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This year’s WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for Apple, particularly in terms of software updates. With anticipated design overhauls for iOS 19, macOS 16, and other major platforms, Apple fans are buzzing with excitement. But while much of the attention is focused on iPhone updates, there’s a quiet but crucial undercurrent about macOS 16—could this be the year Apple finally brings touch support to Macs? Let’s explore why the 2026 MacBook Pro and macOS 16 could be the first steps toward touchscreen Macs.
Will WWDC 2025 Finally Reveal Touchscreen Macs?
Apple has long resisted the idea of bringing touchscreens to its Mac lineup. Since the debut of the iPhone with multitouch in 2007 and the iPad in 2010, many have wondered when Macs would join the touch revolution. Apple executives have consistently dismissed the idea, saying it wouldn’t be feasible for the Mac experience. However, time has proven that Apple’s secretive development style often belies what’s actually in the works behind the scenes.
For years, touch has become a norm on PCs, while Macs have remained untouched by this technology. With macOS 16 on the horizon, Apple may finally be ready to make a change, signaling the arrival of touchscreen Macs.
What to Expect from macOS 16 and the 2026 MacBook Pro
Looking ahead to 2026, the MacBook Pro is expected to receive a major redesign. This refresh may include significant hardware improvements, such as a thinner and lighter design, OLED displays, the M6 chip, and possibly even a new C1 or C2 modem. Rumors suggest that this redesign might also include the long-awaited touchscreen capability.
Though we’re still more than a year away from the launch of this next-gen MacBook Pro, macOS 16 could offer vital clues. It’s possible that WWDC 2025 will reveal software optimizations hinting at the first touchscreen Macs. If Apple is truly planning a major software overhaul to support this hardware change, we’ll likely see clear signs in macOS 16.
macOS 16: Will It Offer Touchscreen Support?
When macOS Big Sur was released, there were whispers that Apple might be preparing for touchscreen Macs, as the design was noticeably more touch-friendly. However, those expectations were quickly dismissed by Apple executives. Now, with macOS 16 slated for release this June, the stakes are higher. This release could either provide clear evidence of a move toward touchscreen Macs or, conversely, definitively end speculation about this feature for the time being.
If macOS 16 includes significant design changes aimed at improving touch interactions, it would be hard to ignore the possibility that Apple is gearing up to launch touchscreen Macs soon. On the other hand, if the update doesn’t bring noticeable changes, it may be a sign that the wait for touchscreen Macs will continue well into the future.
What Undercode Says:
The possible of touchscreen Macs has been a hot topic for years, but Apple’s resistance has always been apparent. This delay in adopting touchscreen technology on Macs seems almost strange given how much touch has become a standard feature across all other computing platforms. The success of touch-enabled devices like the iPhone, iPad, and even certain Windows PCs might make you wonder why Apple has been so hesitant.
macOS 16 might represent a turning point in this ongoing saga. The design updates expected in this release could not only enhance the user experience but also prepare the system for touchscreen compatibility. The likelihood of touchscreen Macs in the future could depend heavily on how macOS 16 performs and whether its features hint at the potential for touch interaction.
Another point to consider is Apple’s tendency to gradually integrate new technologies into its ecosystem, especially when it comes to the Mac. Touchscreen Macs could bring an entirely new layer of interactivity, but they must also coexist seamlessly with the existing macOS interface, which hasn’t been optimized for touch as of now. Apple would have to navigate this delicate balance carefully, especially with a product as important as the MacBook Pro.
Additionally, the rumored 2026 MacBook Pro redesign could pave the way for such a feature. OLED displays, lighter builds, and more powerful processors like the M6 chip could make it technically possible to implement touchscreen functionality. However, without macOS 16 laying the groundwork, this hardware update might still seem a bit premature.
If macOS 16 introduces specific features tailored to touch, it would suggest that Apple is serious about making touchscreen Macs a reality. On the other hand, if it only delivers incremental design tweaks, we could be looking at a longer wait until Apple finally takes the plunge. Either way, WWDC 2025 will likely be a significant moment in determining the future of touchscreen Macs.
Fact Checker Results
- Rumors of Touchscreen Macs: There has been a long-standing belief that Apple would eventually introduce touch support to its Macs, but there’s still no official confirmation of when this might happen.
- Hardware and Software Integration: While hardware rumors suggest the 2026 MacBook Pro could support touch, we need clear signals from macOS 16 to confirm if the software is ready to integrate with these changes.
- macOS 16 Features: While macOS 16 is expected to feature major updates, it remains unclear whether touchscreen support will be included at launch.
References:
Reported By: https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/18/apples-new-macos-16-design-could-answer-this-key-question-about-the-macs-future
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