Apple has unveiled a major change to the MacBook Pro: a touchscreen. Announced on October 28, the redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch models pair touch input with the familiar keyboard and trackpad, giving creative professionals and everyday users another way to interact with macOS.
The new models also introduce an OLED display to the MacBook Pro line, a refreshed screen design, and premium pricing. Here is what buyers should know about Apple’s new laptop.
A touchscreen MacBook Pro — without giving up the keyboard
The biggest change is touch support. Users can tap and gesture directly on the display while still using the keyboard and trackpad. Apple is presenting touch as an additional way to work, rather than turning the MacBook Pro into a detachable tablet.
That could be useful for zooming into photos, manipulating timelines, navigating creative apps, or quickly selecting on-screen controls. Whether it becomes an everyday habit will depend on how well touch interactions fit into people’s existing Mac workflows.
OLED display is another major upgrade
The new display uses OLED technology, which can produce deep blacks and high contrast by turning individual pixels off. Reporting on the announcement says Apple is branding the screen as PROLED XDR, with a claimed peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits and a 10,000,000:1 contrast ratio. Real-world performance will be clearer once independent reviews and testing are available.
Design changes and performance
The redesigned laptops retain 14-inch and 16-inch size options. The display’s former notch has been replaced by a Dynamic Island-style cutout, and Apple has highlighted a lighter design. The announced configurations use M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, so the headline changes are the screen, touch interaction and industrial design rather than a new M-series Pro or Max generation.
How much does the touchscreen MacBook Pro cost?
The new OLED touchscreen models are positioned at the premium end of Apple’s laptop lineup. Reported U.S. starting prices are:
- 14-inch with M5 Pro: $2,899
- 16-inch with M5 Pro: $3,399
- 14-inch with M5 Max: $4,499
- 16-inch with M5 Max: $4,799
Upgraded memory and storage configurations can raise the final price. Apple began taking preorders on October 28, with availability reported for November 6. Check Apple’s store for current configurations, delivery estimates and regional pricing.
Should you upgrade?
The touchscreen and OLED panel are the main reasons to consider this generation. People who edit photos and video, work with visual tools, or simply prefer direct interaction may find the new controls appealing. If your current MacBook Pro already meets your needs, it is sensible to wait for hands-on reviews that measure display quality, battery life, comfort and the usefulness of touch in everyday macOS apps.
Also consider the price: these are high-end machines, and a touchscreen alone may not justify replacing a recent laptop. Compare the exact chip, memory, storage and display options before spending.
Where to get the official details
For specifications, configurations and purchase information, visit the official Apple MacBook Pro page. For independent reporting on the announcement and display claims, read Ars Technica’s coverage.
The NA Times will continue to follow Apple’s Mac lineup as reviews and more real-world details become available.