Apple Unveils Touchscreen MacBook Pro Alongside New iPad Mini and iMac

Apple's latest product announcements span the iPad mini, iMac and MacBook Pro. But the biggest change is to the laptop: Apple has introduced its first touchscreen MacBook Pro, reversing a position it maintained for years, according to CNBC.

The launch is the company's third major product introduction under new CEO John Ternus, CNBC reported. The New York Times described the touchscreen decision as a departure from an idea both Steve Jobs and Tim Cook had dismissed.

The week's announcements included a new iPad mini and M6 updates for the iMac and MacBook Pro, according to 9to5Mac. The touchscreen MacBook Pro capped the announcements on October 28, Mashable reported.

The touchscreen version comes in 14-inch and 16-inch models. Its OLED screen replaces mini-LED, according to tech, while The Next Web reported that the redesign also introduces Dynamic Island. The 14-inch model starts at $2,899 and weighs 3 pounds.

The processor details need a distinction: the touchscreen models use M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, according to Business Line. They should not be confused with the M6 MacBook Pro update also mentioned in the week's coverage. MacRumors lists the M6 MacBook Pro and the newly announced PROLED XDR models separately.

Apple has also adjusted the software rather than simply adding a touch-sensitive panel. AppleInsider reported minor changes to macOS buttons and menus to accommodate fingers.

Early hands-on coverage began the same day. Ars Technica reported trying the laptop for about five minutes on a crowded showroom floor, praising the OLED screen while describing its first impression as less of a departure than the announcement might suggest.

Preorders are open. 9to5Mac reported availability through Amazon, while MacRumors reported that Best Buy had opened orders for the PROLED XDR models with bonus gift card offers. The iMac and MacBook Pro are scheduled to become available on November 6.

The touchscreen arrives at a premium. Forbes reported that the new laptop uses the same M5 chips found in other current models but costs more. At the far end of the options list, The Verge reported a fully configured touchscreen MacBook Pro price of $14,549.

The next test is how useful touch proves during sustained work, beyond brief demonstrations. AppleInsider describes the macOS adjustments as minor, and the initial Ars Technica hands-on was limited to minutes. Longer testing will be needed to assess whether those changes justify the touchscreen model's higher price.