Apple’s First Touchscreen MacBook Pro May Miss Next-Gen Chip Upgrade – channelnews
Apple’s First Touchscreen MacBook Pro May Miss Next-Gen Chip Upgrade – channelnews
https://www.channelnews.com.au/apples-first-touchscreen-macbook-pro-may-miss-next-gen-chip-upgrade/
Publish Date: 2026-06-29 22:11:00
Source Domain: www.channelnews.com.au
Apple’s long-rumoured touchscreen MacBook Pro is reportedly moving closer to launch, but those expecting a next-generation chip upgrade may be disappointed.
The company’s first touchscreen MacBook Pro models are expected to launch with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, rather than waiting for the company’s future M7 Pro and M7 Max processors, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
The redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch notebooks are tipped to arrive between late 2026 and early 2027, marking one of the biggest changes to the MacBook Pro line in years.
The move would also represent a major shift in Apple’s long-held position on touchscreen laptops. Apple has previously resisted adding touch displays to the Mac, leaving that capability to the iPad while Windows PC makers pushed touchscreens across premium laptops and convertibles.
The new MacBook Pro models are expected to include an OLED display, touchscreen support, a redesigned chassis and a Dynamic Island-style interface similar to that used on recent iPhones.
The chip decision is notable because Apple is reportedly planning to skip high-end M6 Pro and M6 Max chips altogether, instead moving its premium Mac roadmap towards the M7 generation.
Gurman claims M7 Pro and M7 Max versions of the touchscreen MacBook Pro are already in advanced testing and could arrive by the end of 2027.
As reported last week, Apple’s OLED display transition is gathering pace, with Samsung Display reportedly preparing OLED panels for both a future MacBook Pro and next-generation iPad mini.
The switch from mini-LED to OLED is expected to deliver deeper blacks, stronger contrast and improved power efficiency, while also allowing Apple to build a thinner and more modern laptop design.
Apple has not confirmed plans for a touchscreen MacBook Pro, OLED MacBook Pro or M7 Mac chip roadmap.
Australian pricing and availability have also not been announced, but the redesigned models are expected to sit at the premium end of…
