Apple Unveils First Touchscreen MacBook Pro with OLED Display
Apple has announced its long-awaited transition to touchscreen laptops, introducing redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models equipped with PROLED XDR displays and M5 Pro and M5 Max chips.
Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer
A Major Design Shift for MacBook Pro
During an event in Los Angeles, Apple detailed its latest computer hardware, introducing the first major design overhaul for the MacBook Pro lineup since 2021. The updated systems mark a historic shift for macOS by finally introducing touchscreen support—a feature previously resisted by leadership during the tenures of former CEOs Steve Jobs and Tim Cook. Details were highlighted via [Tom's Hardware](https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/apple-launches-new-macbook-with-touchscreen-and-oled-starts-at-usd2-899) and [Ars Technica](https://arstechnica.com/apple/2026/10/apple-announces-touchscreen-macbook-pro-with-oled-display/), showcasing how users can interact directly with applications using multi-touch gestures and finger inputs.
The new laptops come in 14-inch and 16-inch configurations. The 14-inch MacBook Pro weighs 3 pounds—roughly half a pound lighter than its predecessor—while the 16-inch model weighs 4 pounds, making it 0.7 pounds lighter than previous iterations. Apple attributes these weight and thickness reductions partly to the OLED display stack, with the 16-inch model measuring nearly a millimeter thinner.
PROLED XDR Display and Touch Integration
The centerpiece of the new release is the PROLED XDR display, available in 14.2-inch and 16.3-inch sizes. Apple claims the panels achieve a peak brightness of 2,000 nits and a 10,000,000:1 contrast ratio for deep black levels. The screens retain a 120 Hz variable refresh rate through ProMotion technology. To support tactile interaction, Apple engineered a sturdier hinge design intended to minimize screen wobble when users touch the display.
Apple's native applications support touch controls right out of the box. Additionally, several third-party applications are compatible immediately, including Notion, Canva, Zoom, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Lightroom, DaVinci Resolve, and Blender.
Internal Specifications and Configurations
Under the hood, the updated MacBook Pro models utilize Apple's existing M5 Pro and M5 Max processors rather than jumping to newer M6 series silicon. Memory options scale up to 128GB of RAM, while storage configurations can be expanded to an expansive 16TB for high-end builds.
Audio capabilities have also been enhanced. Apple promises 50% deeper bass and new tweeters designed for clearer sound reproduction, alongside dedicated audio tuning intended for users who operate the laptop while the lid is closed.
Aesthetic Changes: Dynamic Island and Retro Logos
The physical layout introduces notable visual modifications. The camera notch at the top of the screen has been replaced by the Dynamic Island cutout, mirroring the functionality found on iPhone models to display real-time notifications and live activities. In another notable visual change, the Apple logo on the back of the lid now lights up, bringing back a design element last seen on a MacBook Pro in 2016.
Pricing and Availability
Pre-orders for the new touchscreen MacBook Pro lineup are open now, with official shipping set to begin on November 6. Pricing starts at $2,899 for the base 14-inch model equipped with the M5 Pro, and $3,399 for the base 16-inch model. Customers opting for configurations featuring the M5 Max chip will see starting prices rise to $4,499 for the 14-inch version and $4,799 for the 16-inch version, before accounting for additional memory or storage upgrades.
Sources
- Tom's HardwareApple launches new MacBook with PROLED XDR display— touch laptop starts at $2,899
- Ars TechnicaApple announces touchscreen MacBook Pro with OLED display
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