In 2026, Apple plans to completely redefine its laptops. For the first time, the company will introduce touch-sensitive OLED screens to the MacBook Pro, bringing significant changes to how users work and interact with the device. This move could not only enhance convenience but also shift the balance of power in the portable computer market, where touch panels have long been rare in Apple devices.
Switching to OLED technology means users will benefit from brighter and more vibrant images, as well as expanded capabilities for color work. This is especially important for those working in graphics, photography, or video. The touch panel will allow users to navigate the interface not only with a mouse or trackpad but also with their fingers—something previously only possible on tablets. This approach could make the MacBook Pro a more versatile tool for creativity and business.
New displays
According to MuyComputer, Apple already uses OLED panels in its smartphones and tablets, and is now ready to bring them to its laptops. The screens will be produced by Samsung Display, which expects to manufacture up to five million panels per year. If demand increases, production could double. This points to Apple’s serious plans to update its entire lineup of portable devices.
OLED screens offer high contrast and accurate color reproduction, features especially valued by professionals. Additionally, these panels are thinner and lighter than traditional ones, allowing laptops to become even more compact. Importantly, the touchscreen functionality will open up new ways to use the device: from drawing to controlling complex programs without a mouse.
For the first time in MacBook Pro history, the Dynamic Island feature—familiar from the latest iPhone models—will be introduced. This part of the screen adapts depending on the user’s tasks, displaying notifications, controls, or additional menus. Such an approach makes working with the laptop more flexible and intuitive.
Interface and controls
The main innovation is a dynamic interface that adapts to the input method. If the user touches the screen, macOS will automatically offer special menus and commands optimized for touch. For example, pressing a button on the screen will bring up a context menu with the options most suitable for finger input.
Menus and toolbars can enlarge, making them easier to select on a touchscreen. This is especially convenient for those accustomed to working on tablets or smartphones. At the same time, the classic keyboard will remain, as physical keys are still considered more comfortable for typing and working with documents.
Apple is focusing on smoothness and simplicity: scrolling, zooming images and files, as well as page navigation, will feel as natural as possible. The touchscreen won’t replace familiar controls but will complement them, expanding user options.
Strategy and Competition
Until now, Apple has avoided adding touchscreens to laptops to prevent competition with its iPad Pro tablets. However, the market is evolving, and demand for versatile devices is growing. Many competitors have long offered laptops with touch panels, and now Apple has decided to catch up—but in its own way, emphasizing quality and user comfort.
In 2026, the company will introduce not only updated MacBook Pro models but also a more affordable laptop with an aluminum body and vibrant colors. The new device is expected to run on the A18 Pro processor and feature a 12.9-inch screen. This move should help Apple attract new buyers, especially amid issues in the Windows ecosystem, as reported by MuyComputer.
The starting price for the entry model will be $699, making it appealing to a wide audience. Clearly, Apple aims to increase its market share by offering not only premium but also more accessible solutions.
In the coming years, touchscreens are expected to appear in other Apple laptops, including the MacBook Air. This will be a logical step in updating the entire lineup of portable devices and strengthening the company’s position in the professional segment.
Apple is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, repeatedly reshaping the technology market. The company is renowned for its attention to detail and its drive to create products that set the industry standard. The introduction of touch-enabled OLED displays in the MacBook Pro is another step in this direction. New features and control methods could change not just user habits but the entire structure of the laptop market. For many professionals and creatives, this opens up new opportunities for work and self-expression.
