- Apple introduces its first touchscreen MacBook Pro, but critics say it played it safe.
- According to the Power On newsletter from Bloomberg, Apple will eliminate the non-touch premium MacBook Pro models from its lineup when it introduces the second-generation touch models in 2027.
- The 14-inch MacBook Pro will move to M7 and get a thinner, lighter design, but continue to lack touch.
- In 2027, the starting touch model will carry a $900 premium over the entry MacBook Pro.
- The second-generation touch models would sport M7 Pro and M7 Max with more emphasis on AI capabilities.
- The move isn't unprecedented nor unpredictable. Apple tends to keep previous generations around when there is enough differentiation between models as a way to ease sticker shock and keep an option around for enterprise purchase.
Apple's latest MacBook Pro marks a significant shift as it introduces a touchscreen feature after two decades of resistance. However, critics argue that the company played it safe, missing an opportunity for a groundbreaking innovation.1
According to the "Power On" newsletter from Bloomberg, Apple plans to eliminate non-touch premium MacBook Pro models by 2027, focusing instead on the second-generation touch models. The 14-inch MacBook Pro will transition to the M7 chip and adopt a new thinner, lighter design, but will still lack a touchscreen.23
The upcoming models are expected to feature the M7 Pro and M7 Max chips, with a stronger emphasis on AI capabilities. Notably, the price difference will be significant; in 2027, consumers may face a $900 premium to upgrade from the entry-level MacBook Pro to the starting model with a touch display.45
This strategy is not entirely unexpected, as Apple has a history of maintaining previous generations when there is enough differentiation between models. This approach helps mitigate sticker shock and provides options for enterprise purchases.
As Apple continues to evolve its product lineup, the focus on touch technology may redefine user experiences, but the cautious approach raises questions about the company's commitment to innovation.
“According to Bloomberg's Power On, the 14-inch MacBook Pro moves to M7 with a thinner, lighter design but continues to lack touch. In 2027, a $900 premium separates the entry model from the starting touch version, and second-gen models emphasize AI with M7 Pro and M7 Max.”
