June 12, 2026, 1:33 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
On Tuesday, Apple introduced macOS 27 Golden Gate at the WWDC26. The new version of the operating system contains numerous hints about the rumored MacBook “Ultra,” which is expected to feature a touchscreen for the first time.
Touch Control in Sidecar
Since 2019, macOS has offered the ability to use an iPad as an additional screen through the Sidecar feature. macOS 27 expands Sidecar to include direct touch inputs, as reported by “MacRumors.” This allows the Mac operating system to be controlled by touch for the first time–a clear indication that Apple is preparing for touch control.
Read more: Apple plans higher-priced MacBook “Ultra”
New Gestures in macOS
Another clue for the touchscreen MacBook is the new feature for refreshing content with a swipe gesture. In macOS 27, users can refresh a page by swiping down with two fingers on the trackpad. This applies to Safari, Mail, News, Podcasts, and Calendar, among others.
The feature is reminiscent of the operation on an iPhone or iPad, where it feels much more natural to use with the hand–or rather, the finger. It’s a classic example of a control element primarily designed for touch input.
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New Spotlight Search
The revamped Spotlight search also provides a possible hint. The new “Search or Ask” feature is based on the newly introduced version of Siri and appears as a dark, pill-shaped element.
This form would suit a MacBook display with Dynamic Island. On a potential MacBook Ultra, the interface could be positioned higher and visually encompass the Dynamic Island.
Rethinking at Apple
Apple had long resisted touchscreens on Macs, maintaining a clear separation between Macs and iPads. In 2012, CEO Tim Cook reportedly compared the convergence of Mac and iPad to a toaster and a refrigerator during an investor conference, according to “The New York Times“: “You can converge a toaster and a refrigerator, but those things are probably not going to be pleasing to the user.”
The MacBook Ultra, which is expected to feature powerful M6 Pro and M6 Max chips, a new chassis, and a touchscreen above the MacBook Pro series, marks the end of the strict separation. macOS 27 is already preparing developers for the new era.
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macOS 27 is currently available as a developer beta, with the public beta to follow in July. The release of the final version is expected in September. The MacBook Ultra is likely to hit the market at the earliest by the end of 2026, more likely in early 2027.