Don’t want a touchscreen? All premium MacBook Pros could have one soon, reports say

Apple is reportedly planning to phase out non-touchscreen versions of their premium MacBook Pro laptops by 2027, according to recent reports. This change would make touchscreen technology a defining feature of the MacBook Pro lineup, setting it apart from the entry-level models. The higher-end 16-inch MacBook Pro without a touchscreen will be discontinued, with the first touchscreen models arriving in 2027, as reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in the Power On newsletter.

While the MacBook Pro lineup is set to become more exclusive, the 14-inch model will remain an affordable option within the lineup. It is expected to feature an M7 processor and a thinner chassis, but it is unlikely to receive a touchscreen upgrade. The 14-inch MacBook Pro will follow the MacBook Neo and Air, which are Apple's most affordable and midrange laptops, respectively.

The introduction of touchscreen technology in the MacBook Pro lineup is expected to widen the gap between entry-level Apple laptops and flagship models, resulting in higher price tags for the premium laptops. Buyers will need to decide whether touchscreen technology justifies spending considerably more on the MacBook Pro, with the 16-inch MacBook Pro starting at $2,899 and the touchscreen version at $2,899.

Despite the potential shift in MacBook Pro pricing, the 14-inch model will still cater to Apple's largest mainstream audience. It is designed to offer professionals who require more capabilities than a midrange laptop offers a more premium feature set at a lower price than touchscreen models. The decision to include a touchscreen in the MacBook Pro lineup could fundamentally change how buyers evaluate and compare the MacBook Pro with other Apple laptops, adding a new factor to consider beyond processing power.