Rumours of a touchscreen MacBook have resurfaced after new reports suggested Apple is preparing to bring the feature to its MacBook Pro line. Industry analysts and journalists point to a possible release window in late 2026, marking a major shift in Apple’s laptop strategy.
Analysts align on production timeline
On 18 September, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shared on X that Apple’s first OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro could enter mass production before the end of 2026. The prediction was quickly backed by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who noted that he had first reported on a touchscreen MacBook project as early as 2023.
MacBook models will feature a touch panel for the first time, further blurring the line with the iPad. This shift appears to reflect Apple’s long-term observation of iPad user behavior, indicating that in certain scenarios, touch controls can enhance both productivity and the…
— éƒæ˜ŽéŒ¤ (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) September 17, 2025
According to Gurman, the device’s development has faced delays, pushing its launch from late 2025 to either late 2026 or early 2027. Despite the setback, both Kuo and Gurman agree that the product is firmly on Apple’s roadmap.
Apple’s cautious approach to touchscreens
Apple has long resisted the idea of merging its iPad and MacBook ranges. Company executives have repeatedly argued that the two serve different purposes, with the iPad designed for direct touch interaction and the MacBook optimised for keyboard and trackpad use.
However, consumer expectations are shifting. Touchscreens have become common on Windows laptops, leading many customers to expect similar functionality across all premium devices. Gurman suggested that Apple is now under growing pressure to narrow the gap between its iPad and MacBook offerings.
Market trends influencing Apple’s decision
The move towards a touchscreen MacBook also comes as iPad sales have slowed in recent years. Analysts note that consumer interest in tablets has waned, with many preferring the flexibility of a laptop that can still offer touch functionality.
By adding a touchscreen to the MacBook Pro, Apple would respond to both changing customer habits and increasing competition in the laptop market. While the company is unlikely to merge its iPad and MacBook lines completely, such a step could help position its laptops more competitively against rival products.
For now, Apple has not confirmed any details, leaving industry watchers and consumers to speculate about what form a touchscreen MacBook might take when it eventually reaches the market.
