Apple has launched its first touchscreen Mac, the redesigned MacBook Pro, 16 years after Steve Jobs famously called touchscreens 'ergonomically terrible.' CEO John Ternus explains that touch is intended as a supplementary feature, not a replacement for the trackpad or keyboard. The author, a lifelong Mac user and trackpad enthusiast, notes that even with a previous iPad-as-laptop setup, he primarily used the trackpad—only resorting to touch for scrolling. This aligns with Apple’s philosophy: trackpad-first, touchscreen-sometimes.
The move reflects a generational shift: many users now expect touch interfaces thanks to the iPhone. However, the author suspects most will still prefer trackpad precision. Crucially, Apple has not compromised the high-resolution UI or replaced precise controls with oversized touch elements.
While the author won’t personally buy the device, he acknowledges Apple’s reasoning and believes the company has the right approach—balancing innovation with core Mac usability.
Source: 9to5Mac · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing