Apple Breaks Decade-Long Taboo with Touchscreen MacBook Pro

The hardware update centers on the new PROLED XDR display, which manages a significant reduction in weight. The 14-inch model hits the scale at 3 pounds, notably lighter than the 3.4-pound M6-equipped non-touch variants. This weight reduction extends to the 16-inch version, which weighs 4 pounds compared to the 4.7 pounds of the M5 Pro model. Beyond the tactile interface, the chassis features the return of the glowing Apple logo, a design flourish intended to inject personality into a lineup that has leaned heavily toward utilitarian aesthetics in recent years.

Integrating touch into macOS remains a challenge, as the physical strain of arm-lifting persists. Apple has opted to refine the software experience to accommodate the new input method rather than relying solely on hardware. This shift comes at a cost: the touchscreen PROLED XDR model starts at $2,899, representing a $400 premium over the comparable M5 Pro MacBook Pro.