Apple Unveils First Touchscreen MacBook Pro Featuring OLED Display and Dynamic Island

Image: Ars Technica · Source

Apple introduces a redesigned MacBook Pro with an OLED touchscreen called PROLED XDR, Dynamic Island cutout, lighter weight, and upgraded storage options, starting preorders with high price points.

Apple has unveiled a significant redesign of its MacBook Pro line, marking the first major update in over five years. The standout feature is the inclusion of a touchscreen for macOS devices—an innovation Apple long resisted, notably under former CEO Steve Jobs. This new MacBook Pro model integrates a vibrant OLED display, branded as the PROLED XDR, and incorporates a Dynamic Island cutout instead of the traditional camera notch.

The PROLED XDR display delivers impressive specifications, including a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits and a contrast ratio of 10,000,000:1. Additionally, it supports a 120 Hz variable refresh rate, aligning with earlier models. Apple mentioned burn-in protection for the OLED panel but did not disclose specific methodologies.

In terms of design, Apple maintained much of the existing MacBook aesthetic but achieved substantial weight reduction. The 14-inch version weighs approximately 3 pounds, shedding about half a pound compared to previous iterations. The Dynamic Island, previously featured on the iPhone, replaces the camera notch and is expected to provide adaptable interactive pop-ups and live information on macOS.

A nostalgic touch is the return of a glowing Apple logo on the laptop lid, reminiscent of older MacBook generations. Under the hood, the machines continue to use the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips rather than the newer M6 series found in other Macs. This decision aligns with reports indicating that Apple plans to wait for the upcoming M7 chips, which are anticipated to offer advanced AI performance improvements.

Memory configurations remain consistent with prior models, capping at 128GB of RAM for the M5 Max variants. Storage options have expanded, with capacities now available up to 16TB, catering to high-end professional users.

Preorders began immediately following the announcement, with units expected to ship on November 6. Pricing reflects the advanced features, starting at $2,899 for the 14-inch model with an M5 Pro chip, and $3,399 for the 16-inch configuration. Models equipped with the M5 Max chip start at $4,499 for the 14-inch and $4,799 for the 16-inch, excluding any additional upgrades for memory or storage.

This refresh represents Apple's significant step into touchscreen MacBook territory combined with cutting-edge display technology and thoughtful design upgrades aimed at professional users requiring high-performance computing.