**Rumor Replay: Latest Apple Product Speculations**
Welcome to Rumor Replay, a weekly feature at 9to5Mac that provides a brief overview of the latest Apple product speculations, alongside analysis and insights. Today: touch functionality is finally making its way to the Mac with next year’s M6 MacBook Pro, along with design alterations for the iPhone 18 and more. Here are the Apple speculations for this week.
### Touchscreen Integration in M6 MacBook Pro
Ming-Chi Kuo shared this week that Apple’s M6 MacBook Pro will be the inaugural Mac model featuring touchscreen capabilities. He noted:
> “The OLED MacBook Pro, anticipated to begin mass production by late 2026, will feature a touch panel utilizing on-cell touch technology.”
This OLED variant is also expected to incorporate an M6 chip, a significant hardware overhaul, and potentially even 5G connectivity.
#### My Observations
Numerous rumors have circulated regarding this enhancement, including indications it would be implemented in the M6 MacBook Pro redesign. Now, with Kuo’s confirmation, it seems almost guaranteed.
The introduction of touch to the Mac is long awaited, in my view. Although I don’t believe it will necessarily become a fundamental feature for the typical Mac user, if Apple aims to encourage more iPhone users to transition to Mac from a PC or Chromebook, touchscreen support should be provided. If not, the Mac will likely remain perceived as outdated compared to its competitors.
### iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Design Updates
This week brought forth a couple of rumors related to design modifications for the iPhone 18 and 18 Pro.
In contrast to earlier reports suggesting that some iPhone 18 models would feature a hole-punch camera cutout, leaker Instant Digital claims Apple is merely narrowing down the Dynamic Island cutout to make it a bit slimmer.
Regarding the rear of the device, Digital Chat Station mentioned that Apple is currently evaluating iPhone 18 Pro prototypes with glass cutout sections that present a more “transparent design.”
#### My Observations
I remain optimistic that specific iPhone 18 models—particularly within the Pro lineup—will feature a hole-punch cutout instead of a full Dynamic Island. Nonetheless, there remains ample time for Apple to revise its plans and for new information to clarify what’s in store.
As for the alteration to the glass cutout, I personally find the iPhone 17 Pro’s appearance unappealing—largely due to that cutout. I commend Apple for taking a gamble with such a striking new design this year. However, if it can figure out a way to have the glass integrate more harmoniously and stylishly with the aluminum unibody, that would be excellent.
### A20 Chip and C2 Modem for Next Year
Taiwan’s *Commercial Times* provided details on what to expect from the chips driving next year’s iPhone 18 series, including the anticipated iPhone Fold.
Consistent with prior reports, Apple’s 2026 iPhones will be equipped with a new A20 chip developed using “TSMC’s latest 2-nanometer process, and with WMCM advanced packaging.” This innovative process could result in larger-than-normal improvements year-over-year.
Furthermore, Apple is projected to have a C2 modem ready for the flagship iPhone 18 devices. This modem will supersede Qualcomm’s 5G modem and deliver enhancements over this year’s C1 and C1X modems.
#### My Observations
Apple’s silicon teams have been excelling for years, and it appears next year will be another excellent showcase of that.
The A20 and C2 could provide substantial advantages over the A19 chip and C1X and Qualcomm modems found in this year’s flagship iPhones. Whether Apple leverages these enhancements to boost power, efficiency, or both, it represents a positive outcome for users.
What are your thoughts on this week’s Apple speculations? Share with us in the comments.
