Even after many laptop manufacturers have integrated touchscreens into their computers, Apple has refused to do the same with its Macs. In 2012, Apple CEO Tim Cook even likened the mix of tablets and notebooks to swapping toasters and refrigerators. “You can put a toaster and a refrigerator together, but those things probably won’t be pleasing to the consumer,” he said again.
Apple seems to be backtracking on this more than a decade later, as the company is reportedly working on adding touchscreens to its Mac lineup. According to a Bloomberg reportt cited people familiar with the matter, several Apple engineers are involved in the project, indicating that the company is seriously considering making a Mac that can be controlled by touch.
Apple is looking to keep the traditional laptop design for its first touchscreen Mac, which it reportedly plans to release in 2025 as part of a major update to the MacBook Pro. Although it will also include a traditional trackpad and keyboard, the laptop’s screen will support touch input and gestures, similar to iPhones and iPads. Touch support may be extended to other Mac models over time.
According to the MacBook Pro revamp, the Cupertino tech giant is also planning to use organic light-emitting diode (OLED) for its display. Currently, the company uses liquid crystal displays on its Max. The Apple Watch and iPhones, however, already use OLED. The first iPad Pro with an OLED display is also reportedly slated to launch in the first half of 2024.
Despite Apple’s U-turn, the company isn’t actively working to unify the iPad and Mac operating systems when it comes to touchscreens. The first touchscreen Mac will reportedly run macOS.
Source: Bloomberg (paywall)
