Katarzyna Petru
Apple laptops have been evolving conservatively for years. The processors are changing, performance is improving, ports are making a comeback, and controversial features like the Touch Bar are disappearing. However, the overall design remains virtually untouched. That may change now.
End of the notch, time for touch
According to reports from Bloomberg, Apple is working on a MacBook Pro with a full-fledged touch screen. This is a significant change in philosophy, as the company has claimed for years that touch on a laptop makes no ergonomic sense. The new generation is expected to combine traditional keyboard and trackpad controls with direct finger interaction on the screen. The macOS system will be appropriately adapted. The interface is designed to recognise the mode of interaction and dynamically enlarge menu elements when the user engages with touch. This doesn't mean the end of the physical keyboard. Apple is not planning a hybrid tablet-style device, but rather a fully-fledged laptop with enhanced interaction.
OLED and Dynamic Island in a Laptop
The second major change is the transition from Mini-LED to OLED panel, which will provide deeper blacks and higher contrast. This technology, known from iPhones and iPads Pro, is now set to come to MacBooks. The characteristic notch will also disappear. In its place, Apple is reportedly introducing a solution inspired by Dynamic Island, which is a dynamically changing cutout around the camera that reacts to notifications and background processes. To prevent the screen from wobbling when touched, the hinge construction is set to be further reinforced. At the same time, Apple aims to slim down the entire device's form.
M6 Chips and Higher Prices
The new MacBook Pro is set to be based on M6 Pro and M6 Max chips, produced using a 2nm process. This should lead to further performance improvements while simultaneously reducing power consumption. The launch of this revamped generation is expected at the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027. However, the increase in production costs associated with OLED and the new design means one thing – the price will go up. It can be assumed that the base configuration will not be inexpensive.
Apple is preparing the biggest change in the MacBook Pro line in years. Touchscreen, OLED panel, Dynamic Island, and M6 chips could completely transform the way users interact with macOS. This is an ambitious step that may attract new users but also push the price of the hardware to an even higher premium level.
Source: Bloomberg
