Apple's new touchscreen MacBook Pro raises fingerprint-smudge concerns
Apple's newly announced MacBook Pro with a PROLED XDR display includes a touchscreen for the first time, letting users tap and swipe the screen directly as on an iPad or iPhone. The display uses the same oleophobic coating found on iPhone, iPad and the newly announced HomeView to resist fingerprints, though Apple's $9 Polishing Cloth is still sold separately rather than included.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
A touchscreen on a traditional Mac laptop marks a notable shift after Apple abandoned the Touch Bar experiment, suggesting the company sees direct touch input as a durable interface choice rather than a gimmick. Whether the oleophobic coating holds up on a larger XDR panel remains untested, and commentators note that frequent screen contact could worsen smudging compared to non-touch Mac displays.
- Apple's new MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR adds touchscreen support for the first time on a Mac laptop.
- The display uses the same oleophobic, smudge-resistant coating as iPhone, iPad and HomeView.
- Apple still sells its $9 Polishing Cloth separately rather than bundling it with the new laptop.
Whoosh Screen Cleaning Kit — Since the new touchscreen MacBook Pro is bound to pick up fingerprints and oily smudges, a reliable screen-cleaning spray like Whoosh is a smart companion purchase. It's specifically formulated for electronics displays and comes with a microfiber cloth, making it easy to keep that gorgeous PROLED XDR screen looking pristine.
See Whoosh Screen Cleaning Kit on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: cnet.com — Jeff Carlson, 2026-10-28
Published there as: “A Touchscreen MacBook Pro Just Invites More Filthy Fingerprints”
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