Apple Eyes Touchscreen for MacBook Pro, Not Air or Neo

Apple has no immediate plans to introduce touchscreen support to its MacBook Air or entry-level MacBook Neo laptops, according to reports from industry analyst Mark Gurman. The company is instead focusing such features on a forthcoming high-end MacBook Pro, expected to launch as early as late 2026.

Gurman, a Bloomberg reporter known for his insights into Apple's product strategies, detailed the company's stance in his latest Power On newsletter. He wrote that Apple "hasn't decided whether to bring touch to any Macs beyond the MacBook Pro, a model that's slated to arrive as early as the end of this year." While the timeline for the Pro model's release has been reported variably, with some sources pointing to early 2027, the device is anticipated to feature an M6 chip and optimizations in the upcoming macOS 27 software to support touch input.

The MacBook Pro's touchscreen is described as a supplementary capability rather than a full hybrid with iPad-like functionality. Gurman explained that users would be able to tap screen elements, such as the menu bar, to access larger, touch-optimized controls, but the device would not transform into a detachable tablet. This approach aligns...