John Ternus says the Mac is "first and foremost" a device "built around the trackpad and keyboard", but sometimes "it's comfortable and handy to have touch"

MacBook Pros now have touchscreens, but they do not significantly alter workflows or require new hardware purchases for touch functionality.

Apple has introduced its first touchscreen MacBook Pro, the "MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display," available November 6th. Despite this, John Ternus, head of hardware engineering, stated that the Mac is "first and foremost" a device built around the trackpad and keyboard, suggesting touch functionality is secondary. The new MacBook Pro's touchscreen does not fold back or lay flat, instead tilting to standard angles, and the macOS operating system has not been significantly redesigned to accommodate touch input. The reviewer notes that while touch functionality is present, it feels like an afterthought, especially compared to the iPad's mature touch interface. The device starts at $2,899, positioning it as a premium product where touch capabilities are not the primary selling point.

Apple's introduction of a touchscreen on the MacBook Pro marks a significant, albeit tentative, step toward integrating its laptop and tablet ecosystems. While the hardware now supports touch, the software and design suggest Apple is not yet ready to fundamentally reimagine macOS for touch input, adhering to its long-standing focus on keyboard and trackpad interaction. This approach signals a cautious strategy, potentially testing the market's receptiveness to touch on Macs without alienating its existing user base or cannibalizing iPad sales.

The current implementation positions touch as an ancillary feature rather than a core interaction method, disappointing users who anticipated a more profound fusion of Mac and iPad capabilities. This conservative rollout suggests that a truly transformative, convertible Mac with deep touch integration and stylus support, similar to what many envision, is likely still several years away. Future iterations may explore more adaptable form factors and a touch-optimized macOS, but the immediate impact on user experience and the definition of a 'Mac' remains limited.