Apple has just introduced the new MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR, its first MacBook with a touch screen. While Apple already added some 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. This is what Apple worked on. Enlarged traffic light icons With the new touchscreen MacBook Pro, the traffic light icons at the top left of an app window will grow larger when you touch them, making touch targets a little larger. Image credit: Max Weinbach On-screen gestures Gestures that you can normally perform on the trackpad can also be performed on the screen. Whether it’s swiping three fingers up to control the mission, swiping three fingers to change spaces, pinching to zoom, or scrolling through a web page. You can also access Spotlight from Dynamic Island, similar to how iPhones handle it in iOS 27. iOS Simulator If you’re an app developer, you’ll really appreciate this change: With the new MacBook Pro, you can completely navigate the iOS Simulator with one tap. There is 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 to the touch. Additionally, most optimized apps will have larger touch targets, even if the buttons don’t necessarily appear larger. Conclusion All in all, there are already a handful of optimizations in macOS 27 Golden Gate for the touchscreen MacBook Pro. In addition to what was named here, Apple also added pull-to-refresh in Safari and slightly increased spacing between menu bar items on all Macs running macOS 27. Apple also says there’s more to come on the Mac when it comes to touch optimizations, so we’ll likely see a lot more at the upcoming WWDC. What do you think about touch support on the new MacBook Pro? Are you looking forward to it finally coming to all Macs? Let us know in the comments. My Favorite Apple Accessories Recommendations: Follow Michael: X/Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram FTC: We use automatic affiliate links to generate income. Further.
