Apple executives explain touchscreen shift for MacBook Pro
In a WIRED interview, executives cited hardware advances and demand from professional users while describing touch as a supplement to traditional controls.
Apple executives have explained the company’s move to add touchscreens to its 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, reversing its longstanding position on touch input for Macs. Speaking to WIRED journalist Steven Levy after the announcement, they attributed the change to advances in hardware and software, alongside requests from users.
CEO John Ternus said keyboards and trackpads would remain central to using a Mac, with touch providing another way to interact when convenient. He said Apple wanted to introduce the capability without increasing the laptop’s weight or thickness, and that the OLED display helped make that possible.
Chief hardware officer Johny Srouji said developments in display technology, Apple’s custom silicon and software architecture had enabled the company to meet its requirements. The work included changes to the thermal system intended to prevent the screen from becoming hot to touch, plus a redesigned hinge to limit wobbling during touchscreen use.
Marketing chief Greg Joswiak said younger creators accustomed to iPhones and iPads expected direct interaction with their screens. He also said demand had come from professional Mac users across engineering, science, software development and media creation.
