Here’s how the new MacBook Pro and macOS 27 are optimized for touch
Apple just unveiled the new MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR , its first MacBook with a touch display. While Apple already added a handful of touch optimizations to macOS 27 Golden Gate earlier this year, there’s also a number of new optimizations that were unveiled alongside the new MacBook Pro. Here’s what Apple worked on. more…
Apple recently unveiled the new MacBook Pro featuring a touch display, known as PROLED XDR. While the company had previously introduced several touch optimizations to macOS 27 Golden Gate this year, additional enhancements were revealed in conjunction with the new MacBook Pro. Here's a breakdown of what Apple has done to optimize the touch functionality on its latest laptop.
When using the touchscreen MacBook Pro, traffic light icons in the top left corner of an app window will enlarge when touched, making them easier to interact with. Gestures familiar to trackpad users can now also be executed directly on the screen, including a three-finger swipe up to access Mission Control, three-finger swipes for switching workspaces, pinch-to-zoom, and scrolling on web pages. Moreover, Spotlight can now be launched from the Dynamic Island, mirroring the approach seen in iOS 27.
For app developers, the new MacBook Pro presents a unique advantage: the entire iOS simulator can be navigated using touch, eliminating the need to attempt touch gestures on a trackpad. Context menu items within the menu bar will also become slightly larger to accommodate touch interactions. Furthermore, the majority of optimized apps will feature larger touch targets, even if the buttons themselves do not appear enlarged.
In addition to these MacBook Pro-specific changes, macOS 27 Golden Gate has also introduced pull-to-refresh functionality in Safari and slightly larger spacing between menu bar items on all Macs equipped with the latest macOS version. Apple has hinted at further touch optimizations on the Mac platform, suggesting that we can expect more enhancements at the upcoming WWDC.
As touch support becomes a reality on the new MacBook Pro, the question remains whether it will eventually be available on all Macs. Share your thoughts on the new MacBook Pro's touch capabilities and whether you anticipate this feature spreading to other Mac models in the comments section. For more Apple news, be sure to follow Michael on X/Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram, and check out 9to5Mac's YouTube channel.
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