Apple’s touchscreen MacBook could arrive with M5 chips instead of M7

Apple’s long-rumoured touchscreen MacBook may arrive sooner than previously expected, despite reports that the company could skip a generation of its high-end processors. New information suggests the device will launch with Apple’s M5 Pro and M5 Max chips rather than waiting for the M7 series, allowing the company to introduce one of its biggest MacBook changes in years before the next chip generation is ready.

The latest claims come from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who cited people familiar with Apple’s development plans. The report indicates that the first touchscreen MacBook remains on track for release between late 2026 and early 2027, with future models expected to adopt the M7 chips after their introduction.

Apple reportedly is keeping the touchscreen MacBook on schedule

Apple has long resisted bringing touch controls to its MacBook range, instead encouraging customers to use the iPad for touch-based computing. However, reports over the past few years have suggested that the company is finally preparing to introduce a touchscreen MacBook, marking a significant shift in its product strategy.

According to Gurman, Apple has decided not to delay the project until the arrival of the M7 processors. Instead, the company is expected to equip the first models with the high-performance M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, which were introduced earlier this year. This approach would allow Apple to release the redesigned laptop within its previously reported timeframe while continuing development of future processor generations.

The report also suggests that Apple may skip the M6 generation for its Pro and Max processors, though this would not affect the launch schedule of the touchscreen MacBook. As a result, customers could see the new hardware design arrive before Apple’s next major chip architecture becomes available.

New display and design changes are expected

Beyond the addition of a touchscreen, the upcoming MacBook is expected to include several notable hardware improvements. Gurman reported that the device will feature an OLED display, bringing improved contrast, deeper blacks and better power efficiency compared with the current display technology used across the MacBook line-up.

The redesigned laptop is also expected to introduce an updated industrial design, although specific details have not yet been disclosed. The changes are believed to represent one of the most significant visual updates to the MacBook in recent years, complementing the addition of touch functionality.

Another reported feature is the inclusion of Apple’s Dynamic Island interface, which first appeared on the iPhone. The feature provides an interactive area around the front camera to display alerts, ongoing activities and system information. Bringing Dynamic Island to the MacBook would further align the experience across Apple’s product ecosystem and introduce a new way for users to interact with notifications and background tasks.

While Apple has not publicly confirmed any of these features, the combination of a touchscreen, OLED technology and a refreshed design suggests the company is preparing a substantial update rather than a minor hardware refresh.

M7 development is already underway

Although the first touchscreen MacBook is now expected to launch with M5 processors, work on the next generation of Apple silicon appears to be progressing rapidly. Gurman reported that the M7 chips have already entered advanced testing, indicating that development is well underway.

According to the report, Apple is expected to unveil the standard M7 chip in early 2027. The higher-performance M7 Pro and M7 Max versions are likely to follow several months later, continuing Apple’s established release pattern for its premium processors. Gurman has also previously reported that the M7 Ultra could arrive in 2028, expanding the company’s high-end desktop and workstation offerings.

If the reported timeline proves accurate, the touchscreen MacBook introduced with M5 chips may receive an update to the M7 platform within a relatively short period after its launch. This would allow Apple to bring its latest hardware design to market sooner while continuing to improve performance through regular processor updates.

Apple has not commented publicly on the reported plans, and product roadmaps remain subject to change before official announcements. Nevertheless, the latest report suggests the company is moving ahead with one of the most anticipated changes to the MacBook line, combining a touchscreen display with several other significant hardware upgrades while keeping its expected release window largely unchanged.