Apple has unveiled new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models featuring PROLED XDR tandem OLED displays and touchscreen functionality.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
Apple has introduced its first touchscreen MacBook Pro models, marking a shift from its long-standing design approach for the laptop line. The announcement, made on October 28, 2026, includes 14-inch and 16-inch models featuring PROLED XDR tandem OLED displays and M5 Pro or M5 Max processors.
The new laptops feature a PROLED XDR display that uses tandem OLED technology, which combines two self-illuminating pixel layers. According to Apple, the display offers up to 2,000 nits of peak HDR and SDR brightness and a 10,000,000:1 contrast ratio. The panels support both P3 and Adobe RGB color gamuts and feature a variable refresh rate of 10Hz to 120Hz via ProMotion technology.
Apple says the new models offer up to 24 hours of battery life. The 14-inch model weighs approximately 1.36kg (or 3 pounds), while the 16-inch model weighs approximately 1.81kg (or 4 pounds). The redesigned chassis is thinner than previous generations; the 16-inch model is nearly a millimeter thinner, and the 14-inch model is half a millimeter thinner.
The touchscreen functionality allows users to perform gestures such as swiping to scroll, pinching to zoom, and dragging objects. Apple states that macOS translates touches into clicks, allowing many existing applications to work immediately. Specific updates for third-party apps like Adobe Lightroom, DaVinci Resolve, and Blender are expected later this year, while Apple Creator Studio updates are scheduled for November.
Apple has also integrated the "Dynamic Island" feature into the MacBook Pro, which was previously available on iPhones. This feature provides a space for Spotlight, Live Activities, and Siri AI. Users can touch the top of the screen to summon the Siri AI assistant to assist with tasks. The laptops run macOS 27, which includes Apple Intelligence features.
Preorders for the touchscreen models began on October 28, 2026, in 30 countries and regions, with general availability scheduled for November 6, 2026. The pricing for the new configurations is as follows:
| Configuration | 14-inch Price | 16-inch Price |
|---|---|---|
| M5 Pro with PROLED XDR | $2,899 | $3,399 |
| M5 Max with PROLED XDR | $4,499 | $4,799 |
Apple is also offering a 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M5 Pro processor starting at $1,999, though this specific model does not include the touchscreen or the OLED display.
This release represents a significant departure from Apple's historical policy regarding laptop design. While the company has utilized touchscreens on the iPhone and iPad, it has traditionally relied on keyboards and trackpads for the MacBook line. The introduction of touch controls and OLED technology aims to address professional needs in fields such as video editing, design, and music production.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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