Touchscreen MacBook Pro release date: When will it launch?

• Apple media experience confirmed for October 28; touchscreen MacBook Pro announcement expected

On October 19, Apple announced a media event, dubbed “Pro and Tell” on October 28, 2026. This is expected to be the introduction of new Macs, including the touchscreen MacBook Pro.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported on October 8 that Apple plans to announce its first touchscreen MacBook on October 27. The launch will reportedly include an online video presentation and an in-person component for the press on October 28. In his Power On podcast, Gurman said the laptop will start shipping on November 6.

Earlier reports offered a broader launch window and raised the possibility of delays. Speaking in a Power On podcast on October 1, Gurman said he expected the touchscreen MacBook announcement as early as October, potentially slipping to November. The laptops are reportedly being tested with macOS 27.2.

In September 2026, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman included the touchscreen MacBooks in a list of products that will ship in late 2026/early 2027.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo both initially predicted a late 2026 debut, with an October announcement fitting Apple’s traditional MacBook Pro release schedule while also coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the MacBook Pro’s introduction. In January, South Korean blog Naver reported that Samsung had begun production on its new 8.6-generation OLED manufacturing line, which is expected to supply panels for the next-generation MacBook Pro, further supporting that timeframe. Gurman also reported in February that the redesigned MacBook Pro would arrive in the “back half” of 2026.

Gurman’s more recent reporting points to an October announcement and November availability. However, the launch was previously predicted for early 2027. In April, Gurman reported that supply-chain constraints were affecting development of the redesigned MacBook Pro and could push the release into early 2027. He subsequently reported in June that Apple had revised its chip roadmap, with the touchscreen MacBook Pro now expected to launch with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips instead of M6 Pro and M6 Max in an effort to keep the project on schedule.

Which MacBook models will get a touchscreen?

• Current rumours suggest that Apple’s first touchscreen laptop will be a redesigned MacBook Pro with Pro and Max chips

Both Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have reported that Apple is developing MacBook Pro models with OLED touchscreen displays as part of a major redesign. The feature is expected to debut on the high-end MacBook Pro models powered by Apple’s Pro and Max chips, making them the first Macs to support direct touch input.

Apple is expected to use the touchscreen as a key differentiator for its professional laptops, further separating the MacBook Pro from the more affordable MacBook Air and MacBook Neo.

There is also speculation that Apple could rebrand the flagship model as the MacBook Ultra. According to one report from a source said to be familiar with Apple’s plans, the company intends to expand its “Ultra” branding beyond the Mac Studio and Apple silicon chips. However, this claim has not been corroborated by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman or analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, so it should be treated with caution.

For now, the technology appears set to remain exclusive to the MacBook Pro lineup. Neither the MacBook Air nor the MacBook Neo is expected to gain touchscreen support in the near term. However, Kuo believes Apple could eventually expand the technology to other MacBook models if the touchscreen MacBook Pro proves successful.

The MacBook Air may be the next candidate for a touchscreen upgrade, but current forecasts suggest this is unlikely before 2028 or 2029. Some reports also indicate that the Air could adopt OLED display technology before then, albeit without touch functionality.

Touchscreen MacBook Pro Design

• Lighter design expected
• Punch hole for the FaceTime camera

Foundry

Apple’s touchscreen MacBook Pro is expected to have a substantially lighter design than current models, but it may not be significantly thinner. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has revised his earlier expectations for a slimmer body while maintaining that Apple has redesigned and consolidated internal components to reduce weight.

One of the most significant visual changes could be the removal of the display notch. Reports from display analysts and Bloomberg suggest Apple may replace the current notch with a hole-punch camera cutout, allowing for more usable screen space around the sensor. In early 2026, Gurman went a step further, claiming the new MacBook Pro could adopt an iPhone-like Dynamic Island interface built around the camera cutout.

The touchscreen MacBook Pro is also expected to retain its traditional laptop design, complete with a full keyboard and large trackpad, rather than becoming a hybrid tablet device.

Other rumoured design changes include:

• A lighter chassis, although the latest reporting suggests it may not be thinner.
• OLED display technology.
• A hole-punch FaceTime camera replacing the notch.
• Possible Dynamic Island-style functionality.
• A reinforced hinge designed to minimise screen movement when the display is touched.

These changes would help distinguish the MacBook Pro from the MacBook Air and the entry-level MacBook Neo while giving Apple’s flagship laptop its most substantial design update in years.

Which chip will feature in the touchscreen MacBook?

