ZDNET, CNET Group Launch 5-Question Apple Contest Round 2 for Apple Watch Prize

Q: After years of resistance, what market shift is forcing Apple to finally develop a touchscreen MacBook to rival Windows devices?

Apple is being pushed toward a touchscreen MacBook by the rapid rise of touchscreen laptops and 2-in-1 convertibles in the broader PC market, especially on the Windows side. For years, Apple argued that touch did not belong on a Mac. But the market has shifted as premium Windows laptops increasingly pair touchscreens, OLED panels and convertible designs, making touch a mainstream expectation rather than a niche feature. The pressure is strongest in higher-end devices, where rivals such as Dell, HP, Lenovo and Microsoft have long offered touch-enabled notebooks and tablet-laptop hybrids. That shift is also being reinforced by user demand for more versatile machines. Professionals, students and creative users increasingly want one device that can handle traditional laptop work while also supporting direct touch input, note-taking, presentation use and tablet-style interaction. Related reporting cited in the coverage says touchscreen laptops now make up a meaningful share of global sales, while detachable and convertible models are gaining traction among professional buyers. In short, Apple is responding to a market that has moved toward hybrid, touch-friendly computing. To stay competitive with Windows devices that already offer those features, Apple appears to be preparing a touchscreen MacBook after years of resisting the idea.

3 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Jul 7

July 7 marked the start of Round 2 of the CNET Group Big Guessing Game, with readers asked to predict Apple’s next product moves for a chance to win an Apple Watch.
Five questions are included in each round, and every correct answer earns one entry into the prize drawing.
The new round runs through July 21 across ZDNET and sister sites including CNET, PCMag, Mashable and Lifehacker.
The broader sweepstakes began May 19 and ends Sept. 2, open to U.S. residents 18 and older in the 50 states and Washington, D.C.
The contest leans on speculation around Apple’s 2026 lineup, including rumored products such as a foldable iPhone and a touchscreen MacBook.