Apple has introduced new touch-based interaction features in the macOS 27.2 Beta 3 and Beta 4 updates. These include gesture-based tab dragging and long-press context menus in the Safari browser, alongside updated animations for the Dock that mirror the behavior of icons on iPhone and iPad devices.
System code references suggest deeper integration of touch capabilities. Developers identified specific gesture recognizers in native applications, such as PXGTouchDwellGestureRecognizer in Photos, ICTouchPressGestureRecognizer in Notes, and dragTouch fields within the Quick Look feature.
Industry reports indicate Apple is developing a high-end MacBook, potentially named MacBook Ultra, featuring an OLED touchscreen. The device is expected to come in 14-inch and 16-inch versions, codenamed K114 and K116, with a thinner and lighter design compared to current MacBook Pro models.
The upcoming hardware is rumored to replace the Mini-LED display with an OLED panel and adopt a hole-punch camera design with Dynamic Island functionality. While the system is being optimized for touch, Apple reportedly views this as an auxiliary input method rather than a replacement for the keyboard and trackpad.
Market analysts suggest the touch-enabled MacBook may carry a premium price tag, with some estimates placing the starting price near ¥20 000. This shift marks a departure from Apple's long-standing stance regarding the ergonomics of vertical touchscreens on laptops.
