Apple just presented the new MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR, its first MacBook with a touch display. While Apple already added a handful of touch optimizations to macOS 27 Golden Gate earlier this year, there are also a number of new optimizations that were unveiled alongside the new MacBook Pro. Here’s what Apple has been working on.
Traffic light icons enlarged
With the new touchscreen MacBook Pro, the traffic light icons in the top-left corner of the app window will get larger when you tap them, making touch targets a little larger.
Gestures on the screen
Gestures that you can normally perform on the trackpad can also be performed on the screen. Whether it’s a three-finger swipe up for mission control, a three-finger swipe to change space, a pinch to zoom, or a swipe down a web page. You can also access Spotlight from the Dynamic Island, similar to how iPhones handle it on iOS 27.
iOS simulator
If you’re an app developer, you’ll really appreciate this change: With the new MacBook Pro, you can navigate the iOS simulator completely with touch. There’s no need to try to replicate touch gestures on a trackpad.
When you interact with a context menu in the menu bar, each of the items within a menu will become slightly larger when touched. Additionally, most optimized apps will have larger touch targets, even if the buttons don’t necessarily appear larger.
Wrap
All in all, there are already some optimizations in macOS 27 Golden Gate for the touchscreen MacBook Pro. In addition to what’s been named here, Apple has also added the pull to Refresh in Safari and slightly wider spacing between menu bar items on all Macs with macOS 27.
Apple also says there’s still a lot to do on the Mac when it comes to touch optimizations, so we’ll likely see a lot more in store at the next WWDC.
What do you think of touch support on the new MacBook Pro? Can’t wait for it to arrive on all Macs? Let us know in the comments.
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