Apple has launched its first touchscreen MacBook Pro, starting at $2,899, after nearly a decade of resistance to the idea. The new model features a PROLED XDR Display, M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, and up to 16TB of storage.
TL;DR
- Apple introduces its first touchscreen MacBook Pro, marking a significant shift in its laptop design philosophy.
- The new model starts at $2,899 and features advanced specifications, including M5 Pro and M5 Max chips and up to 16TB of storage.
- The launch comes under new CEO John Turnus, who has already introduced the iPhone Duo, signaling a new era of innovation at Apple.
What happened
Apple has unveiled a new MacBook Pro with a touchscreen, starting at $2,899. This marks a significant departure from the company's previous stance on touchscreens in laptops. The new MacBook Pro is available in 14-inch and 16-inch screen sizes, both featuring a PROLED XDR Display with 2000 nits peak HDR and SDR brightness and a 10,000,000:1 contrast ratio.
The device is powered by M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with options for up to 128GB of unified memory and up to 16TB of storage. Apple has designed a hinge that stabilizes the screen when users touch it, enhancing usability. The screen also includes a Dynamic Island-style cutout, replacing the notch found on most current MacBooks.
The new MacBook features a six-speaker array with a new woofer design for improved sound quality. The 14-inch Pro weighs 3.0 pounds (1.38 kg), and the 16-inch Pro weighs 4.0 pounds (1.82 kg), making them lighter than their non-touch predecessors. Both models feature three Thunderbolt 5 ports, an HDMI port, an SDXC card slot, MagSafe, and a headphone jack. Users can connect up to three external displays on the M5 Pro variant and up to four displays on the M5 Max variant.
Pre-orders for the new touchscreen MacBook Pro start on October 30, with availability beginning November 6. This launch follows the introduction of a new standard MacBook Pro with the M6 chip in a 14-inch size starting from $1,999, unveiled the day before.
Why it matters
This launch signifies a major shift in Apple's approach to laptop design, embracing touchscreen technology after years of resistance. It reflects a broader industry trend towards more interactive and versatile computing devices.
For developers and startups, this could open new avenues for app development, particularly in the realm of touch-optimized software. The advanced specifications of the new MacBook Pro, including the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, offer powerful tools for creative professionals and developers alike.
Investors will be watching closely to see how this new product performs in the market. The success of the touchscreen MacBook Pro could influence Apple's future product roadmap and its position in the competitive laptop market.
Key facts
- Apple's new touchscreen MacBook Pro starts at $2,899 for the 14-inch model and $3,399 for the 16-inch model.
- The device features a PROLED XDR Display with 2000 nits peak brightness and a 10,000,000:1 contrast ratio.
- Powered by M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with options for up to 128GB of unified memory and up to 16TB of storage.
- The new MacBook Pro includes a hinge that stabilizes the screen when touched, enhancing usability.
- The screen features a Dynamic Island-style cutout, replacing the notch found on most current MacBooks.
- The device includes a six-speaker array with a new woofer design for improved sound quality.
- The 14-inch Pro weighs 3.0 pounds (1.38 kg), and the 16-inch Pro weighs 4.0 pounds (1.82 kg).
- Pre-orders start on October 30, with availability beginning November 6.
Context
Apple's resistance to touchscreens in laptops dates back to Steve Jobs, who famously called the idea 'ergonomically terrible.' However, the company has been rumored to be working on a touchscreen MacBook for nearly three years. The launch of the touchscreen MacBook Pro under new CEO John Turnus, who also introduced the iPhone Duo, signals a new era of innovation at Apple.
This launch comes at a time when the tech industry is increasingly focusing on interactive and versatile computing devices. The touchscreen MacBook Pro could set a new standard for laptop design and functionality, influencing competitors and shaping consumer expectations.
For the AI/ML community, the advanced specifications of the new MacBook Pro, including the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, offer powerful tools for developing and running complex models. The touchscreen capability could also open new possibilities for interactive AI applications and user interfaces.
