Apple introduced new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models on October 28, bringing a full touchscreen to the Mac for the first time. The computers use a tandem OLED panel that Apple calls the PROLED XDR Display and are offered with M5 Pro or M5 Max processors. Pre-orders opened on the day of the announcement, with retail availability scheduled for November 6.
Touch arrives on the Mac
The touch layer supports familiar gestures including scrolling, pinch-to-zoom, dragging files and arranging windows. Apple says the sensor is integrated directly into the display panel to reduce latency, while a redesigned hinge is intended to keep the screen stable during touch input. The keyboard and trackpad remain available, so touch is an additional control method rather than a replacement.
Independent hands-on testing by Ars Technica found that the computer retains a conventional laptop shape instead of folding into a tablet. The publication reported that Apple Pencil is not supported. That distinction matters for artists and designers: the display can be used with a finger, but Apple has not positioned the machine as a direct substitute for an iPad drawing setup.
Tandem OLED display and Dynamic Island
The PROLED XDR Display uses tandem OLED technology and is rated for up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness in HDR content or outdoor SDR use. Apple lists a 10,000,000:1 contrast ratio and adaptive refresh rates from 10Hz to 120Hz. The 14.2-inch model has a 3024-by-1986 resolution, while the 16.3-inch version uses 3472 by 2266 pixels.
The camera area has also changed. Apple replaced the previous notch with a Dynamic Island-style cutout that can display Live Activities, Siri and Spotlight information. The models include a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera, a six-speaker system and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity. Buyers can choose an antireflective standard display or an optional nano-texture finish.
M5 Pro and M5 Max configurations
Apple offers the machines with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. Depending on configuration, unified memory reaches 128GB and solid-state storage reaches 16TB. The 16-inch model is rated for up to 24 hours of video streaming, while Apple’s specifications list up to 22 hours for the 14-inch model with M5 Pro. Actual battery life will vary by workload and configuration.
The new computers remain aimed at professional users handling video, music, software development, 3D work and local artificial-intelligence tasks. Reuters described the launch as a reversal of Apple’s long resistance to touchscreen laptops. TechCrunch and Ars Technica both highlighted the OLED display, lighter chassis and touch controls, while noting that the design remains a traditional clamshell rather than a convertible device.
Price and release date
In the United States, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro starts at $2,899, and the 16-inch version starts at $3,399. Those are base prices before optional memory, storage and display upgrades. Apple said orders opened October 28 in 30 countries and regions, with deliveries and in-store sales beginning November 6.
The touchscreen and OLED panel make this one of the largest changes to the MacBook Pro design in years. However, final judgments about ergonomics, battery performance, thermal behavior and software compatibility will require independent testing after the devices ship. The announcement confirms the specifications and availability, but it does not by itself establish how the new interaction model will perform in sustained professional use.
