Apple may launch its first touchscreen MacBook Pro by end of 2026, featuring an OLED display, Dynamic Island, and M6 chip, while keeping keyboard and trackpad for a hybrid experience.
© A. Krivonosov
Apple appears to be preparing for one of the most controversial moves in MacBook history. According to insiders, the first MacBook Pro with a touchscreen could launch by the end of 2026—a device whose logic would resemble an iPhone with a physical keyboard and trackpad.
The idea of a touchscreen MacBook was long considered taboo within the company. Back in 2010, Steve Jobs sharply criticized such a concept, calling it ergonomically awkward. However, Apple’s ecosystem has evolved significantly over the years, and the company now seems ready to reconsider its earlier principles.
Journalist Mark Gurman reports that the future MacBook Pro with an M6 chip will feature an OLED display and Dynamic Island—the interface element first introduced on the iPhone 14 Pro and later becoming standard across Apple’s smartphones. This dynamic "island" is set to replace the familiar notch at the top of the laptop screen, adapting to running apps and system functions.
Dynamic Island on the Mac is expected to serve a similar role as on the iPhone: displaying music playback controls, real-time sports scores, weather alerts, and other interactive elements. In practice, macOS will gain an additional dynamic interface layer optimized for touch interaction.
That said, Apple isn’t turning the MacBook into an iPad clone. The device will retain its keyboard and trackpad, with the touchscreen serving as a supplementary control method rather than the primary one. Sources indicate macOS will be refined for touch: menu items will become larger, and gestures for zooming, quick scrolling, and simplified emoji selection will be added—partially borrowed from iOS and iPadOS.
It’s also reported that Apple plans to slim down the chassis of the new MacBook Pro while keeping the recognizable design of the current generation. The touchscreen model is anticipated to be available in 14-inch and 16-inch versions.
If these leaks hold true, 2026 could be an unusual year for the MacBook Pro lineup. Rumors suggest Apple will unveil an update with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips in the spring, followed by a fundamentally new version with an OLED display, touch controls, and Dynamic Island toward year’s end. Overall, this points to Apple potentially refreshing the same laptop twice in one year—a notable shift after a long hiatus.