Mac Rumored to Gain Cellular and Touch Support in 2026

For over a decade, the iPad Pro has maintained its status as a primary computer for many users, often surpassing the Mac in versatility. However, significant changes may be on the horizon. Rumors indicate that the Mac could finally receive two major upgrades in 2026: cellular connectivity and touch support.

These additions have been long-awaited by the user base. The inclusion of cellular would provide seamless internet access, while touch support would modernize the macOS interface. If these rumors hold true, these features could fundamentally change the user experience and potentially shift preference back toward the Mac platform.

For over a decade now, the iPad Pro has served as the computer of choice over the Mac for many users. This preference stems from the device's unique blend of portability and functionality. The tablet form factor offers a level of flexibility that traditional laptops have struggled to match.

Despite the power of modern Macs, the iPad Pro has remained the go-to device for a specific segment of users. This long-standing preference highlights a gap in the Mac's feature set that Apple has yet to fill—until now, potentially.

Two specific upgrades rumored for 2026 could go a long way toward changing user preference: cellular and touch support. These features represent the most significant potential evolution of the Mac platform in years.

Cellular Connectivity

The addition of cellular connectivity would allow Mac users to access the internet without needing a Wi-Fi connection or tethering to an iPhone. This would be a game-changer for mobile professionals who require constant connectivity on the go.

Touch Support

Touch support has been a contentious topic for the Mac lineup. While the iPad Pro thrives on touch interaction, the Mac has remained strictly trackpad and keyboard-focused. Introducing touch support would bridge the gap between the two devices, offering a more intuitive interface for certain tasks.

The combination of these two features could fundamentally alter the computing landscape for Apple users. If the Mac gains the connectivity of the iPad and its intuitive input method, the distinction between the two devices blurs significantly.

These changes could convince users who currently choose the iPad Pro over the Mac to reconsider their stance. The Mac would effectively become a hybrid device, retaining its traditional power while adopting the best qualities of a tablet.

While these upgrades are still in the rumor phase for 2026, they represent a significant shift in Apple's potential roadmap. The Mac has remained relatively unchanged in its core interaction model for decades. Introducing cellular and touch support would be a bold move to reclaim users who have migrated to the iPad Pro.

As the expected timeline approaches, the tech community will be watching closely to see if these long-wished-for features finally become a reality.