The new models feature a lighter design and improved display technology, available for preorder now
Category: Business
Apple has officially launched its new MacBook Pro, marking a notable shift in the company's laptop offerings by introducing touchscreen capabilities. Announced on October 28, 2026, during the "Pro and Tell" event in Los Angeles, the updated MacBook Pro models come equipped with what Apple calls a PROLED XDR display, a tandem OLED screen that promises a brighter, more vibrant viewing experience.
The new MacBook Pro is available in two sizes: 14-inch and 16-inch. Both models are powered by Apple's M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, which were also used in previous models. The M5 Pro comes with 24GB of RAM, and the M5 Max offers 36GB. The standout feature of these laptops is their new PROLED XDR display, which is thinner and lighter than the previous LCD versions. The 16-inch model's screen has increased slightly to 16.3 inches, and the 14-inch model measures 14.2 inches. The resolution has also seen a minor upgrade, with the 14-inch model at 3024x1986 pixels and the 16-inch at 3472x2266 pixels.
This new MacBook Pro is Apple's first laptop to feature a touchscreen, a move that has been anticipated for years. The touchscreen allows users to interact with macOS and applications directly by touching the screen, rather than relying solely on a trackpad or mouse. The interface has been subtly adapted to accommodate this new functionality, with adjustments such as increased spacing in menus and improved feedback when selecting items. Apple has emphasized that this touchscreen feature is meant to complement existing input methods rather than replace them.
In addition to the touchscreen, the new MacBook Pro models are approximately 15% lighter than their predecessors. The 14-inch model now weighs just 3.0 pounds (1.38 kg), down from 3.5 pounds (1.60 kg), and the 16-inch model has dropped from 4.7 pounds to 4.0 pounds. The physical dimensions have also been slightly reduced, with the new models being just a fraction thinner and narrower than before. This design shift prioritizes portability without sacrificing performance.
Battery life remains impressive, with both models offering up to 22 hours for the 14-inch version and 24 hours for the 16-inch model, unchanged from earlier iterations. As for pricing, the new MacBook Pros are positioned at a premium, starting at $2,899 for the 14-inch model and $3,399 for the 16-inch model. This increase in price reflects the advanced display technology and the shift to touchscreen functionality, marking a notable jump from the previous generation models.
Johny Srouji, Apple's chief hardware officer, praised the new PROLED XDR display, calling it "the world's best laptop display." He highlighted the advantages of tandem OLED technology, which enables self-illuminating pixels, resulting in higher brightness, improved color accuracy, and true blacks due to the absence of backlighting. The new display also supports a peak brightness of 2,000 nits for HDR content, enhancing the viewing experience for creative professionals.
The introduction of the touchscreen MacBook Pro signifies a major evolution in Apple's laptop design philosophy. Historically, Apple has maintained a clear distinction between its MacBook and iPad lines, but this new offering blurs those lines. The addition of a touchscreen opens up new possibilities for interaction and workflow, particularly for professionals who rely on precision and flexibility in their tools. This shift also aligns with broader trends in the tech industry, where touchscreen capabilities are increasingly expected in laptops.
Looking ahead, Apple has plans to continue refining its MacBook offerings. With the new MacBook Pro models available for preorder starting October 28, 2026, and launching officially on November 6, the company is set to gauge consumer response to this new direction. As the tech industry faces challenges like global memory shortages and fluctuating consumer demand, Apple's pricing strategy and product innovations will be closely watched. The company has already hinted that more updates may be on the horizon, including potential advancements in chip technology with the anticipated M7 chips coming next year.
As Apple continues to innovate and adapt its product lines, the new MacBook Pro with touchscreen capabilities marks a historic step for the brand. With a blend of advanced technology and user-friendly features, it aims to meet the demands of modern professionals and creative users alike.