The MacBook Air has been one of Apple's most popular laptops for years. There has been ongoing speculation about whether Apple might equip its lightweight notebook classic with a touchscreen in the future. However, a recent report suggests that this feature will not be included in the MacBook Air for the time being.
While Apple is apparently preparing its first MacBook with a touchscreen, it remains unclear whether this technology will later also be used in the MacBook Air.
Touchscreens have long been standard for many laptop manufacturers. Apple, however, has always pursued a different approach with the Mac. Instead of touch operation, the company relies on the large multi-touch trackpad and the classic keyboard and mouse controls.
New information from a Bloomberg report suggests that Apple may maintain this strategy for the MacBook Air for the time being. While macOS is already being prepared for touchscreens, an expansion to other devices has not yet been decided.
A touchscreen could first appear in the MacBook Pro
Rumors about a MacBook Pro with a touchscreen have been circulating for some time. According to reports, the upcoming M6 MacBook Pro could become the first Mac model with this feature later this year.
In parallel, macOS 27 is expected to include optimizations for touchscreens. These software adjustments would be available even before the MacBook Pro with touch support is released this fall.
However, this does not automatically mean that other Macs will also receive this feature.
Apple has not yet decided on touch functionality for the MacBook Air
Journalist Mark Gurman reports at Bloomberg that Apple has not yet decided whether to extend touch functionality beyond the MacBook Pro.
This leaves open the question of whether the MacBook Air will receive touch controls in the future. Currently, there are no concrete plans for this.
OLED display for the MacBook Air not expected until 2028 at the earliest
According to Gurman, the MacBook Air could be equipped with an OLED display no earlier than 2028, or even later. If Apple plans to include touch support for the MacBook Air, this would likely be the earliest possible date for its introduction.
Touch functionality is also unlikely on the MacBook Neo
The report also mentions the possible MacBook Neo. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had previously predicted that a future successor could receive touch support.
However, he recently changed his mind. Gurman also strongly doubts that Apple is even considering touch functionality for the cheapest MacBook.
Apple is initially testing touchscreen technology in the MacBook Pro
Currently, there are strong indications that Apple intends to test touchscreens initially only in the MacBook Pro. Whether this technology will later be introduced in the MacBook Air is still undecided.
Apple is apparently in no hurry to extend this feature to more devices. Much will likely depend on how well a MacBook Pro with a touchscreen is received by users. (Image: Shutterstock / 9dream studio)
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