Even though Windows laptops have featured touchscreens for years as a standard in premium models, Apple has long avoided incorporating touch input into its MacBooks. That stance could be shifting. The initial beta of macOS 27 Golden Gate appears to introduce touch capabilities, potentially paving the way for this long-awaited feature.

In the beta, when a Mac connects wirelessly to an iPad using Sidecar, touch controls now function on the iPad screen. Previously in macOS 26, Sidecar required a mouse or trackpad. Now, users can navigate macOS directly via the iPad touchscreen.

Gestures go beyond basic taps. Users can scroll through lists, choose menu options, apply pinch-to-zoom, and drag fingers across lists to select items.

Does this confirm the MacBook Ultra with touchscreen?

These developments lend credence to rumors of a high-end MacBook Ultra featuring an OLED touchscreen display. Still, this remains speculation without official verification. Sidecar updates alone do not confirm new hardware. The timing, however, stands out.

Reports suggest Apple next premium MacBook could include a major redesign with OLED touch support, M6 Pro and M6 Max processors, slimmer build, and a display with punch-hole or Dynamic Island cutout instead of a notch. While unconfirmed, Golden Gate might represent early software preparation.

Golden Gate incorporates elements from iPhone and iPad

Another indication comes from a new swipe-down-to-refresh gesture added in macOS 27 Golden Gate. This mirrors interactions common on iPhone and iPad. It reportedly works in apps including Safari, Mail, News, Podcasts, and Calendar. This does not signal a full merger of macOS and iPadOS.

Apple preview for macOS 27 emphasizes Siri AI enhancements, Visual Intelligence, Liquid Glass updates, performance gains, and Apple silicon support. Touchscreen features received little attention. Nevertheless, the software foundations for a touchscreen MacBook seem to be aligning.