to introduce its first MacBook Pro featuring both an OLED screen and a touchscreen by late 2026.

Reports Suggest OLED MacBook Pro With Touchscreen Is Coming in 2026

Well-regarded analyst Ming-Chi Kuo anticipates that the upcoming MacBook Pro will incorporating OLED displays with an integrated touchscreen, facilitated by on-cell touch technology. This tech embeds touch sensors within the display itself, promising to deliver both a sleeker build and better efficiency. Kuo projects that mass production could start as soon as late 2026, setting the stage for a potential launch in early 2027.

Supporting Kuo’s prediction, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman—known for breaking Apple news—has also noted Apple’s ambitions towards debuting a touchscreen MacBook Pro as part of a larger redesign. Gurman posits that future Macs and iPads may share increasingly similar features, such as vivid OLED touchscreens and unified applications.

Apple Slowly Warms Up to Touchscreen Macs After iPad’s Rise

Apple’s original stance was firm against touchscreens on laptops, claiming they were unnecessary. However, the evolving role of the iPad, now more akin to a laptop with keyboard and trackpad integrations, has muddied those waters. The iPad, particularly with the update of iPadOS 26 that bears macOS Tahoe’s design elements, exemplifies these intersections. According to Kuo, Apple has learned from observing iPad user interactions, concluding that touch may actually enhance productivity in specific contexts.

Meanwhile, many competitors, notably Microsoft with its Surface lineup, have championed touch interactivity for years. Younger generations, accustomed to the touchscreen interface of iPhones and iPads, tend to expect touch capability across all devices, thus pressuring Apple to adjust its approach.

MacBook Pro Roadmap Shows OLED Touchscreen Coming After M5 Models

The MacBook’s roadmap suggests that the OLED touchscreen iteration will launch following the M5 chip models. Apple is purportedly targeting an early 2026 release for M5-powered laptops, with OLED touchscreen models featuring M6 chips anticipated later that year. These redesigns are likely to include a reduction in body thickness and a smaller display notch.

The OLED panels are reportedly coming from Samsung. Looking forward, Kuo predicts Apple might extend touchscreen technology to more of its lineup, possibly including the MacBook Air by 2027, coinciding with the second generation of the more budget-friendly MacBook models.

What Touchscreen Support Could Mean for Mac Users

Should Apple proceed as envisioned, the MacBook Pro would merge iPad-like interactivity with traditional laptop performance. This blend isn’t merely about making swipes or scrolls easier; it signifies a strategic move towards bridging the functionalities of iPads and Macs. Users could see more versatile device interactions without losing the essence of the Mac’s familiar usage.

How do you feel about a touchscreen on the MacBook Pro? Share your thoughts below.