The New Step by Apple to Look Out For
Over the years, there have been many distinguishing characteristics between Macs and Windows PCs, and touch-screen functionality is at the top of the list. Microsoft jumped on the bandwagon slightly earlier with Tablet PCs more than 20 years ago, and the touch interface of Windows 8 solidified the union in 2012.
Redmond and its partners still integrate the technology into their laptops and all-in-ones, but Apple has resisted calls for it to do the same. The reasons for its reticence vary, but Apple would likely claim that its tablet computer, the iPad, has a touch screen.
Nevertheless, according to a recent Bloomberg rumor, Apple is developing a MacBook Pro with a touch screen that shall not be named.
In a 2025 update, the company plans to include touch-screen functionality for the MacBook Pro. According to reports, the updated product will consist of a trackpad and a keyboard but also support touch input and gestures.
The move by Apple will further weaken the barrier it has built between its tablets and PCs; the iPad already has many multitasking features, and Macs now use the same silicon as its mobile devices.
Even though most people find the lack of touch capability on macOS extremely aggravating, Apple said in 2020 that it would start allowing iPhone and iPad apps to operate on the platform. It’s commonly accepted that Apple avoided cannibalizing iPad sales by refusing to integrate touch displays into its Macs.
Status Quo – Competition
Even though Apple’s Mac portfolio is more popular than ever, it’s been said that this is all just an effort to increase competition with Windows laptops. Since it is still not available from Apple, the only significant computer maker, customers have been requesting it for years.
In 2016, the business put a toe in the water with the disastrous Touch Bar on the MacBook Pro. To the surprise of its users, Apple withdrew it from the lineup of MacBook Pro computers in 2021 and brought back mechanical function keys.
But competitors are increasingly equipping computers with touch screens, which puts pressure on Apple to follow suit. The firm now generates more revenue than the iPad thanks to a recent Mac resurgence, so it wants to maintain a competitive PC selection.
According to insiders familiar with the project, Apple engineers are actively working on it, which suggests that the corporation is seriously considering creating touch-screen Macs for the first time.
Recently, Apple stock increased 2.1% to $133.49. In 2023 so far, the stock has increased 2.7%.
According to current plans, Apple’s first touch-screen MacBook Pro will still have a traditional laptop form with a trackpad and keyboard.
However, exactly like an iPhone or iPad, the laptop’s screen would accept touch input and gestures. Apple might eventually add touch capabilities to additional Mac models.
Advantages of this Step
Multitouch motions like pinch-to-zoom and swipe, which are often used on smartphones and tablets, would probably be supported on a touchscreen MacBook.
One of the main benefits of a touchscreen MacBook is the ability to use touch-based apps and programs, such as sketching and painting software.
A touchscreen would also give users more flexibility in how they interact with their laptops, allowing them to use their fingers instead of a touchpad or mouse to browse menus and carry out tasks.
The capability of using the gadget as a tablet is an additional benefit. Users may remove the keyboard and use the device as a tablet with a touch screen, which could be helpful for activities like taking notes and drawing that are more comfortable on a touch interface.
Conclusion
Apple also intends to switch its displays to an organic light-emitting diode, or OLED, technology as part of the MacBook Pro makeover. Apple presently employs liquid crystal displays (LCDs) for its Macs, although OLED is already used in iPhones and Apple Watches.
In the first half of 2024, such screens, which offer better brightness and color, will also be available for the iPad Pro.
Moving forward with the touch-screen Mac would be a huge about-face.
Apple will probably continue to use macOS and iPadOS even if it does bring this feature to the Mac.
According to Bloomberg’s sources, the initial touch product will run macOS and maintain the separation of the product lines. It will be intriguing to learn Apple’s justification if it decides to reverse this decision.
Tim Cook, the current CEO of Apple, compared the introduction of touch to the new Windows 8 operating system to the fusion of a toaster and a refrigerator.