• M5 Pro and M5 Max

Early rumors suggested that Apple’s first touchscreen MacBook Pro would feature M6 Pro and M6 Max chips, but more recent reports indicate that Apple has changed its plans. The redesigned OLED models are now expected to launch with M5 Pro and M5 Max processors, with Apple potentially skipping the M6 Pro and M6 Max generation entirely.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in June 2026, Apple has revised its chip roadmap to accelerate development of the AI-focused M7 generation. The change could bring the M7 chips to market around six months earlier, with significantly improved on-device AI capabilities. The ongoing DRAM and NAND shortages may also have influenced Apple’s decision, although they are not thought to be the primary reason. Apple has already increased Mac and iPad prices in response to rising memory costs. Read more about Apple’s reported chip roadmap changes.

Separately, Apple is reportedly planning to launch the 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M6 chip.

There has also been speculation that Apple could introduce its own 5G modem to a future MacBook Pro, enabling cellular connectivity without Wi-Fi or an iPhone hotspot. However, there is little concrete evidence that cellular connectivity will be part of the touchscreen redesign.

Touchscreen MacBook Display

• Tandem OLED display
• Touchscreen interface

The display is expected to be the headline upgrade of Apple’s redesigned MacBook Pro. Multiple reports suggest Apple will replace the current Liquid Retina XDR (mini-LED) panel with a touchscreen OLED display, bringing MacBook Pro technology closer to the Ultra Retina XDR display used in the latest iPad Pro.

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is planning to introduce OLED touch panels in the MacBook Pro in late 2026 or early 2027. The new display is expected to be thinner, more power-efficient, and capable of delivering deeper blacks, higher contrast, richer colours, and improved HDR performance than today’s mini-LED screens.

Reports indicate that both the 14-inch and 16-inch models will use advanced tandem OLED technology, which combines two OLED layers to achieve higher brightness levels while maintaining excellent energy efficiency. Apple first introduced this technology with the M4 iPad Pro and is expected to bring a similar implementation to the MacBook Pro.

The touchscreen functionality will reportedly rely on on-cell touch technology, which integrates touch sensors directly into the display rather than adding a separate layer. This approach helps keep the panel thin while supporting multi-touch input.

If the rumours prove accurate, the move to a tandem OLED touchscreen would represent the biggest display upgrade in the MacBook Pro’s history and one of the most significant changes to the lineup in years.

Brady Snyder / Foundry

Touchscreen MacBook Interface

Foundry

Apple is not expected to turn macOS into iPadOS, but reports suggest macOS 27 could include subtle design changes to make the Mac easier to use with touch input.

Rather than replacing the traditional desktop experience, Apple is reportedly working on a touch-tuned interface that adapts depending on how the device is being used. When touch input is detected, interface elements such as menus, buttons, and controls may automatically enlarge to make them easier to tap. When using a mouse or trackpad, macOS would revert to its familiar point-and-click layout.

The touchscreen itself is expected to support standard gestures such as tapping, scrolling, and zooming, while still allowing users to switch between touch, trackpad, and mouse input.

Further clues appeared in the macOS 27.2 beta on October 5. MacRumors reported new code references to touch gestures in Safari, Photos, Notes and Quick Look. These could support a future touchscreen MacBook, but they could also relate to Sidecar, which allows an iPad to act as a Mac display.

More specific clues appeared in footage shared by itspdfu on October 14. The footage reportedly shows touch-oriented behavior in Safari in macOS 27.2 betas 3 and 4: tabs lift and enlarge while being rearranged, then return to their normal size when dropped into place. Pressing and holding a tab opens a contextual menu that omits the Ask Siri option available with a mouse or trackpad. These changes suggest Apple is preparing Safari for touch input.

Touchscreen MacBook Pro: Connectivity

• 5G connectivity could finally come to the Mac

Apple

Beyond the touchscreen display and redesigned chassis, one of the most intriguing rumours surrounding the next-generation MacBook Pro is built-in cellular connectivity.

Apple has spent the past several years developing its own modem technology, beginning with the C-series modem family. Reports suggest the company has explored bringing 5G connectivity to the MacBook lineup, allowing users to connect directly to mobile networks without relying on Wi-Fi or a smartphone hotspot.

In August 2025, Macworld reported that internal Apple code referenced a MacBook Pro with an M5 Pro chip and Apple’s C1 modem. This suggests Apple has experimented with cellular-equipped MacBooks, althogugh it does not establish that the upcoming touchscreen models will offer 5G.

