LOS ANGELES: Apple unveiled its first touchscreen MacBook Pro on Wednesday, introducing an OLED display and a starting price of $2,899 in the US, with deliveries and store availability beginning November 6.
Available in 14-inch and 16-inch models, the laptops use M5 Pro or M5 Max processors. Configurations support up to 128GB of unified memory and 16TB of storage.
Apple calls the new screen PROLED XDR, combining tandem organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology with Extreme Dynamic Range. Its published specifications list peak brightness of 2,000 nits, a 10,000,000:1 contrast ratio and adaptive refresh rates from 10Hz to 120Hz. Touch input works alongside the keyboard and trackpad.
According to Apple, macOS translates touches into clicks, allowing many existing applications to respond without dedicated updates. Users can swipe through webpages, pinch to enlarge photographs and move content directly on the screen.
The touch sensor sits within the display panel rather than in a separate layer above it. Apple says this arrangement reduces latency.
Meanwhile, a redesigned hinge supports screen interaction. The laptops also introduce Dynamic Island to the Mac, providing access to search, live updates and other controls.
US pricing for the larger M5 Pro model starts at $3,399. M5 Max versions begin at $4,499 for the smaller laptop and $4,799 for the larger one.
These touchscreen machines are separate from the M6-powered MacBook Pro announced earlier this week. That model starts at $1,999 and retains a Liquid Retina XDR display.
Other announcements included an iPad mini with an 8.5-inch OLED screen starting at $699 and an M6 iMac starting at $1,499.
Read More: Apple Unveils iPad Mini OLED With A20 Pro at $699
Apple also announced updates to its existing Creator Studio subscription, which costs $12.99 per month in the US. Those software updates are scheduled for November. Chief executive John Ternus took over the company’s leadership on September 1.
Pre-orders for the touchscreen laptops opened on Wednesday in 30 countries and regions, including the US. Customers can order through Apple’s online store and Apple Store app.
(With additional input from The Mac Observer)
