In a roundup of what to expect from tomorrow’s “Pro and Tell” event, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman shared new details about the upcoming OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro models. Here’s what to expect.
Report reveals last-minute details and backstory of rumored touchscreen MacBook Pro
Tomorrow, Apple is expected to announce its first-ever touchscreen MacBook Pro models, featuring OLED displays, Dynamic Island, and a thinner, lighter design.
While previous reports have suggested that the new models will come with significantly higher prices, Bloomberg now offers more specific figures, along with additional details about their redesign.
According to Gurman’s sources, “Apple has discussed charging $2,899 for the new 14-inch model with an M5 Pro chip,” which, if Apple applies at least the same $400 premium to the 16-inch model, would mean “the new version will cost at least $3,399.”
Compared to the $2,199 and $2,699 starting prices of the 14-inch and 16-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro models before Apple’s June price hikes, that would represent an increase of at least $700 in just four months.
Gurman added that “Apple plans to continue selling the non-touch versions alongside the new machines,” and further commented on that in a post on X:
In other words, he expects the new OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro models to sit at the top of Apple’s current laptop lineup, rather than replacing the existing M5 Pro and M5 Max models.
However, users looking to get the redesigned hardware will likely have to pay the premium, regardless of whether they actually want a touchscreen.
Beyond the OLED touchscreen, Gurman reaffirmed that the new MacBook Pro models will feature a slightly thinner design, thinner bezels, a noticeably lighter body, and a redesigned hinge to prevent the screen from moving when touched, all of which we covered earlier today here.
The report also adds a new detail: Apple has reworked the cooling system to improve airflow through the hinge while helping reduce the computers’ weight.
Finally, Gurman’s report offers some behind-the-scenes details about how Apple decided to bring touchscreens to the Mac. According to his sources, Tim Cook greenlit the touchscreen MacBook Pro project roughly four years ago, in part because the feature had become one of the most requested by Apple customers.
Gurman added that Ternus oversaw development of the new MacBook Pro models. According to the report, Ternus believed “Apple had fallen behind in the area and indicated internally that touch screens had become table stakes for laptops, making it time for the company to embrace the technology.”
According to the report, Apple plans to open preorders for the new touchscreen MacBook Pro models tomorrow, October 28, with availability potentially beginning as early as November 6, alongside the new M6-powered Macs announced today.
To read Bloomberg’s full report, follow this link.
