A long-awaited feature could debut on an OLED MacBook Pro in 2026, blurring the line between Mac and iPad forever.
It’s the rumor that just won’t die, but this time it has some serious weight behind it. According to a new post from renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the company is finally preparing to bring touch panels to its MacBook lineup, a move that would fundamentally change the Mac experience. Kuo suggests this shift is based on Apple’s “long-term observation of iPad user behavior,” indicating that touch controls can be a real boost for productivity.
The first device to get the treatment is expected to be an OLED MacBook Pro, slated for mass production in late 2026. This premium model will reportedly use on-cell touch technology, integrating the touch sensors directly into the display stack for a thinner and more responsive screen. For years, Apple executives have publicly pushed back on the idea of a touchscreen Mac, arguing that reaching over a keyboard to touch a vertical screen is ergonomically terrible. It seems the company may have finally changed its tune.
A more affordable MacBook is also in the works
Kuo’s report doesn’t stop with the Pro models. He also details a “more affordable MacBook model” that could enter mass production in the fourth quarter of 2025. Intriguingly, this machine will be “powered by an iPhone processor,” though it’s unclear if that means an A-series chip or a variation of Apple’s M-series silicon.
However, don’t get too excited just yet. The first generation of this more affordable MacBook will not support a touch panel. Kuo notes that specifications for a second-generation version, anticipated in 2027, are still under discussion and “could include touch support.” This suggests Apple may be planning a two-tiered approach, reserving the high-end touch experience for its Pro machines initially.
Kuo stands by his track record
To bolster his claims, Kuo also shared a separate post reflecting on his past predictions for Apple products, noting that “the vast majority have proven to be accurate or very close.” He cited his calls on the iPhone Air’s design and specs, the 2025 Apple Watch lineup including an Ultra 3 and updated SE, and predictions about the iPhone 17’s Dynamic Island size and RAM. By reminding us of his past hits, Kuo is making a clear statement: when he talks about Apple’s future roadmap, it’s worth paying attention.
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