The redesigned MacBook Pro could also benefit from Apple’s growing portfolio of wireless chips. The company’s N-series networking processors, which handle Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread connectivity, may eventually replace third-party components throughout the Mac lineup. An updated version of the chip could debut alongside the touchscreen MacBook Pro, improving power efficiency and tighter integration with Apple’s ecosystem.

Touchscreen MacBook Pro: Price expectations

Apple will likely offer similar configurations to the current MacBook Pro models, but it’s unclear how much of a premium a touchscreen OLED display will command. Apple upped the price of the iPad Pro by $200 when it got a tandem OLED, so it’s likely the touchscreen MacBook Pro will have a higher starting price.

Here are the prices for the current standard configurations of the M5 MacBook Pro, which saw prices increase between $300 and $500 in June 2026.

14-inch MacBook Pro

• $1,999/£1,999: M5 with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB unified memory, 1TB SSD, Thunderbolt 4
• $2,499/£2,499: M5 Pro with a 15-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB unified memory, 1TB SSD, Thunderbolt 5
• $4,099/£4,099: M5 Max with a 18-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 36GB unified memory, 2TB SSD, Thunderbolt 5

16-inch MacBook Pro

• $2,999/£2,999: M5 Pro with a 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU, 24GB unified memory, 1TB SSD, Thunderbolt 5
• $4,399/£4,399: M5 Max with a 18-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 36GB unified memory, 2TB SSD, Thunderbolt 5

Should you buy a MacBook Pro now?

Wait until Apple’s October 28 experience and associated announcements if your current laptop can meet your needs until then. You’ll be able to assess any new models before committing to a purchase. Buying an existing model can still make sense if you need a replacement immediately or find a substantial discount.

Buy a MacBook Pro now if:

• You’re upgrading from an Intel Mac: Apple is ending support for Intel Macs, so if you haven’t yet switched to Apple Silicon, now is a good time to do so. As Intel Macs reach the end of support, they’ll stop receiving security updates, leaving them vulnerable to newly discovered security flaws.
• You need a new laptop: If your current Mac is broken, unreliable or slowing you down, there’s little reason to wait.
• You edit video or create content: Whether you’re editing 4K video, working in Photoshop or Lightroom, producing music or creating 3D graphics, the MacBook Pro delivers the sustained performance creative professionals need.
• You’re a software developer, engineer or AI professional: Compiling code, running virtual machines, working with AI models or processing large datasets is much faster on the MacBook Pro, particularly the M5 Pro and M5 Max models.
• You need sustained performance: Unlike the fanless MacBook Air, the MacBook Pro uses active cooling to maintain peak performance during long exports, renders and other demanding workloads.
• You need professional features: The MacBook Pro offers a Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion, HDMI, an SDXC card slot, MagSafe charging and higher memory and storage options than the MacBook Air.
• You find an excellent deal: A discounted current model may be worthwhile if it meets your needs. Compare the saving against the benefits of waiting for Apple’s announcements, and don’t assume prices will fall further.

When shouldn’t you buy a MacBook Pro?

The MacBook Pro is an excellent laptop, but it isn’t the right choice for everyone. If you don’t need its extra performance or professional features, you’ll save money – and probably be just as happy – with a MacBook Air. There are also a few situations where it’s worth waiting rather than buying today.

Don’t buy a MacBook Pro now if:

• You want the M6 model: Wait to see whether Apple introduces the expected entry-level 14-inch update. Don’t assume its newer chip will make it more powerful than the premium Pro and Max configurations.
• You’re waiting for the redesign: Hold off until Apple’s announcements. The rumored OLED touchscreen models could offer a more substantial change than a processor upgrade.
• You want the next-generation chips: The entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro is expected to gain the M6 chip on October 27, bringing improvements in CPU, GPU, and AI performance.
• You’re looking for the best price: With new MacBook Pro models reportedly arriving soon, discounts on the existing M5 generation could become more attractive. Black Friday may bring further savings.
• You mainly use your laptop for everyday tasks: If your workload consists of web browsing, Microsoft Office, streaming, email, video calls or light photo editing, a MacBook Air offers excellent performance for much less money.
• You’re a student with basic computing needs: If your coursework mainly involves writing essays, researching online or creating presentations, a MacBook Air is likely to be the better value.
• Portability is your priority: The MacBook Air is thinner, lighter and completely silent thanks to its fanless design.
• You’re on a budget: The MacBook Air delivers outstanding performance for most users while costing significantly less than the MacBook Pro.

