Oct 28·Market
Follow-up 3d ago Major3
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Apple launches touchscreen MacBook Pro; prices reach $14,549 with upgrades
Apple unveiled its first touchscreen MacBook Pro on October 28, with prices starting at $2,899 for the 14-inch model and reaching $14,549 when fully configured. The models feature OLED displays, M5 chips, and mark Apple's return to touchscreen laptops after abandoning the Touch Bar feature.
Quick Facts
- Launched touchscreen MacBook Pro models
- Introduced OLED displays
- Redesigned cooling architecture for OLED management
- Added nano-texture glass option
- Increased entry-level pricing
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Apple has introduced its first touchscreen MacBook Pro models, marking a significant shift in the company's laptop design philosophy nearly a decade after it abandoned the Touch Bar. The 14-inch model starts at $2,899 with an M5 Pro chip, while the 16-inch version begins at $3,399. Both are available to pre-order starting October 30, with general availability beginning November 6.
The new models feature OLED displays and include Apple's M5 Max chip as a high-end option. The 14-inch M5 Max configuration starts at $4,499, and the 16-inch M5 Max at $4,799. Maximum configurations reach $14,249 for the 14-inch model and $14,549 for the 16-inch, equipped with an 18-core CPU, 40-core GPU, 128GB of unified memory, 16TB SSD, and nano-texture glass.
Entry-level pricing has increased compared to the previous non-touchscreen models: the 14-inch M5 Pro shows a $400 increase (approximately 16%), while the 16-inch M5 Pro rises by $400 (approximately 13%). The M5 Max configurations see increases of roughly 10% and 9% respectively. Storage upgrades drive much of the maximum price: moving from 2TB to 16TB SSD adds $7,000, while upgrading from 48GB to 128GB of memory adds $2,000.
The previous 16-inch MacBook Pro topped out at $10,149. When the new model is configured with equivalent 8TB storage, it costs $10,549—a $400 difference. However, the fully loaded new 16-inch model at $14,549 represents a $4,400 increase from the previous maximum, largely due to the new 16TB storage option.
Apple's new CEO John Ternus unveiled the models in Los Angeles. Industry analysts characterize the touchscreen addition as a response to over a decade of Windows touchscreen adoption and evolving user expectations. The company has redesigned cooling architecture to address potential OLED screen burn-in issues, leveraging M5 processing power for dynamic refresh management. The high-end configurations are positioned toward professional designers and content creators with substantial budgets.
Why This Matters
Apple's entry into touchscreen laptops affects purchasing decisions for professionals and consumers in the premium notebook segment ($2,899–$14,549). Entry-level prices rose 13–16% versus prior models; maximum configurations increased $4,400 due to new 16TB storage option. This aligns Apple's hardware with over a decade of Windows competitor touchscreen adoption. Buyers comparing high-end MacBook Pro against competing products now evaluate OLED display and touchscreen as standard premium features, impacting demand for non-touchscreen alternatives and storage upgrade economics.
Timeline & Sources
Oct 28, 2026
WireApple announces touchscreen MacBook Pro models in Los Angeles
Oct 30, 2026
WirePre-orders open for touchscreen MacBook Pro
Nov 6, 2026
WireTouchscreen MacBook Pro becomes available to purchase