Apple is reportedly preparing for the launch of its first touch-enabled MacBook Pro series this year, which is expected to mark a major shift from the company's traditional laptop designs. The first touch Macs from the company are expected to have the Dynamic Island placed at the top centre of the screen, according to a Bloomberg report.
Dynamic Island Replaces The Notch
The addition of the Dynamic Island will replace the existing notch, creating more usable screen space. Like the iPhone, the feature will be interactive and expand contextually depending on the app or system function in use.
The Dynamic Island, which was introduced on the iPhone in 2022, houses the camera lens while also functioning as a software interface. It allows users to check alerts, sports scores and media controls at a glance.
The Dynamic Island on the MacBook Pro will be built around a hole-punch-sized cut-out for the camera. This is smaller than the pill-shaped notch seen on iPhones.
Also Read: Apple's Touch-Screen MacBook Pro To Have Dynamic Island, New Interface
OLED Displays, Hardware Tweaks
Apple is revamping its 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with OLED (organic light-emitting diode) display technology, which is the same screen technology used on iPhones.
A report by MacRumors said the new MacBook Pro will be the first Mac to support touch gestures directly on the display. Apple had previously experimented with an OLED Touch Bar on earlier MacBook Pro models, but later discontinued it after it failed to gain widespread acceptance.
In addition to the touchscreen and OLED panels, the updated MacBook Pro could feature a slimmer chassis, though it is expected to largely resemble the current design. The keyboard and trackpad will remain in place, and screen sizes are not likely to change.
macOS Redesigned For Touch
Apple is updating macOS to better support touch interaction. Users will be able to tap or click on on-screen elements, with controls adjusting according to the input method.
For instance, tapping a menu bar item will reveal larger controls optimised for touch. Touch-based features will be woven throughout macOS, including support for iPad-style gestures such as pinch-to-zoom and fast scrolling. Common tools, such as the emoji selection menu during text input, will also receive a touch-friendly interface. However, Apple will not prioritise touch-based typing the way it does on iPad.
Also Read: Apple iPhone 18 Pro In Test Production With Only Slight Design, Build Changes, Claims Tipster
Strategic Shift
The move represents a major departure for Apple, which for years criticised the concept of touch-enabled laptops. Co-founder Steve Jobs once described such devices as “ergonomically terrible”, the Bloomberg report added.
Apple is set to unveil various new products, including Mac updates, in the first week of March. But the touch-screen MacBook Pro models, internally code-named K114 and K116, will not form part of that announcement and are instead expected to arrive later in 2026, Bloomberg reported.
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