Apple Announces Touchscreen MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display at LA Event

Apple has officially announced its first-ever touchscreen laptop, the MacBook Pro featuring a PROLED XDR Display, during an event in Los Angeles led by CEO John Ternus. The launch follows a busy week of hardware announcements from the company, including the M6 iMac and OLED iPad mini.

TechRadar representatives attended the LA event and reported on the official reveal after earlier industry leaks and speculation regarding a potential touchscreen Mac. Apple positions the new device as a high-end pro laptop, breaking from its historical resistance to touchscreen computing popularized by co-founder Steve Jobs.

Key Specifications and Pricing

• Display Sizes: Available in 14-inch and 16-inch variants.
• Processor Options: Configurable with M5 Pro (16-core or 20-core GPU) or M5 Max (32-core or 40-core GPU) chips.
• Memory and Storage: Base models start with 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, scaling up to 128GB of RAM and 16TB of storage on top configurations.
• Display Features: Tandem OLED panel branded as a PROLED XDR display, offering up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness and Multi-Touch gesture support.
• Battery Life: Rated for up to 24 hours of battery life under manufacturer testing conditions.

The new touchscreen MacBook Pro is available for pre-order, with official availability and deliveries scheduled to begin on November 6. Pricing starts at $2,899 / £2,899 / AU$4,599 for the 14-inch model and $3,399 / £3,399 / AU$5,499 for the 16-inch model, with fully customized high-end configurations exceeding those base prices significantly.

Practical Implications and Verification

• Touch Integration: The touchscreen supports standard multi-touch gestures such as pinch-to-zoom, scrolling, and rotating, aimed at creative workflows like interacting with 3D models or testing iOS apps.
• Ergonomic Debate: Industry observers note that vertical touchscreen use on laptops diverges from traditional desktop setups, requiring users to hold their arms unsupported.
• Verification: Consumers and prospective buyers can verify official configurations, exact regional pricing, and delivery timelines directly through Apple's official website or by consulting hands-on coverage from technology publications.