Apple to Reportedly Launch Touchscreen MacBook with M5 Chips

1 hour ago

According to a new report by Bloomberg, Apple is actively preparing its first-ever touchscreen MacBook model, that will run on the current M5 Pro and M5 Max processors.

This decision comes right after news broke that Apple has decided to entirely skip the development of the high-end M6 Pro and M6 Max chips.

Instead of waiting for an entire next-generation processor upgrade, Apple is moving ahead with its release timeline. The new touchscreen laptops are currently on track to launch between late this year and early 2027. This decision means early adopters will get a radically redesigned exterior paired with internal processors that are already available in current MacBook Pro models.

This upcoming computer will mark the first significant visual overhaul for the high-end MacBook line since 2021. The device will be available in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, currently codenamed K114 and K116 within Apple. Beyond the touch capabilities, the machine will feature an OLED display, likely adopting the same tandem-OLED technology used in recent iPad Pros to provide extreme brightness and contrast.

Consumers can also expect the notch to disappear, as Apple plans to replace it with an iPhone-style Dynamic Island to house the camera and system alerts.

Choosing to launch a premium, next-generation device with existing chips is a notable gamble for Apple. The current M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, built on Fusion Architecture, are undeniably fast and feature specialized neural accelerators built for heavy artificial intelligence tasks. However, consumers who pay a premium for a brand-new form factor generally expect the absolute latest silicon.

For power users who feel disappointed by the reuse of the M5 family, the wait for next-generation silicon will not be too long. The same internal reports show that Apple is already conducting advanced testing on a second-generation touchscreen MacBook powered by future M7 Pro and M7 Max processors.

These M7 MacBook Touch models are planned for a release as early as the end of 2027.

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