Apple has several hardware announcements planned for next week, including a refreshed entry-level MacBook model and updated MacBook Pros powered by the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. However, these may not be the most significant laptop updates this year. According to a new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is finally preparing to launch touchscreen MacBook Pros sometime in late 2026.
Sources familiar with the development indicate that Apple is working on 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models internally designated as K114 and K116. If the reports are accurate, these machines would mark a significant departure from Apple's historical stance on touchscreen laptops. Steve Jobs famously dismissed the concept, stating that "touch surfaces don't want to be vertical" and expressing skepticism about the ergonomics of reaching across a desk to interact with a screen.
Steve Jobs was not a fan of touchscreen laptops
The upcoming touchscreen MacBook Pro will reportedly feature dual input modes designed to accommodate different user preferences. When users enable the touch profile, macOS will adapt by displaying additional menus and context-sensitive actions around touch points on the display. This approach aims to provide a more intuitive touch experience while maintaining compatibility with traditional trackpad and mouse input methods.
Beyond the touchscreen functionality, both MacBook Pro models are expected to incorporate OLED display technology. OLED panels would deliver deeper blacks, improved contrast ratios, and better power efficiency compared to the current mini-LED displays. Additionally, the report claims these laptops will feature Dynamic Island, the pill-shaped notification area currently found on modern iPhone models. On the MacBook Pros, the Dynamic Island would sit at the top center of the display and use a smaller punch-hole design compared to its smartphone counterpart.
Release Timeline and Specifications
The late 2026 launch window suggests these MacBook Pros may arrive alongside or shortly after the M6 generation of Apple silicon chips. The inclusion of OLED displays has been rumored for several years, with multiple reports pointing to supply chain preparations for larger OLED panels suitable for laptop use. Apple has already transitioned the iPad Pro to OLED technology, indicating the company is comfortable with the manufacturing processes required for larger high-resolution displays.
Source (paywall)