While the MacBook Pro stands as a pinnacle of innovation, one missing feature has been the subject of ongoing discussions—the absence of a touchscreen. In a landscape where Windows laptops have long embraced this interactive capability, the MacBook Pro has been viewed as incomplete without it. However, recent rumors, emerging from @Tech_Reve on X (formerly Twitter), indicate a potential roadmap that could bring touch-enabled OLED screens to future MacBook Pro models, though this technological evolution may be years away.
The Touchscreen Odyssey
According to @Tech_Reve, Apple is said to be gearing up to unveil MacBook Pro models featuring OLED displays in the timeframe between 2026 and 2027. These anticipated models, available in 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch variants, are rumored to finally introduce the much-desired touchscreen capability to the MacBook Pro lineup.
Post the OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro debut, Apple is expected to extend these features to MacBook Air models, with 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch variants in the pipeline. The prospective timeline for this expansion hinges on the success and adoption of the MacBook Pro’s OLED touchscreen, potentially starting in 2026 and beyond.
Behind the Scenes: Display Suppliers and Technologies
@Tech_Reve suggests that Apple is collaborating with display suppliers Samsung and LG for this transformative venture. Both manufacturers bring their own advancements to the table, with Samsung employing Y-OCTA technology and LG utilizing Touch On Encapsulation. These technologies integrate the touch panel directly into the display, resulting in a thinner panel at a lower cost compared to the conventional layering of OLED and a separate touch panel.
The trailblazing OLED touchscreen for MacBook Pro could find its roots in the rumored OLED iPad Pro, speculated to launch in the first half of 2024. With the iPad Pro already equipped with a touchscreen display, transitioning to an OLED screen seems a logical step for a high-end product. The rumored 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models may serve as crucial testbeds for future OLED touchscreen devices, including the anticipated MacBook Pro iterations in 2026-2027.
Considerations and Challenges
The integration of an OLED touchscreen into the MacBook Pro lineup might necessitate adjustments to the macOS interface to cater to the precision required for touch interactions. Critics have raised concerns about potential downsides, such as a higher price point and susceptibility to fingerprint smudges on the premium high-end screens, particularly when coupled with an OLED display.
While these OLED touchscreen features remain in the realm of rumors, there’s a historical indication that Apple is considering a transition to OLED panels for its Pro products. However, the touch capability on MacBooks remains a subject of speculation, as Apple has traditionally asserted that touchscreen laptops pose ergonomic challenges.
