The Vergecast The Vergecast

The touchscreen MacBook Apple said it wouldn't make

Oct 29, 2026 · 40m

Summary

Host David Pierce and guest Antonio DiBenedetto discuss Apple’s launch of the touchscreen MacBook Pro, debating whether the new display feature is a meaningful innovation or a minor addition to a lighter, OLED-equipped laptop. The conversation covers the practical utility of touch gestures in macOS, the lack of Apple Pencil support, and the potential impact on future MacBook pricing. The episode also highlights recent news regarding DoorDash’s $17 billion acquisition of Instacart, Google’s AI-driven search growth, and the ongoing RAM supply shortage.

Topics discussed

Intro and 90 Seconds on The Verge headlines News: DoorDash, Google AI search, and RAM supply Steve Jobs' history with touchscreen laptops First impressions: Weight reduction vs. touch Apple's naming strategy and event recap Event details and hands-on demo observations Is the touchscreen actually useful for most users? Apple Pencil support and form factor speculation Sponsor: Tiger Sisters podcast macOS touch gestures and discoverability issues App optimization and iPhone mirroring features Workflow friction: Touch vs. keyboard/trackpad Specific use cases: Photo editing and Siri Pricing, hardware costs, and feature expectations Chip confusion and the new MacBook Pro lineup Comparison to Windows touchscreen laptops Gadget review: The Index AI wearable Outro and listener feedback request
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