Apple Adds Touchscreens to MacBook Pro Line With New OLED Displays

Apple unveiled its first touchscreen laptops at a Los Angeles event on Wednesday.

The new devices, named the MacBook Pro with ProLED XDR Display, run macOS instead of iPadOS or iOS. Apple confirmed that touch input is optional, allowing users to continue relying primarily on the trackpad and keyboard. The operating system retains its familiar layout, with only minor interface adjustments such as an enlarged red close button to accommodate finger taps.

Apple states that its software automatically converts touches into standard clicks, ensuring compatibility with existing applications. Third-party developers from companies like Microsoft and Adobe are expected to update their apps to enlarge touch targets. A reviewer who tested the 14-inch and 16-inch models at the event noted that touch proved useful for scrolling documents while reclining. The reviewer also highlighted a new accessibility feature that allows users to pinch to zoom on any part of the interface.

The screens utilize a new tandem OLED technology designed to deliver deeper blacks and higher contrast. While the reviewer described the visual quality as excellent for photo and video editing, they noted the improvement over previous models was not drastic. Apple applied an oleophobic coating to the displays to resist fingerprints. The reviewer observed no visible marks after testing the touch features.

Physical design changes include the removal of the camera notch, replaced by a hole-punch cutout similar to recent iPhones. The new Dynamic Island feature expands to display live activities and Siri responses. Apple introduced a new hinge intended to reduce screen shake during touch input, though the reviewer stated the mechanism felt largely identical to previous MacBook Pro hinges.

The most visible change is the illuminated Apple logo on the lid, a first for an Apple laptop since the 2017 MacBook Air. The logo lights up when the computer is powered on, signaling the device's premium status. The 14-inch model starts at $2,899, while the 16-inch version begins at $3,399. Analysts and influencers in the audience reacted with cheers when the light-up logo was revealed.