Apple Launches Touchscreen MacBook Pro Starting at $2,899
Apple's touchscreen MacBook Pro begins at $2,899, with top models priced significantly higher, reflecting a shift in the company's laptop strategy.
Apple has officially launched its touchscreen MacBook Pro, with prices starting at $2,899 and reaching approximately $14,549 for fully loaded models. This marks a significant move for Apple, which last experimented with touchscreen technology nearly a decade ago.
The new MacBook Pro is available in 14-inch and 16-inch models, equipped with either the M5 Pro or M5 Max chips. The 16-inch version, fully configured, can cost as much as $14,549, a stark increase from the previous model’s maximum price of $10,149.
Several factors contribute to the high pricing, including a global memory shortage and rising demand for advanced hardware, particularly in artificial intelligence. For instance, an upgrade to a 4TB SSD raises the cost by $1,000, while an 8TB upgrade adds $3,000, and opting for 16TB costs $7,000. The new MacBook Pro features up to 128GB of memory for an extra $2,000.
Technical Features
According to Apple, the new models include a PROLED XDR display, which utilizes tandem OLED technology to achieve a peak brightness of 2,000 nits and an impressive contrast ratio of 10,000,000:1. This display aims to enhance visual experiences for professionals in design and multimedia.
New interactive capabilities enabled by the touchscreen allow users to manipulate content in innovative ways, such as adjusting 3D models or playing musical instruments on the screen. Johny Srouji, Apple’s chief hardware officer, stated, “The new MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display is a monumental step forward for the Mac.”
Launch and Availability
Preorders for the MacBook Pro opened on October 30, with official availability starting on November 6. Customers in 35 countries, including the United States, can order the new devices. The launch also signifies a shift in Apple’s laptop offerings, moving away from less successful features such as the Touch Bar.
Sources
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.