Apple prepping touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro for 2026 — new report claims model will incorporate on-cell touch tech for the first time

News
By published

A feature reserved for the Pro lineup

Apple MacBook Pro
(Image credit: Apple)

A new report from top Apple insider Ming-Chi Kuo claims that the company will finally introduce touchscreen technology to its Mac lineup, beginning with an OLED MacBook Pro set to enter mass production in late 2026.

Kuo made the revelation on X early on Wednesday morning. "MacBook models will feature a touch panel for the first time, further blurring the line with the iPad," he noted. "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 overall user experience."

According to Kuo, a new OLED MacBook Pro is expected to enter mass production "by late 2026." The information — which, of course, is unofficial — could indicate a launch in Q4 2026 or possibly early 2027. The former seems likely, given that Apple generally launches new Mac models in the fall and has been previously tipped to be exploring an annual release cycle for Macs more in line with its iPhone launch schedule.

Stephen Warwick
Stephen Warwick
News Editor

Stephen is Tom's Hardware's News Editor with almost a decade of industry experience covering technology, having worked at TechRadar, iMore, and even Apple over the years. He has covered the world of consumer tech from nearly every angle, including supply chain rumors, patents, and litigation, and more. When he's not at work, he loves reading about history and playing video games.

7 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Jabberwocky79
    I'm all for giving ppl what they want, but I've never understood the appeal of putting greasy fingerprints all over your main display. I'm typing this from a keyboard with an attached touchscreen. In the past year I've used the touch feature one single time to sign a digital document.
    Reply
  • S58_is_the_goat
    Can't believe they haven't invented a touchscreen Macbook yet, what year is this?
    Reply
  • ezst036
    There is some logic to this change at Apple. Apple for years has not wanted to cannibalize its iPad lineup. It also has wanted to honor Steve Jobs' legacy. Jobs reportedly hated the concept of full sized computers with a touch screen interface.

    Keep in mind this news item does not stand alone. Together with touch screen Macs you have foldable iPhones being reportedly imminent.

    Foldable iPhones is going to be quite disastrous for the iPad lineup. All, save perhaps for the biggest iPad. Having foldable iPhones means there is less reason to protect the iPad anymore and Jobs has been gone for a very long time. Touch screens have improved, the concept itself is much more popular and perhaps even expected, and its simply a matter of giving customers what they demand.

    We still have to wait and see if foldables and touch macs actually happen though.
    Reply
  • cyrusfox
    about time, touchscreen is nice option to have, mostly for the young generation, I also prefer mouse and keyboard for precise work, but tough is great for media consumption, would be great if they enable 360° hinge as well.
    Reply
  • Alvar "Miles" Udell
    When I see "touchscreen", "OLED". and "MacBook Pro", I'm thinking that they're targeting graphic designers and others who will be using a stylus, or in this case the Apple Pencil.
    Reply
  • Notton
    Jabberwocky79 said:
    appeal of putting greasy fingerprints all over your main display
    Having used laptops with a touch screen, phones, and tablets of varying quality, if the screen is bright enough compared to the room, you'll never notice it.

    Stray pet hair is easy to notice on a touch screen.

    I highly recommend getting a screen with >350 nits brightness.
    Reply
  • endocine
    The courage to make this happen
    Reply