Apple’s upcoming touchscreen MacBook Pro models could carry a $400 price increase, with the 14-inch version reportedly starting at $2,899.
The company is expected to unveil new 14-inch and 16-inch touchscreen MacBook Pro models on Wednesday, positioning them as premium options within its laptop range. The existing models without touchscreen functionality are expected to remain on sale.
According to sources cited by Bloomberg, Apple has considered setting the starting price of the 14-inch M5 Pro touchscreen MacBook Pro at $2,899. This would represent a $400 increase over the current 14-inch M5 Pro model.
The non-touchscreen 16-inch MacBook Pro currently starts at $2,999. If Apple applies the same $400 price increase to the touchscreen version, its starting price could reach $3,399.
With a potential starting price of $2,899, the 14-inch touchscreen model would become the most expensive entry-level MacBook Pro in the lineup. Its price would also be $700 higher than the starting prices of the 14-inch and 16-inch M5 Pro models before Apple's mid-year price increases.
The new touchscreen MacBook Pro models are expected to feature OLED XDR displays and Dynamic Island technology while maintaining a design similar to the existing lineup. Other anticipated changes include narrower display bezels, thinner chassis designs, and reduced overall weight.
Apple has reportedly reworked the hinge mechanism to minimise screen movement when users interact with the display. The redesigned cooling system is also expected to reduce weight while improving airflow through the hinge area.
To support touchscreen functionality, Apple has updated macOS Golden Gate with touch-friendly controls, including circular menus that appear around the user's finger. Despite these additions, the keyboard and trackpad are expected to remain the primary methods of interacting with the devices.
Apple is reportedly planning to open preorders on Wednesday, with retail availability potentially beginning on November 6. The date would coincide with the expected release of the updated iPad mini, M6 MacBook Pro, and M6 iMac announced earlier this week.
On the Eve of the OLED MacBook Pro Launch, I Have Just One Question
With Apple expected to unveil its touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro on October 27, questions remain about who the new laptop is actually designed for and whether it offers enough to justify its position above the existing MacBook Pro lineup.
Rumors have circulated for some time that Apple is developing a premium laptop that would sit above the current 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. It could potentially carry the MacBook Ultra name, although that possibility remains uncertain.
Despite the anticipation, several details about the upcoming device remain unclear. The rumored features include an OLED display, which would be a first for Apple's Mac lineup, alongside powerful M5 Pro and M5 Max processors.
Reports have also pointed to a refreshed design, potentially replacing the familiar display notch with an iPhone-style Dynamic Island. The laptop could also feature a lighter and slightly thinner body than existing models.
However, the feature attracting the most attention is the possibility of touchscreen support. If the rumors prove accurate, this would mark the first time Apple has introduced touchscreen functionality to a MacBook, representing a significant change in the company's traditional approach to laptop design.
A Touchscreen MacBook Pro Is Expected to Come With a Hefty Price Tag
