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Touchscreen Mac Nears: Golden Gate Expands Sidecar Gestures
12 Jun
Summary
- MacOS Golden Gate introduces swipe-to-refresh and expanded Sidecar touch support.
- New Sidecar features allow tapping controls and system gestures on iPad.
- A touchscreen MacBook is anticipated for late 2026 or early 2027.
Apple's upcoming MacOS Golden Gate update is hinting at a future touchscreen MacBook, with new features offering a glimpse into touch interaction. The update introduces a swipe-to-refresh gesture, similar to that found on iPhones and iPads, which feels more intuitive with a finger on a screen. This gesture, however, does not yet enable full touch navigation of macOS.
More significantly, Golden Gate enhances Sidecar, a feature that allows an iPad to be used as a second screen for a Mac. Previously, touch interactions on the iPad were limited. Now, with Golden Gate, Sidecar offers comprehensive touch support, including tapping on any control, performing system gestures, and using Markup. This allows users to test touch navigation for elements like the menu bar, dock, and applications.
While the full release of a touchscreen MacBook is expected in late 2026 or early 2027, users can experience these touch enhancements now. Compatible Macs running MacOS 27 and iPads running iPadOS 27, signed into the same Apple ID and on the same Wi-Fi network, can utilize the improved Sidecar functionality. Developer betas are currently available for those eager to test.
