Apple's first touchscreen Mac keeps the trackpad in charge

Apple has launched its first touchscreen Mac, the new MacBook Pro, and its CEO says touch is meant to be a helpful extra. The trackpad and keyboard remain the main way to use it. That is a notable shift for a company whose co-founder once rejected the idea.

What Apple says

In 2010, Steve Jobs said a vertical touchscreen "gives great demo" but is "ergonomically terrible." He said your arm gets tired and that touch surfaces "want to be horizontal," which is why Apple built multi-touch trackpads. Current CEO John Ternus now says the Mac is first and foremost built around the trackpad and keyboard. He says there are times when touch is "comfortable and handy."

How it may play out

Ben Lovejoy of 9to5Mac says his own habits point the same way. On an iPad with a keyboard case, he mostly used the trackpad. He touched the screen mainly to scroll a long way down a page. He also says Apple did not make Mac screen elements bigger or clumsier to suit touch, which was his main worry.

What is not known yet

The material does not cover price, release date, or how touch works in everyday Mac apps. It is also one writer's opinion, not a long-term test. For now, a new MacBook Pro buyer should expect to use the trackpad most of the time.