2 hrs ago
macOS Beta Hints at Touchscreen MacBook Pro and Home Hub
Apple’s newest test version of macOS includes gestures that might work well on a touchscreen.
One gesture makes an app icon in the Dock grow when someone holds it.
This does not prove that Apple is making a touchscreen laptop.
Reports say new high-end MacBook models could arrive in October or November.
They may have new chips and a thinner design.
Apple is also reported to be preparing a home hub with a screen and Siri.
The hub could answer questions, play music, and control smart-home devices.
Its sensor is said to avoid recording regular video, which may help protect privacy.
The macOS 27.2 developer beta adds Dock and other gestures that may hint at touch-enabled Macs.
A Dock app icon grows when users click and hold it, echoing an animation in iOS and iPadOS.
Reports say higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro or MacBook Ultra models could arrive in October or November.
The rumored laptops may include M5 Pro or M5 Max chips, a thinner design, Dynamic Island, and cellular connectivity.
Apple’s reported Siri-powered home hub could be unveiled as soon as October 13, with a roughly 6-inch screen and a privacy-focused sensor.
- Who
- Apple; reports and leaks describe the possible MacBook models and home hub.
- What
- A macOS beta adds gestures that may hint at a touchscreen Mac, while reports describe a forthcoming Siri-powered home hub.
- Where
- The beta is for macOS; the rumored home hub is intended for use in the home.
- When
- The macOS 27.2 third developer beta was released this week; the devices are reportedly expected in October or November, with the hub possibly unveiled as soon as October 13.
- Why
- The beta’s gestures may support touch interactions on Macs; the home hub is intended to answer questions and manage music and compatible smart-home accessories.
Evidence for a touchscreen Mac
Limits of the evidence
What the beta gestures suggest
Evidence for a touchscreen Mac
The Dock animation and other new gestures may indicate that Apple is preparing touch-enabled Macs.
Limits of the evidence
The gestures are only hints; the articles do not confirm that Apple will release a touchscreen Mac.
Home hub sensor and privacy
Evidence for a touchscreen Mac
The reported remote sensor is described as posing less of a privacy risk than a standard camera because it cannot capture real video footage.
Limits of the evidence
The device and sensor details are based on reports and leaks, rather than a confirmed Apple announcement.
Key facts
- Software
- macOS 27.2 third developer beta
- Observed gesture
- Clicking and holding a Dock app icon makes it grow
- Possible MacBook sizes
- 14-inch and 16-inch
- Reported MacBook timing
- October or November
- Possible laptop chips
- M5 Pro and M5 Max
- Possible home hub screen
- Roughly 6 inches
- Home hub codename
- J450
Sources
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