"Apple is finally bringing touchscreens to MacBooks: a new OLED MacBook Pro in late 2026, and a 12.9-inch budget MacBook (with an A-series chip) in 2025:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}."
Why is Apple adding touchscreens to MacBooks?
For years, Apple insisted that touchscreens didn’t belong on MacBooks. Steve Jobs even said touching a vertical laptop screen was “ergonomically terrible”. Now the company appears to be changing course. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that Apple’s “long-term observation of iPad user behavior” shows touch controls can boost productivity. This shift in thinking is prompting Apple to finally bring touch panels to its laptops.
Competitors have offered touchscreen 2-in-1 laptops for years, but Apple kept MacBooks focused on the traditional trackpad and keyboard. Recent Mac software updates have borrowed features from iPadOS, hinting at a gradual Mac–iPad convergence. According to Kuo, Apple’s long-term iPad observations and improved display tech now make this move practical.
What is the OLED MacBook Pro?
Apple’s first touchscreen MacBook will be a high-end OLED MacBook Pro. This model is expected to enter mass production in late 2026. It will use on-cell touch technology, which integrates touch sensors into the display stack for a slimmer, more responsive screen. In other words, it could “blur the line between Mac and iPad”, giving users the best of both interfaces.
Samsung Display’s role and OLED technology
Samsung Display will supply the new OLED panels for Apple’s MacBook Pros. Its Gen 8.6 production lines are designed for large laptop panels, and reports say Samsung can make 2–3 million panels in 2026 (scalable up to 10 million if needed):contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}. Samsung even invested about $3.1 billion in a dedicated facility, signaling a long-term partnership.
- Higher brightness and richer contrast than mini-LED, for more vibrant visuals.
- Deeper blacks and lower power consumption thanks to OLED’s efficiency and oxide TFT tech.
- On-cell touch layer makes the display thinner and faster to respond.
In short, Samsung’s OLED panels promise vivid image quality plus better battery life. The large substrates and oxide TFT backplane help improve scalability and cut costs:contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}, making them ideal for Apple’s premium laptops.
Budget MacBook and future roadmap
Apple is also working on a budget MacBook powered by an iPhone-class A-series chip. This entry-level laptop will likely have a 12.9-inch screen and target late 2025 production. It’s expected to be priced around $599–$699 and initially won’t include a touchscreen. Apple could add touch support in a later version (around 2027) once the technology and costs allow.
This two-tier rollout mirrors Apple’s usual strategy: debut new tech on the flagship first, then trickle it down. Most analysts agree the OLED touchscreen MacBook will come in late 2026, while the cheaper MacBook appears on a faster 2025 schedule without touch.
| Year | MacBook Model | Key Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Late 2025 | Budget MacBook (A-chip) | 12.9″ screen, ~$599–699, no touchscreen |
| Late 2026 | OLED MacBook Pro | 14″ & 16″ OLED display with on-cell touchscreen |
| 2027 (Rumored) | Next-gen Budget MacBook | Possible touchscreen update |
Industry impact
Apple’s move comes after years of touchscreens on competitors’ laptops. By waiting, Apple ensures a polished experience. Analysts expect this shift to accelerate OLED adoption industry-wide: some forecasts suggest OLED panels could reach tens of millions of laptops in the next few years, driven in part by Apple’s demand. Apple’s entry may set new benchmarks for display quality and usability.
For customers, this means MacBooks with truly versatile input options and stunning displays. Whether you use the keyboard, trackpad or now the touchscreen, Apple is offering even more flexibility. By adding touch to the OLED MacBook Pro, Apple is betting that the benefits outweigh past concerns. Only time will tell how many people embrace the new touch-friendly workflows on a Mac.
FAQs
What will the first touchscreen MacBook be?
According to reports, the first touchscreen MacBook will be a high-end MacBook Pro with a 14″ or 16″ OLED display. It’s expected to launch in late 2026 and use on-cell touch technology.
When will the budget MacBook arrive?
Apple plans a new, cheaper MacBook with an A-series iPhone chip by late 2025 or early 2026. This model will have a 12.9″ display but won’t have a touchscreen in its first version.
How do OLED panels help MacBooks?
OLED displays offer higher brightness, more vibrant colors, and deep blacks. They can also use less power (especially with oxide TFT tech), which improves battery life. Apple’s OLED MacBook Pro will combine these benefits with a touch-sensitive screen layer.
References
- Apple is finally bringing touchscreens to the MacBook, says Ming-Chi Kuo
- MacBook Pro OLED tipped to launch next year and it could sport a Samsung display
- Samsung may be sole supplier of OLED panels for Apple MacBook
- Apple to launch first OLED MacBook Pro in 2026, report says it is coming with a Samsung twist
- OLED MacBook Pro 2026: Samsung's $3.1B Investment Reveals
