Apple has officially abandoned its long held resistance to touchscreens on the Mac, unveiling a redesigned MacBook Pro that allows users to interact directly with the glass. For years, the company insisted that laptops were best served by a keyboard and trackpad, but this latest pivot enables customers to scroll through pages, zoom into photos and manipulate apps with their fingers. To showcase these capabilities, early demonstrations featured musicians using the display as a virtual piano keyboard within production software.
This shift in philosophy comes with a significant jump in cost for those wanting the high end experience. The new 14 inch model begins at 2,899 dollars, while the larger 16 inch version starts at 3,399 dollars. While Apple notes that these figures reflect updated hardware and features rather than simple price hikes over identical specs, they represent a steep increase over previous generations. Those looking for a more affordable entry point can opt for a base 14 inch model powered by an M6 chip starting at 1,999 dollars, though it lacks both the touchscreen and the upgraded display technology.
Beyond the touch interface, Apple is upgrading the visual experience by replacing older screens with OLED technology designed for superior brightness and color precision. The devices also bring iPhone aesthetics to the desktop world with the inclusion of Dynamic Island for notifications. Under the hood, users can choose between M5 Pro and M5 Max processors, all while maintaining a battery life of up to 24 hours. Preorders open on October 28, with units expected to hit shelves on November 6.
