Could a touchscreen MacBook be on the way?

In 2010, Apple's iconic co-founder Steve Jobs called the idea of ​​a touchscreen MacBook "ergonomically a terrible idea." Jobs emphasized that extensive testing at the time made using a vertical touchscreen "make your arms want to fall off" and therefore didn't work.

According to Chip, Apple is preparing to abandon its founder's strident stance and embark on a new path. The company could make touchscreen Macs a reality.

According to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the first Mac model with touch is expected to be an OLED MacBook Pro, due in late 2026. These next-generation laptops will feature display technology similar to that used by Samsung in its Galaxy smartphones, enabling thinner, more sensitive touch panels.

According to Kuo, Apple's decision to make this change stems from observing the work habits of iPad users in particular. The company appears to have concluded that touch input can improve productivity. A more affordable MacBook model powered by an iPhone processor is planned for release in 2025 without a touchpad, but the second-generation model, due in 2027, will include the feature.

macOS's touch interface preparation

This isn't the first time Apple has been rumored to have plans for a touchscreen Mac. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously made similar claims in 2023, stating that Apple engineers were actively working on the project . Apple has previously experimented with this with a "Touch Bar," but that attempt, which consisted of a thin OLED strip replacing traditional function keys, didn't gain widespread acceptance.

The recently released macOS Tahoe's new Liquid Glass design language hints at a future with touchscreens, with larger window controls, rounded corners, and generous spacing. These design changes create an interface more suited to finger-based use than a mouse and keyboard.