For most people, the MacBook Air is the better buy. The MacBook Pro only comes into its own if you regularly run demanding professional workloads that benefit from its active cooling, more powerful chips, superior display, additional ports and higher memory options.

MacBook Pro: Current line up

If you can wait, compare Apple’s announcements around October 28 with the models below before choosing. Check the actual processor configuration, display, memory, storage and price against your workload, rather than choosing solely by chip-generation number.

We recommend: Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5, 16GB, 1TB, 2025)

The MacBook Pro (M5, 14-inch) was introduced in October 2025, this is the entry-level MacBook Pro. It features a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, 16GB of unified memory, 1TB of storage, Thunderbolt 4 ports, and up to 24 hours of battery life.

We recommend: Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 2026)

The MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 14-inch and 16-inch) was launched in March 2026. The M5 Pro models introduced Apple’s new Fusion Architecture, combining two 3nm dies into a single system-on-a-chip. They start with 1TB of storage, feature Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, and offer up to 24 hours of battery life on the 16-inch model.

We recommend: Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Max, 2026)

The MacBook Pro (M5 Max, 14-inch and 16-inch) was also introduced in March 2026, these are Apple’s fastest laptops, designed for demanding professional workflows. They start with 36GB of unified memory and 2TB of storage, support up to 128GB of memory, and deliver up to four times the AI performance of the previous generation.

What’s the best MacBook Pro price right now?

Foundry

Apple rarely discounts Macs itself. In fact, in June 2026, Apple increased MacBook Pro prices by $300 to $500, making it more important than ever to shop around for a deal.

The price rise came in the middle of Amazon’s Prime Day sale, when the M5 MacBook Pro briefly hit record-low prices. Discounts brought the entry-level model down to $1,499/£1,529, making it one of the best MacBook Pro deals we’ve ever tracked. Prices that low are unlikely to return until a major sales event such as Prime Day or Black Friday.

For the latest prices across all configurations, see our live MacBook Pro deals table below.

When is the best time to buy a MacBook Pro?

Foundry

If you’re looking for the lowest price on a MacBook Pro, the best times to buy are during major sales events such as Amazon Prime Day in June/July or October and Black Friday.

Black Friday is typically the strongest shopping period for MacBook Pro deals, although the lowest prices are often reserved for older or clearance models, and popular configurations can sell out quickly.

Another time to look for deals is shortly after Apple launches a new model, as retailers often discount the previous generation to clear remaining stock, making it possible to save hundreds if you don’t need the latest chip.

If you’re a student, you can save all year. Students, teachers, and education staff can typically save $100 to $200 on a new MacBook Pro through Apple’s Education Store. However, the best time to buy is usually during Apple’s annual Back to School promotion in the summer, when qualifying customers can often claim a free pair of AirPods or another bonus gift alongside the education discount. See How to use Apple’s Education Store to get a bargain.

Is buying a refurbished MacBook Pro a good idea?

Foundry

Buying a refurbished MacBook Pro can be a great way to save money – particularly if you buy directly from Apple’s Certified Refurbished Store.

As of July 2026, buying refurbished makes more sense than ever because Apple has continued to sell refurbished Macs at pre-price-hike prices, allowing buyers to avoid the $300 to $500 increases Apple introduced on new MacBook Pro models in June.

Apple Certified Refurbished Macs are typically around 15% cheaper than brand-new models and come with the same one-year warranty, 90 days of complimentary technical support, and the option to purchase AppleCare+. Every Mac undergoes extensive testing, is cleaned and inspected, and receives genuine Apple replacement parts where necessary.

The main downside is availability. Stock changes daily, so you may need to wait for the exact model, storage capacity, memory configuration, or colour you want. Newer MacBook Pro models also usually don’t appear in the refurbished store until several months after launch.

Third-party retailers, including Amazon, also sell refurbished Macs, but quality standards vary considerably. We generally recommend avoiding Macs that are more than five years old, as they may receive fewer years of macOS and security updates. In some cases, retailers also offer larger discounts on new, previous-generation MacBook Pro models during major sales events, so it’s always worth comparing prices before you buy.

For most buyers, Apple’s Certified Refurbished Store remains the safest and best-value way to buy a refurbished MacBook Pro.

Best refurbished MacBook Pro deal right now

Apple is selling the M5 MacBook Pro on its Certified Refurbished store in the U.S. for $300 off the full price.

