Apple says it’s ‘only getting started’ updating macOS for touchscreens

Apple’s new MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display (pre-order here) includes a variety of software optimizations for touch input. But Apple says it’s “only getting started” making macOS more touch-friendly. Apple plans to continue refining touch experience in macOS The new touchscreen-equipped MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR will ship with macOS 27.2, software that includes a variety of touch-centric optimizations that only impact PROLED XDR users. Early feedback from hands-on testers, including our own Chance Miller, appears very positive. Bloomberg’s Chris Welch reassuringly says that Apple is “taking a measured approach as it introduces touch capabilities.” This echoes comments from John Gruber, who says his concerns about touch “adversely affecting the Mac UI” have all been allayed. But it sounds like Apple plans to roll out even more macOS optimizations for touch in the future. Chris Welch writes at Bloomberg: An Apple employee answering press questions at Wednesday’s event said the company is only getting started optimizing macOS for a touch screen. I’d expect a slew of refinements to arrive alongside macOS 28 next year, much in the way the iPhone Duo’s user experience will inevitably evolve with iOS 28. Overall, this isn’t necessarily reason for alarm if you’re worried about touch having a negative impact on macOS. Even though Apple has prepared an initial set of macOS changes to support touch input, it’s only natural for the company to continue refining the touch experience in response to early adopter feedback and usage patterns. My assumption is that the same “measured approach” we’re seeing right now will continue guiding these future macOS enhancements. You can pre-order MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR on Amazon for day-one delivery. What do you think of Apple’s efforts at adding touch to macOS? Let us know in the comments. *Buy Mac with 15% discount from Apple refurbished Best Mac accessories AirPods Pro 3 (now only $199, down from $249) Logitech MX Master 4 Mouse 100W USB-C fast charging power adapter tomtoc protective MacBook sleeve bag Twelve South aluminum laptop stand for MacBooks FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.