TL;DR
Reports suggest Apple is preparing two major Mac additions for 2026: built-in cellular using a next‑generation C2 modem and touch support on a redesigned OLED MacBook Pro. Leaks point to either earlier M5 models or a late‑2026 M6 redesign as the likely arrival points, but Apple has not officially confirmed these changes.
What happened
Recent reporting ties together multiple rumors that could change how some users choose between iPad and Mac. This year Apple introduced its own C1 modem in the iPhone 16e and a C1X variant in the iPhone Air, and sources indicate a follow‑up C2 modem is expected next year — with the possibility it could be integrated into MacBook Pro hardware. Separately, leaks and analyst chatter point to a late‑2026 M6 MacBook Pro carrying a redesigned chassis, an OLED screen and touchscreen capability. Some earlier code evidence also hinted that high‑end M5 MacBook Pro units might adopt an Apple cellular modem first. The reporting emphasizes that touch on Mac would serve as an additional input method alongside keyboard and trackpad rather than fundamentally changing macOS. The piece’s author notes personal preference for the iPad Pro, citing the Mac’s lack of cellular as a deterrent for remote work workflows.
Why it matters
- Built‑in cellular could make Macs more practical for users who work frequently away from Wi‑Fi.
- Touch support would align Mac hardware with mainstream laptop expectations and mobile experience patterns.
- Apple designing its own cellular modems could tighten hardware integration across product lines.
- Secondary touch input preserves existing macOS workflows while adding new interaction options.
Key facts
- Apple shipped a C1 modem in the iPhone 16e and a C1X modem in the iPhone Air in 2025.
- A C2 modem is rumored for 2026 and may be offered in MacBook Pro models.
- An M6 MacBook Pro redesign expected late in 2026 is reported to include an OLED display and touch support.
- Earlier leaks and code hints suggested the high‑end M5 MacBook Pro series could receive an Apple cellular modem.
- Touch on the Mac is described as an optional interaction layer, not a wholesale change to macOS.
- The article’s author has preferred the iPad Pro for about a decade and cites the lack of Mac cellular as a major factor.
What to watch next
- Timing and details of M5 MacBook Pro updates early in 2026 versus an M6 redesign later in the year.
- Official Apple announcements or product event schedules that might confirm C2 modem integration or touchscreen Mac models.
- Software changes from Apple indicating macOS adaptations for touch input, if any.
Quick glossary
- Modem: Hardware that enables a device to connect to cellular networks for mobile data.
- OLED: A display technology that uses organic light‑emitting diodes for high contrast and color, often used in modern screens.
- macOS: Apple’s desktop operating system that runs on Mac computers.
- Trackpad: A touch‑sensitive surface on laptops used to control the cursor and perform gestures.
Reader FAQ
Will Macs definitely get built‑in cellular in 2026?
Not confirmed in the source; reporting describes it as a strong rumor tied to a potential C2 modem rollout.
Is Apple shipping a touchscreen Mac next year?
Not confirmed in the source; rumors point to a late‑2026 M6 MacBook Pro with an OLED touchscreen, but Apple has not confirmed.
Would touch change macOS fundamentally?
The source says touch is expected to be an additional input method rather than a radical overhaul of macOS.
Who wrote the original report?
The piece was written by Ryan Christoffel, as cited in the source.
Here are six exciting Apple product launches to look forward to in 2026 Michael Burkhardt Dec 27 2025 MAC Next year, the Mac could finally get two features I’ve long…
Sources
- Next year, the Mac could finally get two features I’ve long wished for
- Apple's 2026 MacBook Pro: 3 Revolutionary Features Revealed
- MacBook Pro With OLED Touch Screen Launching as …
- What You'll Get If You Wait For A New MacBook Pro
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