Apple Eyes OLED Touchscreen for MacBook Pro in Early 2027

Apple is reportedly preparing a major redesign for its MacBook Pro line that would introduce both OLED displays and the first ever touchscreen support, according to sources cited by Bloomberg.

The move marks a departure from Apple’s long-held reluctance to merge touch interaction with macOS systems. Rumors suggest the new models (with internal codenames K114 and K116) are scheduled to arrive in late 2026 or perhaps early 2027.

Core changes under discussion

The enhancements expected in these upcoming models include:

• OLED panel technology is replacing the current Mini LED-based displays.
• Touch sensitivity is layered over the display, even as the physical keyboard and trackpad remain standard inputs.
• A punch-hole camera design replacing the notch, possibly borrowing the Dynamic Island concept from iPhones.
• Reinforced hinge and internal screen hardware to reduce wobble or flex when users tap or swipe on the screen.
• Thinner and lighter chassis compared to existing MacBook Pro models.

Reports also suggest Apple will tie these hardware upgrades to its next generation of silicon, with the M6 family expected to power these devices.

Sources indicate that the new features will add cost, estimating a price increase of several hundred dollars over current high-end MacBook Pros.

Risk factors & strategic signals

Apple’s prior stance discouraged embedding a touchscreen in Macs. Steve Jobs famously argued that “touch surfaces don’t want to be vertical,” a position that endured in internal culture for years.

The Touch Bar experiment, introduced in 2016, drew mixed reception and was eventually abandoned.

Now the rumor mill suggests Apple is adjusting its thinking in response to shifts in user expectations and competitor pressure.

That said, reports caution that Apple may limit touchscreen first to its high-end Pro line, before deciding whether the feature extends to Air or iMac models. 

Timing & rollout expectations

While a speculative time window of late 2026 or early 2027 has surfaced, prior leaks had targeted late 2025, suggesting delays likely tied to supply constraints or engineering hurdles.

In the near term, incremental updates are anticipated: M5 Pro / M5 Max MacBook Pro variants could appear in late 2025 or early to mid-2026 using the existing form factor.

Apple has not confirmed any of these rumors publicly.

We expect the market reaction will depend heavily on Apple’s execution, especially how smoothly the touch interface integrates with macOS workflows, and whether the cost premium is justified.