‘Ergonomically Terrible’ — Steve Jobs Said Touchscreen MacBook Wouldn’t Work, but Apple Is Finally Doing It Anyway
Key takeaways
- Apple is finally adding touch to the MacBook Pro, a feature it previously dismissed as ergonomically problematic.
- OLED displays
- 14‑inch and 16‑inch models
- M5 Pro or M5 Max chips
What happened
Apple is set to launch its first touchscreen MacBook Pro models, slated for release on Oct. 27‑28 with sales beginning Nov. 6. The new 14‑inch and 16‑inch laptops will feature OLED displays, a smaller Dynamic Island cut‑out, a lighter body with a reinforced hinge, and M5 Pro or M5 Max processors. Apple’s senior hardware engineer John Ternus said the touch function will act as an auxiliary gesture layer beside the keyboard and trackpad, rather than the primary input method.
Why it matters
The move marks a reversal of Steve Jobs’ long‑standing stance that vertical touchscreens are ergonomically unsound. By adding touch, Apple aims to enhance multitouch capabilities and align the MacBook with its broader ecosystem of iPads and iPhones. The new design could broaden the MacBook’s appeal to users who…
Short-term and longer-term
Short-term. In the next few days, watch for the first retail displays of the new touch‑enabled MacBook Pros.
Longer-term. Over the coming months, the introduction of touchscreens may broaden the MacBook Pro’s appeal and support higher price points, potentially boosting revenue and margin.