For years, Apple executives insisted that MacBooks didn’t need a touchscreen. They argued that macOS was designed for precision input — not finger taps. But now, in 2025, Apple has quietly shifted gears. The company is officially working on a touchscreen MacBook, marking one of the biggest strategic reversals in its history.
Years of resistance
Ever since the first iPad launched, Apple kept its product lines separate — Macs for work, iPads for touch. Executives like Steve Jobs and later Craig Federighi repeatedly dismissed the idea of merging the two, calling touchscreen laptops “ergonomically terrible.” Yet, as technology and user habits evolved, that line began to blur.
The pressure from Windows laptops
Competitors like Microsoft, HP, and Dell have long offered touchscreen laptops, giving users flexibility for creative work, drawing, and quick navigation. As more professionals started using hybrid Windows devices, Apple faced increasing pressure to modernize the Mac experience.
macOS is ready now
Apple’s latest versions of macOS — especially with the M-series chips and improved gesture support — have made the operating system more touch-friendly than ever. Sources suggest Apple’s touchscreen MacBooks will use a modified version of macOS that supports multi-touch input without sacrificing the traditional desktop feel.
What it means for Apple’s future
The move signals a major shift in Apple’s strategy — one that brings the Mac and iPad ecosystems closer together. The touchscreen MacBook could redefine how people use laptops, especially for creators, designers, and students who want both performance and intuitive control.
The big reveal
Rumors point to a 2026 launch for the first touchscreen MacBook Pro, powered by Apple’s M6 chip. If true, it’ll mark the next big leap in Apple’s hardware evolution — one that Steve Jobs himself might never have imagined.