Apple Finally Adds Touchscreen to MacBook Pro After Years of Resistance

Apple has introduced a touchscreen MacBook Pro for the first time, marking a major shift after years of executives dismissing the idea. The new laptop pairs touch capability with a tandem OLED display technology called PROLED XDR, available in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes.

The display delivers peak brightness of 2,000 nits and a contrast ratio of 10,000,000:1, while retaining a 120Hz variable refresh rate. Apple has also redesigned the hinge to keep the screen stable when touched, which doubles as support for video calls.

The new models are powered by M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with memory options up to 128GB and storage up to 16TB. Apple has replaced the camera notch with a Dynamic Island-style cutout, similar to its iPhone design, and added a glowing Apple logo on the lid reminiscent of older MacBook models.

Both sizes are lighter than earlier non-touch versions, with the 14-inch weighing 3 pounds and the 16-inch weighing 4 pounds. The laptops include three Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI, an SD card slot, MagSafe charging, and a headphone jack, along with support for multiple external displays depending on the chip configuration.

Pricing starts at $2,899 for the 14-inch model and $3,399 for the 16-inch version with the M5 Pro chip, while M5 Max configurations begin at $4,499 and $4,799 respectively. Preorders open on October 30, with availability starting November 6.

The launch comes alongside other recent product announcements from Apple, including a standard MacBook Pro with an M6 chip and a foldable iPhone, as the company's new leadership continues to roll out significant updates across its lineup.