Apple Planning To Bring Touchscreen Displays On Its Mac Computers

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Apple Inc. is reportedly exploring the addition of touch screens to its Mac computers, a departure from its long-standing stance against the feature. Despite previous arguments against touch screens, Apple engineers are actively involved in the project, suggesting a serious consideration of producing touch-screen Macs. The plans are not finalized, and the company's approach could change.

For over a decade, Apple has contended that touch screens are not suitable for laptops, advocating for the iPad as a superior touch interface. Concerns about cannibalizing iPad sales and the perceived limitations of touch screens on Macs have contributed to Apple's resistance to incorporating the feature.

However, increasing pressure from competitors, who have successfully integrated touch screens into their computers, has compelled Apple to reconsider its position. Additionally, the resurgence of Mac business profitability relative to the iPad has underscored the importance of keeping the Mac lineup competitive.

Internal discussions suggest that Apple may introduce its first touch-screen Mac as part of a larger update to the MacBook Pro lineup in 2025. The proposed touch-screen MacBook Pro would maintain a traditional laptop design with a standard trackpad and keyboard, while incorporating touch input and gestures on the screen, akin to iPhone and iPad functionality. There are also plans to transition Mac displays from liquid crystal displays (LCDs) to organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology, already utilized in iPhones and Apple Watches for improved brightness and color reproduction.

This potential move marks a significant departure from the late co-founder Steve Jobs' skepticism towards touch-screen computers, who famously criticized the idea of users reaching up to touch vertical screens. However, Apple has demonstrated a willingness to revise its strategies, as evidenced by its success with products like the iPhone and iPad, which Jobs initially dismissed.

Apple's competitors, including Dell, HP, Microsoft, Lenovo, Samsung, and Acer, have embraced touch-screen technology in their laptops, leaving Apple as the only major computer maker without such a product. Despite previous assertions from Jobs and current CEO Tim Cook about the impracticality of touch screens on Macs, the company appears to be reevaluating its stance to remain competitive in the evolving computer market.