Apple disclosed the background to its decision to reverse its long-held opposition to touchscreen Macs and add touch to the MacBook Pro.

On Oct. 28, Apple executives stressed in a recent interview that touch does not replace the Mac's existing input methods, but complements them, according to Apple and foreign media outlets including 9to5Mac.

The interview took place shortly after Apple unveiled new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. Apple had maintained that touchscreens were not suitable for the Mac, but shifted its policy with the new products.

John Ternus (존 터너스), Apple chief executive officer (CEO), said indirect input through the trackpad and keyboard remains central to the Mac experience. He said, "There are times when touch is convenient and useful," adding that some situations call for direct on-screen interaction. He also stressed that adding touch should not undermine the MacBook Pro's design or require sacrifices in other areas.

Apple said technical improvements across hardware and software underpinned the change. Johny Srouji (조니 스루지), Apple's head of hardware, said advances over the past 10 years made it possible to build a touchscreen Mac that meets Apple's standards.

Those changes include Apple-designed silicon, a thermal management system improved so the display does not feel hot to the touch, and a hinge design that reduces screen wobble when touching the screen. Apple said it focused on maintaining the existing Mac experience while adding touch through these hardware improvements.

Greg Joz Joswiak (그렉 조스위악), Apple's marketing chief, cited shifting user demographics as another factor. He said expectations for direct on-screen interaction have grown as more users from a new generation accustomed to touching screens emerge. He added that professional users such as engineers, scientists, software developers and media creators had also been asking Apple to add touch to the Mac.

Apple has previously signalled its stance that touchscreens are not suitable for the Mac through comments from key executives such as Steve Jobs and Phil Schiller. The policy appears to have changed as technological advances made it possible to implement touch without harming the existing user experience.

In line with the change, macOS touch interactions have also been adjusted. New gestures for the Dynamic Island have also been introduced. Apple has not yet provided specific details on whether touch will expand to other Mac product lines. Attention is on whether Apple will keep touch as a complementary feature on the MacBook Pro or apply it to other lineups.