Apple's new touchscreen MacBooks start at $2,899

Apple introduced its first laptops with touchscreen displays on Wednesday in Los Angeles. The new models are named MacBook Pro with ProLED XDR Display. They run macOS, not iPadOS or iOS. This distinction matters for users who want a familiar desktop environment. The company emphasized that touch is entirely optional.

The 14-inch model starts at $2,899. The 16-inch model costs at least $3,399. These prices mark the entry point for the new hardware. Apple positioned the devices for users who want both traditional laptop controls and the ability to interact with the screen directly.

Users can continue to rely on the trackpad and keyboard as their primary input methods. The macOS interface remains largely unchanged from previous versions. However, Apple made specific adjustments to the user interface for touch. For instance, the red button in the top left corner of a window expands when touched. This change makes it easier to click. Apple stated that third-party developers, including Microsoft and Adobe, will update their apps to enlarge buttons and other touch targets.

Legacy software that has not been updated for touch also works on the new devices. Apple said its software converts every touch tap into a traditional click behind the scenes. This means any button that can be clicked can also be touched. The company also highlighted an accessibility feature that allows users to pinch to zoom on any part of the interface.

Apple replaced the notch on previous MacBooks with a hole-punch cutout. This design mirrors recent iPhones. The new Dynamic Island feature on the MacBook expands to show live activities and Siri. Apple also marketed the screens for their superior display quality. The new tandem OLED technology offers deeper blacks and higher contrast. While the improvements are aimed at creators who need accurate colors for photo and video editing, the visual difference from past models is subtle for general users.

The company applied an oleophobic coating to the screens to resist fingerprints. Testers did not notice marks on the display when using the touch features. Apple also focused attention on the new hinge. The design is meant to keep the screen from shaking when a user touches it. For example, tapping the screen during a video call should reduce camera shake. However, the hinge feels similar to those on previous MacBook Pros.

One new feature is immediately visible on the exterior. The Apple logo on the lid now lights up when the computer is on. This is the first Apple laptop to support a light-up logo since the 2017 MacBook Air. The feature serves as a clear indicator that the user owns the latest and most expensive Apple laptop.