Apple has announced a new MacBook Pro lineup that sits above the existing models, adding long-rumored OLED technology and bringing touchscreen support to the Mac for the first time. The new tier keeps Apple’s high-end laptop DNA but shifts the focus toward a brighter, more flexible display and a more direct way to interact with creative work.
The centerpiece is Apple’s new PROLED XDR display, which uses the same Tandem OLED approach seen on the iPad Pro. By stacking two OLED panels, Apple can achieve higher brightness levels while preserving OLED’s deep contrast. The new MacBook Pro displays can reach up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness and sustain around 1,000 nits, making them suitable for HDR work, video editing, and detailed visual design.
The display also supports variable refresh rates from 10Hz to 120Hz and covers P3 and Adobe RGB color spaces, giving professionals more flexibility when switching between media, productivity, and color-sensitive tasks.
Beyond brightness, the major new addition is touchscreen support. Apple is presenting touch as another interaction layer rather than a full replacement for the trackpad and keyboard. The macOS experience has not been fundamentally redesigned for touch, so the feature is positioned as a way to manipulate content, gestures, and app objects more naturally. Notably, Apple did not mention Apple Pencil support, so the new MacBook Pro does not appear to be a drawing tablet replacement.
Another visible change on the display front is the removal of the notch. The new MacBook Pro models replace it with the Dynamic Island, continuing Apple’s effort to integrate software elements into the screen itself. However, authentication still relies on Touch ID rather than Face ID.
Apple has also refined the hardware design for the new OLED models. They are slightly smaller than the standard MacBook Pro lineup, though the reduction is minimal. The bigger practical change is weight, with each model being roughly 200 to 300 grams lighter depending on size. Apple has reworked the thermal design as well, directing airflow away from the display to improve long-term thermal behavior.
One of the most distinctive changes is the return of a glowing Apple logo on the lid. The new models feature an illuminated back logo, making them visually separate from the non-OLED MacBook Pro range and appealing to users who liked the old-style branding.
The audio system has also been improved. The new MacBook Pro models use a six-speaker setup similar to before, but with updated woofers and tweeters that offer up to 50 percent deeper bass. Apple says the speaker design has been adjusted so sound quality remains consistent even when the lid is closed.
Internally, the OLED MacBook Pro models are largely unchanged compared to the existing range. They use the same M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with matching memory and storage configurations, connectivity options, and battery life. For most buyers, the decision will come down to whether they want the OLED and touchscreen display experience or prefer to stick with the current LCD models.
Availability starts today with pre-orders, while retail sales begin on November 6. Pricing starts at $2,899 for the 14-inch M5 Pro model and $3,399 for the 16-inch M5 Pro model. With M5 Max, prices rise to $4,499 for the 14-inch model and $4,799 for the 16-inch model.
