Apple has long been the only laptop manufacturer that has not adopted a touchscreen for its devices. However, that is about to change. According to Mark Gurman, Apple is now working on touchscreen MacBooks that could arrive as early as 2025. This raises several questions about Apple’s sudden change of heart and how it would fit into their current lineup.
Why Now?
Apple’s decision to develop touchscreen MacBooks is likely driven by the need for innovation. Their recent Macs, powered by Apple Silicon, have already achieved outstanding performance levels, far exceeding the average user’s requirements. The MacBook Pro update brought back essential ports and an incredible display with excellent color reproduction, brightness, and resolution. Consequently, there’s not much more Apple can do with the current form factor, and a touchscreen would be a game-changing feature.
Historical Perspective: Apple’s Resistance to Touchscreens
Despite the rumors of the potential release of a touchscreen MacBook Pro in 2025, Apple has long resisted the idea of touchscreens on its Macs. In fact, Steve Jobs himself was known for his strong opinion against adding touchscreens to computers, stating in 2010 that “Touch surfaces don’t want to be vertical.” Apple has focused on refining and perfecting its trackpad technology, allowing users to navigate their Macs seamlessly without the need for a touchscreen. However, with the rise of touchscreen technology in other devices, it seems like Apple may be beginning to change its stance.
Background on Apple’s resistance to touchscreens
For years, Apple has been resistant to adding touchscreens to its Mac products. This resistance comes from a belief that touchscreens would not improve the user experience on these devices, and it has been a guiding principle for Apple since the company was founded. Steve Jobs himself famously stated that “we’ve done tons of user testing on this and it turns out it doesn’t work.” However, with the success of the iPad and the increasing popularity of touchscreen devices, Apple has had to reevaluate its stance on touchscreens. The company has started exploring ways to incorporate touch technology into its Mac products, and rumors suggest that a touchscreen MacBook Pro may be in the works for 2025. As Apple continues to test and develop these products, it will be interesting to see whether touchscreens become a regular feature of Macs, or if the company continues to prioritize its established design principles over the latest technological trends.
Steve Jobs’ statement on touchscreens
In a historical perspective on Apple’s resistance to touchscreens, it’s worth mentioning Steve Jobs’ statement on the matter. In 2010, Jobs stated that touchscreens, while initially popular in phones, were not ideal for use in laptops. This statement has helped shape Apple’s approach to MacBook design, thereby explaining the lack of a touchscreen MacBook in their product line. However, with technological advancements, some consumers have called for Apple to reconsider their stance. The question remains: will incorporating touchscreen technology change the traditional MacBook design, and is it worth it?
What Could a Touchscreen MacBook Look Like?
The design of a touchscreen MacBook wouldn’t merely be the current MacBook form factor with touchscreen support. Apple’s approach will likely involve a different, innovative design that optimizes user experience. Patterns filed by Apple suggest a variety of unique designs, including two-screen MacBooks, touch-supported bases, and screens with additional functions integrated into the bezels.
One possible solution is a two-in-one device, a MacBook with a detachable screen that becomes an iPad when removed. This hybrid device is already feasible, as both Macs and iPads run on Apple Silicon and support iOS apps.
MacBook Touchscreen: Specs and Features
Now that the possibility of a touchscreen MacBook no longer seems like a far-fetched dream, it’s essential to know what specs and features Apple has in store for us. The new MacBook touchscreen is expected to incorporate OLED technology that will enhance the overall viewing experience. The MacBook Pro, Apple’s premium laptop, comes in 13- and 16-inch screen sizes, and each model includes 2-4 USB-C ports. On all but the base model, the function keys were replaced with a touchscreen strip called the Touch Bar with a Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button. As for the new MacBook’s internal codename, it is referred to as “Mac 15,3,” according to developer logs. However, the Yoga 9i has a touchscreen, whereas the MacBook does not. With the new ProMotion 120Hz refresh-rate feature, the MacBook Pro 2021 has gone one step further in making everything look smoother. With all these upgrades and features, is a touchscreen MacBook worth the investment? Keep reading to find out more.
