Apple has unveiled new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models featuring OLED touchscreens, marking the first time touchscreen functionality has arrived on the Mac. Announced on October 28, 2026, the laptops introduce Apple’s new PROLED XDR display technology, a redesigned chassis and the Dynamic Island, alongside M5 Pro and M5 Max processors.
The new models are aimed at professionals such as video editors, software developers, photographers and designers who need high performance and accurate colour reproduction.
Tandem OLED Display Promises Brighter Images
The new MacBook Pro features Apple’s PROLED XDR display, which uses tandem OLED technology to improve brightness, contrast and colour accuracy. The display supports peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits, a contrast ratio of 10,000,000:1 and a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz.
It also supports the P3 and Adobe RGB colour spaces, making it suitable for professional photography, video editing and colour-grading workflows. Apple says the display combines advanced pixel control, factory calibration and improvements designed to maintain consistent brightness and minimise internal reflections.
A nano-texture display option is also available to reduce glare in bright environments.
Touchscreen Support Arrives on MacBook Pro
The biggest change is the addition of touchscreen functionality, allowing users to interact directly with content on the display.
Users can swipe through webpages, pinch to zoom into photographs, move presentation slides and manipulate creative projects using touch gestures. Designers can draw directly on the display, while musicians can play software instruments through onscreen controls.
The touchscreen works alongside the traditional keyboard and trackpad rather than replacing them. Apple has also redesigned the hinge to provide greater stability when users touch the screen.
However, Apple has not announced Apple Pencil support for these MacBook Pro models.
Dynamic Island Replaces the Traditional Notch
Apple has replaced the familiar display notch with the Dynamic Island, bringing an iPhone-inspired interface feature to the Mac.
The Dynamic Island provides access to Spotlight, Live Activities and Siri AI. Users can view updates, control music and interact with selected system functions without navigating away from their current work.
The new laptops retain Touch ID for authentication, with Apple not introducing Face ID to the MacBook Pro.
Thinner Design and Improved Audio
The new models are thinner and lighter than their predecessors. The 14-inch version weighs approximately 3 pounds, while the 16-inch version weighs around 4 pounds.
Apple has redesigned the internal thermal architecture to maintain sustained performance while directing warm air away from the display. The illuminated Apple logo has also returned to the back of the laptop lid, recalling a feature seen on older MacBook models.
The six-speaker audio system has been updated with new woofers and tweeters. Apple claims the redesigned system delivers 50% deeper bass, including when the laptop lid is closed.
M5 Pro and M5 Max Power the New Laptops
The new MacBook Pro models feature Apple’s M5 Pro and M5 Max processors, with configurations offering up to 128GB of unified memory and 16TB of storage.
Connectivity options include three Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI, an SDXC card slot, MagSafe charging and a headphone jack. The laptops also support Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.
Apple claims battery life of up to 24 hours, depending on the configuration and usage. Fast charging can take the battery to 50% in approximately 30 minutes under supported conditions.
The new models run macOS 27, which includes touchscreen interactions and Apple’s latest AI-related features.
MacBook Pro Pricing and Availability
Apple has opened pre-orders for the new MacBook Pro models from October 28, 2026, with deliveries and retail availability beginning November 6.
US starting prices are:
- 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro: $2,899
- 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro: $3,399
- 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Max: $4,499
- 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Max: $4,799
The new models will be sold alongside existing MacBook Pro versions. Apple has not confirmed Indian pricing in the announcement.
The launch represents a major change to Apple’s laptop design, combining OLED technology and touch controls with its existing professional hardware. Its reception will depend on whether the touchscreen improves everyday workflows enough to justify the premium pricing.
Image Source