The latest macOS 27.2 beta released this week further hints at the long-rumored MacBook with a touchscreen, which is expected to be unveiled by next month.
Specifically, when you click and hold on an app icon in the Dock on the third developer beta of macOS 27.2, the icon gets a little bit larger. A similar animation occurs when you long press on an iOS or iPadOS app, so the fact that the animation now extends to macOS could be another subtle clue that a touch-enabled MacBook is coming.
The new animation can be seen in videos shared by @madeby_ldt and @craigapplecom.
macOS 27.2 beta 3 introduces a new long-press animation for Dock icons, hinting at the upcoming touchscreen MacBook Pro https://t.co/4zfZOxy8MO — ldt (@madeby_ldt) October 5, 2026
The latest macOS 27.2 beta added other new touch gestures as well, so it seems pretty clear that Apple is gearing up for the first touch-enabled Macs. In particular, Apple reportedly plans to release new higher-end, higher-priced 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro or "MacBook Ultra" models with touchscreens in October or November.
In addition to a touch-enabled OLED display, these Macs are expected to feature M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, a thinner-and-lighter design, a Dynamic Island, and potentially Apple's C1X or C2 modem for built-in cellular connectivity.