Get the MacBook Pro on Apple’s Refurbished Store.

Apple is selling the M5 MacBook Pro on its Certified Refurbished store in the U.K. You can get up to £450 off the M5 Pro MacBook Pro and £750 off a 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Max chip.

Get the MacBook Pro on Apple’s Refurbished Store.

Which MacBook Pro to choose

Before choosing a MacBook Pro, bear in mind that Apple is reportedly preparing new models for October 27. The entry-level MacBook Pro is expected to gain the M6 processor, while the higher-end M5 Pro and M5 Max models could receive an OLED touchscreen redesign. Unless you need a laptop immediately, we’d recommend waiting to compare the new models before buying.

Choose the M5 MacBook Pro if you want Pro features such as the better display, extra ports and active cooling, but don’t need the power of the M5 Pro or M5 Max.

Choose the M5 Pro MacBook Pro if you’re a professional who regularly edits 4K video, compiles large software projects, works with RAW photos, produces music or runs multiple demanding applications at once. For most creative professionals and developers, the M5 Pro offers the best balance of performance and price.

Choose the M5 Max MacBook Pro if your work pushes a laptop to its limits. The M5 Max is designed for users editing multiple streams of 8K video, creating complex 3D animations, running large AI or machine learning workloads, or handling visual effects and other GPU-intensive tasks. Unless you regularly perform these types of work, the M5 Pro is likely to offer better value.

What about the MacBook Air?

Stephan Wiesend

If you’re considering a MacBook Pro, it’s also worth looking at the MacBook Air. Apple updated the Air in March 2026, and with a starting price of $1,299/£1,299 (the price increased by $200/£200 in June 2026), it’s significantly cheaper than the MacBook Pro.

The MacBook Air is a good choice if you:

• Mainly browse the web, use Microsoft Office or stream media.
• Are a student or home user with light computing needs.
• Value portability and a silent, fanless design.
• Want the best value MacBook.

However, the lower price comes with a few compromises. Compared to the MacBook Pro, the Air offers lower sustained performance, a less advanced display, fewer ports, and lower memory and storage limits.

Choose the MacBook Pro if you need:

• Sustained performance for video editing, coding, 3D rendering or AI workloads.
• A Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion and HDR.
• More connectivity, including HDMI, an SDXC card slot and additional Thunderbolt ports.
• Higher-end M5 Pro or M5 Max chips, with up to 128GB of unified memory.

For most everyday users, the MacBook Air is the better value. But if your work regularly pushes your laptop to its limits, the MacBook Pro is well worth the extra investment.

Do you need to upgrade your current Mac?

Apple

Whether you need to upgrade depends on three things: how old your Mac is, whether Apple still supports it, and whether it can keep up with the apps and features you use every day.

If you have an Intel Mac, it’s time to upgrade

With macOS 27 Golden Gate, Apple has ended support for Intel Macs. While Apple is expected to continue providing security updates for the small number of Intel Macs that support macOS 26 Tahoe, that support is likely to last only another year or two.

The only Intel Macs that can run macOS Tahoe are:

• 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019)
• 13-inch MacBook Pro (2020, four Thunderbolt ports)
• 27-inch iMac (2020)
• Mac Pro (2019)

If your Mac isn’t on this list, it may no longer receive the latest macOS updates and will eventually stop receiving security updates. For more advice, read How long Macs and MacBooks last: Lifespan, support and when to upgrade.

If you’re still using an Intel Mac, we recommend upgrading as soon as your budget allows. Moving from Intel to Apple Silicon is one of the biggest upgrades Apple has ever offered. You’ll benefit from dramatically faster performance, much longer battery life, quieter operation, Apple Intelligence support, and many more years of macOS compatibility. Read our guides to macOS Tahoe and macOS Golden Gate to see what you’ll gain by upgrading.

Which are the best retailers to buy a MacBook from?

Aside from Apple (View the MacBook Pro in the Apple Store and View the MacBook Pro in the Apple Store U.K). There are a number of third-party resellers that frequently discount the MacBook Pro.

When shopping at a reseller our advice is to always verify:

• Processor generation
• RAM amount
• SSD size
• Whether the model is Intel or Apple Silicon

Don’t make the mistake of paying for a previous generation Mac without comparing it to the specs of the current model.

Best for Lowest Prices

• Amazon
• B&H Photo
• Walmart
• Best Buy

Best for U.K. Buyers

• Amazon
• KRCS
• John Lewis
• Currys
• Laptops Direct