Apple Launches First Touchscreen MacBook

Apple has announced its first touchscreen Mac computer, but it will come with a massive spike in price. The MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display will start at $2,899. On Tuesday, Apple introduced a new MacBook Pro with the M6 chip and no touchscreen that will start at $1,999.

The touchscreen MacBook will be available in 14- and 16-inch versions, as well as M5 Pro or M5 Max chip options. Apple said the touch sensor is built directly into the display panel and not layered on top, a design that is intended to reduce latency. The iPhone’s Dynamic Island—the interactive notification hub—will be making its way to the new touchscreen MacBook.

The announcement is a major turnabout for Apple. For years, Apple executives mocked the notion of bringing a touchscreen interface to their Mac lineup, even as a growing number of Windows laptops began incorporating the feature over the years.

Still, the touchscreen computer market remains relatively small, with only around 20% to 25% of notebook PCs including touch technology, according to technology analyst firm Omdia.