How Will It Fit into Apple’s Lineup?
Integrating a touchscreen MacBook into Apple’s lineup presents two possibilities. One option is to discontinue the iPad line, replacing it with the MacBook-iPad hybrid. Alternatively, Apple could introduce the touchscreen MacBook as a new category, positioned above the MacBook Pro in terms of functionality and price.
The latter option is more likely, considering the rumors of a large-screen 14-inch iPad Pro and the considerable revenue generated by the iPad ($30 billion per year). Introducing a separate category would allow Apple to continue reaping the benefits of its existing iPad lineup.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Developing a touchscreen MacBook presents several challenges, including relocating the device’s “brains” from the base to the screen and optimizing macOS for touchscreen use. Apple may adopt an approach similar to Microsoft’s Surface Book, which had components in both the base and the screen. However, this would significantly increase production costs.
With Apple’s focus on the M2 iPad Pro and the development of a macOS version that runs exclusively on it, one might question the need for a separate touchscreen MacBook. The M2 iPad Pro, combined with a Magic Keyboard, already offers similar functionality and performance. As Apple continues to expand its iPad lineup, the distinction between iPads and MacBooks may become increasingly blurred.
Will Touchscreens Change the Traditional MacBook Design?
In considering whether touchscreens will change the traditional MacBook design, it’s important to note that Apple has been resistant to incorporating touchscreen technology in their laptops. This is largely due to the company’s belief that touchscreens would result in a poor user experience, a sentiment that was voiced by Steve Jobs himself. However, rumors suggest that Apple may release a MacBook with a touchscreen feature as early as 2025. If this happens, it could potentially change the traditional MacBook design. While the current MacBook design features a keyboard and trackpad, a touch screen would serve as another input device. This could lead to significat changes in the size and shape of the laptop, as well as potential improvements to the user experience. However, there are also potential downfalls to incorporating touchscreens in laptops, such as the risk of “gorilla arm” from constant use. Only time will tell if touchscreens will become a standard feature in MacBooks, but it’s certain that any changes to the traditional design will be met with excitement and skepticism from Apple fans alike.
Brief history of MacBook design
The MacBook has been a staple in the world of laptops for many years. Over the years, its design has undergone several changes, with each new model introducing new features and innovations. From the early models with plastic and aluminum construction to the latest releases with updated chipsets and sleek designs, the MacBook has come a long way. However, one thing that has remained constant is Apple’s resistance to incorporating touchscreens in their laptops. Despite this, there have been rumors that a touchscreen MacBook could be released as soon as 2025. If this is the case, it will be interesting to see how Apple incorporates this technology while maintaining the traditional MacBook design that has made it so popular for so long. While there are certainly pros and cons to adding touchscreens to the MacBook, only time will tell whether or not it is worth it.
Pros and cons of incorporating touchscreen technology in MacBook
While touchscreens have become increasingly popular in devices like phones and tablets, Apple has resisted incorporating them into their laptops for years. However, some users may argue that a touchscreen MacBook would have its advantages. One pro would be the ability to quickly swipe and pinch to zoom without needing a separate trackpad or mouse. This could potentially increase efficiency for tasks like editing photos or scrolling through web pages. On the other hand, the addition of a touchscreen could potentially disrupt the traditional MacBook design, which is known for its sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Additionally, a touchscreen could add to the price of the laptop, which may not be worth it for some users who prefer a more traditional laptop experience. Ultimately, whether or not a touchscreen MacBook is worth it would depend on the individual needs and preferences of the user.
