Apple’s new touchscreen MacBook Pro may eventually become the only option for buyers shopping for its high-end laptops, potentially eliminating the less expensive non-touchscreen models.
The company is considering whether to keep separate touchscreen and non-touchscreen MacBook Pro models after last week’s launch of its redesigned OLED laptops.
Maintaining both versions would require separate development, manufacturing, and marketing efforts, making a unified lineup increasingly likely.
For now, Apple continues to sell its older M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros alongside the new touchscreen models, which cost $400 more.
Touchscreen MacBook Pros Could Take Over the Lineup
The redesigned MacBook Pro, unveiled October 28, introduces OLED displays, touchscreen support, Dynamic Island, and a thinner, lighter enclosure.
Apple also redesigned the cooling system to direct warm air away from the display.
While the company hasn’t announced plans to discontinue its non-touchscreen models, the long-term future of those laptops is increasingly uncertain.
Keeping two versions of essentially the same product would add complexity to Apple’s MacBook Pro lineup, particularly as touchscreen technology becomes more widely available across its laptops.
More Touchscreen MacBooks Are Coming in 2027
Apple is already planning another generation of touchscreen MacBook Pros for 2027, with M7 Pro and M7 Max chips expected to introduce additional hardware capabilities for AI workloads.
Those higher-end models could arrive toward the end of the year.
The entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro is also expected to gain a touchscreen, potentially in the first half of 2027.
That model would reportedly adopt several design improvements from the current OLED machines, including a thinner enclosure, reduced weight, and slimmer display bezels.
If those plans hold, touchscreen support could extend across the entire MacBook Pro family by the end of 2027.
What This Means for MacBook Pro Buyers
The biggest consideration is price.
Apple’s new touchscreen MacBook Pro starts at $2,899 for the 14-inch model and $3,399 for the 16-inch, representing a $400 premium over comparable non-touchscreen configurations.
For buyers who don’t need touch input, the older mini-LED models remain a more affordable option without sacrificing the performance of their M5 Pro and M5 Max chips.
There’s no confirmed timeline for discontinuing those machines, and Apple could continue selling non-touchscreen models through another product cycle.
Still, anyone who prefers a traditional MacBook Pro without a touchscreen may eventually have fewer choices.
