This year’s WWDC is set to bring significant software updates, with major redesigns expected for iOS 19, macOS 16, and more. While a majority of the attention is on the updates for iPhone, macOS 16 might be equally pivotal as it could signal the long-awaited arrival of touchscreen Macs.
The inaugural touchscreen Mac might debut next year, and WWDC will be crucial
Apple introduced multitouch to the iPhone in 2007, followed by the launch of the iPad in 2010. Since then, the possibility of integrating touch technology into Macs has been a topic of continuous speculation.
Despite regular dismissals from Apple executives, history shows that the company can vehemently deny such developments while secretly working on them.
However, with the passage of time, touchscreen capabilities have become standard in PCs, yet Macs have remained without this feature.
Putting macOS 16 aside for a moment, the 2026 MacBook Pro seems to present the best opportunity for change.
This upcoming model is anticipated to feature a significant hardware redesign that will make it thinner, lighter, utilize OLED displays, adopt the M6 chip series, and possibly include a C1 or C2 modem.
Rumors surrounding this model suggest that touchscreen functionality could be a prominent feature.
Although we are 18+ months away from the release of this new MacBook Pro, we should have clarity soon regarding whether the whispers of touchscreen Macs will turn out to be substantial.
macOS 16 will either provide strong indications about touchscreen Macs or dampen our hopes
I recall the excitement that macOS Big Sur’s redesign generated regarding the potential for touchscreen Macs.
During that time, executives like Craig Federighi mentioned that users were perhaps overinterpreting some minor design changes.
However, when macOS 16 is unveiled this June—in merely three months—I anticipate a different response.
While Big Sur made macOS slightly more touch-optimized, if Apple is genuinely planning to introduce its first touchscreen Macs soon, macOS 16 will undoubtedly reveal that intention.
There are two possible outcomes:
- macOS 16 will introduce substantial modifications that will make the arrival of touchscreen Macs apparent
- or it won’t, leading us to abandon the hope for a touchscreen MacBook Pro next year or anytime soon
In the latter case, one might usually suggest holding out for macOS 17.
But if macOS 16 is undergoing a significant redesign, can we honestly expect major changes with macOS 17 as well?
If touchscreen Macs are indeed on the horizon, indications should surface in June. If not, we will certainly have clarity by the end of WWDC.
Regardless, I’m eager to see how macOS 16 clarifies Apple’s current stance on touchscreen Macs.
Do you believe macOS 16 will showcase enhancements for touchscreen functionality? Share your thoughts in the comments.