Conclusion
The introduction of a touchscreen MacBook has the potential to revolutionize the market and further cement Apple’s position as an industry leader. Whether it comes in the form of a two-in-one device or a separate product category, the touchscreen MacBook will likely be a game changer. As we eagerly await the arrival of this innovative device, it is essential to consider the possible design, functionality, and integration into Apple’s existing lineup. The touchscreen MacBook will undoubtedly bring new opportunities for users and developers alike, offering an enhanced and versatile computing experience. With Apple’s proven track record of innovation and excellence, we can expect nothing less than a groundbreaking product that will redefine the boundaries between laptops and tablets. As 2025 approaches, anticipation grows for what promises to be a significant milestone in Apple’s illustrious history.
Is a Touchscreen MacBook Worth It?
After delving into the historical perspective of Apple’s resistance to touchscreens and exploring the specs and features of a potential touchscreen MacBook, it’s time for some final thoughts on the matter. The decision to incorporate touchscreen technology into the MacBook design comes with its pros and cons. On the one hand, it would be a step forward in terms of user interaction and could potentially attract a new demographic of customers. On the other hand, it could alter the traditional MacBook design and potentially detract from the laptop’s productivity-focused purpose. Ultimately, the decision on whether a touchscreen MacBook is worth it comes down to personal preference and usage needs. For those who value traditional laptop functionality and prioritize efficiency, a normal MacBook may suffice. However, those who prioritize a more tactile and interactive experience could stand to benefit from a touchscreen MacBook.
I find most of the problems with this technology is software support , iPadOS doesn’t have too many pro apps to this days but macOS does , actually one of the most useful things I can see on a touch screen macbook is related to art, like; digital painting , 3d sculpting (that kind of things). Especially because of the hover technology of the Apple Pencil. Also using macOS with a stylus would be more precise , so perhaps Apple’s approach to macOS with touch screens is related to the Apple Pencil.
A Macbook touch as an ipad pro, would be the best. I hear a lot that you can’t even use the power of the new ipad pros. With ipad pro you get the least amount of pro in comparison with other pro devices from apple.
It would be basically an ipad with macOS which is the best solution in my opinion.
My experience is that I use the MacBook Air to do long tasks even if I have also a 12,9 iPad Pro. I will not buy an hybrid device. I didn’t buy any keyboard for the iPad because they’re not as good as using the MacBook Air keyboard and trackpad.
Apple could redesign the MacBook Pro to incorporate a new hinge that places the display closer to the user, similar to the floating cantilever design of the iPad’s Magic Keyboard. No expensive dual SOC, or the ability to remove the display and have it exist as a separate tablet… Just a new Mac form factor that makes touching the new touch display more user friendly by using an innovative hinge. That sounds more like Apple to me.
I think the separate screen and base make more sense. If Apple can make a super thin “iPad” as the Mac Book screen, it can cut a lot of features and only focus on reading and writing. Then once connect to the “based”, it can support video editing and other “serious” tasks. Would this kill iPads? Probably the large iPad as the video says.
Personally, I would get such a device, because… 1. I don’t have an iPad today. 2. I want a laptop or iPad with keyboard, 3. I like writing and drawing (I have 3 e-ink devices). 4. I like Mac Book’s speed and power saving, so it is an idea laptop for me. 5. I don’t want to carry a Mac Book, an iPad, iPhone all the time. So eliminating one of them makes sense.
Finally, I prefer a thinner less powerful iPad/screen + thicker base/keyboard than a thin screen + minimalist keyboard, which is essential what the M1/2 iPads are today.
This is incredible! I have even heard rumors (please note: ONLY RUMORS!) that apple might one day be capable of creating a new computer that will be able to connect wirelessly to a keyboard and a mouse while launching. Which will make it possible for users to both type the password and navigate the mouse immediately upon startup!
I believe an iPad Pro running MacOS and all the needed extra ports in the magic keyboard sounds the most sound and plausible.
What about an iPad Pro that has a tablet mode and a laptop mode? In the laptop mode it works on MacOS and in the tablet mode it works on iPadOS. I can’t imagine this being too difficult as iPads and Macs have almost identical internals and the OSs are much more integrated these days.
yes! mac os on ipad… i will love it.