Apple is poised to significantly reshape the MacBook Pro experience with a forthcoming redesign slated for later in . The update, detailed by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, centers around the introduction of a touchscreen, an OLED display, and the integration of the iPhone’s Dynamic Island feature.
The planned overhaul will affect both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. A key component of this upgrade is the shift from the current mini-LED panels to OLED displays. This move is expected to enhance visual fidelity and enable new interaction methods, including support for fast scrolling and pinch-to-zoom gestures. The adoption of OLED technology represents a substantial investment in display quality, promising deeper blacks and more vibrant colors.
However, the changes extend beyond the display itself. Apple is also preparing to revamp macOS to be more touch-friendly. Currently, macOS is primarily designed for mouse and trackpad input. The updated operating system will allow users to directly interact with on-screen elements via touch. According to Gurman, the interface will dynamically adjust, presenting larger, touch-optimized controls when a user taps on menu bar items or other interface components. This suggests a more fluid and intuitive experience for users who prefer touch interaction.
Despite the introduction of touch capabilities, Apple intends to position the new MacBook Pro as a versatile device, rather than a direct competitor to the iPad. The company reportedly aims to allow users to seamlessly switch between touch and traditional point-and-click input methods, offering flexibility and catering to different workflows. This approach acknowledges the established macOS user base and avoids a radical departure from the desktop experience.
A notable design change involves replacing the existing display notch with a Dynamic Island, a feature first introduced on the iPhone 14 Pro. On the MacBook Pro, this is expected to take the form of a smaller, punch-hole camera cutout. The Dynamic Island is not merely a cosmetic change; it’s an interactive area that adapts and expands to display alerts, notifications, and ongoing activities. MacOS already supports iPhone notifications and Live Activities, suggesting these features will be integrated into the Dynamic Island on the MacBook Pro.
The inclusion of the Dynamic Island signals Apple’s intention to unify the user experience across its product ecosystem. By bringing a familiar interface element from the iPhone to the Mac, Apple aims to create a more cohesive and intuitive experience for users who regularly switch between devices. This also allows for a more efficient use of screen real estate, maximizing the available display area for content.
Apple’s previous foray into touch-based input on the Mac, the Touch Bar, proved unpopular and was ultimately discontinued. The new approach appears to be a more considered and integrated solution, focusing on enhancing the existing macOS experience rather than replacing it. The Touch Bar was criticized for its limited functionality and lack of tactile feedback. The full touchscreen, combined with software optimizations, aims to address these shortcomings.
While the exterior design of the new MacBook Pro is expected to remain largely similar to the current models – retaining both the keyboard and trackpad – the internal changes represent a significant step forward. The combination of an OLED display, touchscreen support, and the Dynamic Island promises a more immersive and interactive user experience. The size of the MacBook Pro is not expected to change with this update.
The launch of the touch-screen MacBook Pro is anticipated towards the end of . Apple also has several other product releases planned in the near term, including the iPhone 17e, a new low-budget MacBook, M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros, the 12th-gen iPad with Apple Intelligence, and an M4-powered iPad Air, all expected around a March 4th event. These upcoming releases demonstrate Apple’s continued commitment to innovation across its product lines.
