Apple looks set to show off its first touchscreen MacBook Pro on October 28, but the company hasn’t said a word about it yet. The date comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, as relayed by Tom’s Guide. If it’s right, a redesigned OLED MacBook Pro could be in reviewers’ hands within two weeks.
Here are the facts worth knowing before the hype starts.
- Date: Wednesday, October 28, in Los Angeles (reported, not confirmed by Apple).
- Main product: a MacBook Pro with a touchscreen and an OLED display, in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes.
- Chips: M6 Pro and M6 Max, according to the reports.
- Price: rumored at about $2,499 for the 14-inch and about $3,000 for the 16-inch.
- Format: likely an all-day hands-on session for invited media, not a traditional livestream.
Everything above is a rumor until Apple sends its own invitation, so treat the prices and chip names as estimates.
Why this touchscreen MacBook Pro is a bigger deal than it sounds
Apple has resisted touch on the Mac for more than a decade. Apple’s long-held view was that reaching up to touch a vertical screen gets tiring, so the iPad became its touch device instead.
That stance now seems to be changing. Reports say the new laptop adds direct touch input alongside the trackpad, and pairs it with an OLED panel for deeper blacks and better contrast.
If you’ve ever reached up to tap a Mac screen and felt silly, this is the fix. It also puts the MacBook Pro closer to the Windows laptops that have offered touch for years.
Is it called MacBook Pro or MacBook Ultra?
Good question, because coverage doesn’t agree. Tom’s Guide uses “MacBook Pro” in its headline but “MacBook Ultra” in the body, which hints that a new name or tier is possible.
The Apple Post, in its report on the October 28 launch, sticks with MacBook Pro. Until Apple picks a name, expect both to float around.
What else could show up on October 28
The MacBook isn’t expected to arrive alone. Based on the same reports, Apple may bundle several M6-era updates into one day.
| Product | Rumored change | Source |
|---|---|---|
| MacBook Pro (touch) | OLED, touchscreen, M6 Pro/Max, 14″ and 16″ | Gurman via Tom’s Guide |
| MacBook Pro 14″ (M6) | Spec bump, no major redesign | Tom’s Guide, The Apple Post |
| iMac (M6) | Chip update only | Tom’s Guide, The Apple Post |
| iPad mini (8th gen) | OLED display, likely A20 chip | Tom’s Guide |
We’ve already covered the OLED iPad mini release date and price if that’s the device you’re waiting on.
Why Apple is skipping the big stage show
The Apple Post notes this wouldn’t be a traditional keynote. Instead, invited media would get extended hands-on time with the hardware in Los Angeles, and Apple could post announcements online the same day.
That fits a recent Apple habit of smaller, in-person launches. For you, it means fewer slick videos and more early reviews that dig into what the machines actually feel like.
One small catch: the outlet’s own links mention both an October 27 and an October 28 launch. Gurman’s report, as relayed by Tom’s Guide, says the 28th, so that’s the date to use for now.
Three things to check when the reviews land
Once reviewers get their hands on it, a few questions will decide whether this touchscreen MacBook Pro is worth the money. Look for answers to these.
- Battery life: OLED panels and touch sensors both use power, so real-world runtime matters more than Apple’s claims.
- Weight: one leak suggests the laptop may be lighter rather than thinner, which affects how comfortable it is to carry.
- Touch in macOS: whether apps you use every day handle taps and swipes well, or only Apple’s own apps do.
These are the points that separate a gimmick from a useful change.
What it might cost, and whether to wait
The price talk is the shakiest part of the story. Tom’s Guide says the new model could land at least 20% above today’s MacBook Pro, with roughly $2,499 and $3,000 for the two sizes.
Those are estimates, not a price list. Apple hasn’t confirmed pricing, availability, or even the product name.
If you’re shopping for a Mac this month, the safest move is to hold off a couple of weeks. Even if you don’t want the touch model, new M6 hardware often changes what’s on sale.
Will it work with the latest macOS?
A touch Mac needs software that’s comfortable with fingers. Apple’s current release is macOS Golden Gate, and our guide to which Macs can run macOS Golden Gate shows how far back support goes.
Apple hasn’t said how touch will work in macOS, so how it’s handled is one thing to watch. Bigger tap targets and touch-aware menus would be the obvious signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the touchscreen MacBook Pro coming out?
Reports point to an October 28 unveiling in Los Angeles. Apple hasn’t confirmed that date, and shipping dates haven’t been reported.
Will Apple livestream the launch?
Probably not in the usual way. The Apple Post says the report describes an all-day hands-on session for media, and Apple could announce products online.
How much will the touchscreen MacBook Pro cost?
Rumors say about $2,499 for the 14-inch and about $3,000 for the 16-inch. That’s unconfirmed.
Which chip will it use?
Reports say M6 Pro and M6 Max. Apple hasn’t announced either chip.
My take: this is the most interesting Mac rumor in years, but don’t pre-spend the money. Wait for Apple’s own announcement, check the real price and battery life in reviews, and only then decide whether touch is worth a premium. If your current MacBook Pro still runs well, you lose nothing by waiting.
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