There has been ongoing speculation regarding Apple’s intention to incorporate touchscreens into its MacBook series. A recent report from Bloomberg in 2023 indicated that the company is actively developing this feature, with an initial release date projected for 2025. However, this timeline appears to have been adjusted, with a new launch window set for late 2026.
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Analyst Insights on Touchscreen Features
Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently shared on X (formerly Twitter) that Apple is preparing to introduce a touch panel in the MacBook Pro by next year. He suggested that this move reflects Apple’s long-term analysis of user interaction with iPads, noting that touch controls can significantly enhance productivity and overall user satisfaction in specific scenarios.
Touchscreen Debate: MacBook vs. iPad
For over ten years, Apple has maintained that touchscreens are not ideal for laptops, advocating instead for the iPad as the superior option for touch interactions. In a conversation with The Wall Street Journal last year, Tom Boger, Apple’s vice president of iPad and Mac product marketing, emphasized that the company views the MacBook and iPad as distinct devices. The iPad is designed as a touch-first device, while the MacBook is tailored for use with a trackpad, mouse, and keyboard.
Touchscreen Integration in Windows Laptops
Competing brands in the Windows ecosystem have integrated touchscreens into laptops, becoming more mainstream. Currently, I am typing this article on an Honor MagicBook Art 14 (2025), which features an OLED touch panel in a lightweight design. While I occasionally utilize the touch capabilities, my reliance on them remains minimal, primarily limited to a few gestures.
Functionality of Touchscreens on iPads vs. Laptops
In my view, touchscreens serve a more practical purpose on iPads rather than laptops for two key reasons. Firstly, the operating system on iPads is designed for touch interaction, and secondly, they support mobile applications. Most desktop software is not optimized for touch input, which may explain why devices like the Microsoft Surface Pro have not achieved widespread popularity. While I appreciated the Surface Pro’s design for note-taking in college, I found its touch capabilities limited primarily to creative applications with the Surface Pen, as the Windows interface has yet to fully adapt for a seamless touch experience.
Anticipating the Future of MacBook Pro
I foresee a similar challenge for the upcoming touchscreen MacBook Pro unless Apple manages to facilitate a smooth transition between desktop applications and their mobile counterparts. The introduction of the latest iPadOS 26 further blurs the line between MacBooks and iPads. My experience with this version has revealed significant improvements in multitasking and productivity. However, I still don’t view the iPad as a genuine competitor to the MacBook Air or Pro, as it cannot run traditional desktop software. Tasks such as publishing an article through a content management system often lead to frustrating errors on mobile browsers.
Distinguishing Features of iPads and MacBooks
If both the iPad and MacBook become touch-enabled by 2026, the operating system will likely serve as the primary differentiator between the two devices. The iPad will offer a mobile operating system designed for touch input, complete with Face ID and 5G connectivity. Conversely, a touchscreen MacBook Pro would provide enhanced performance, additional ports, and software specifically designed for keyboard and trackpad/mouse use. Moreover, Apple is rumored to be working on a more budget-friendly MacBook variant powered by an iPhone chip that includes 5G, although Kuo has indicated that this model will not feature a touchscreen.
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