Apple is reportedly preparing to unveil redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with touchscreen OLED displays on Wednesday, October 28. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, attendees at Apple's “Pro and tell” experience in Los Angeles could get hands-on time with the new laptops following their announcement.

The upcoming MacBook Pro models are expected to introduce significant display and design changes, including touchscreen support and a Dynamic Island, while potentially carrying a price increase of up to $500.

Touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro: What to Expect

In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman reiterated that the new MacBook Pro models will retain a design similar to the current generation while becoming lighter.

The key rumored upgrades include:

  ●OLED displays: Replacing the current mini-LED panels with OLED technology for deeper blacks and improved contrast.

  ●Touchscreen support: Allowing users to interact directly with macOS.

  ●Dynamic Island: Replacing the traditional display notch with Apple's Dynamic Island design.

  ●Lighter construction: Making the laptops easier to carry without a major exterior redesign.

  ●M5 Pro and M5 Max chips: The new models are reportedly expected to use Apple's existing chips, rather than introduce a new processor generation.

Apple is expected to announce the laptops through a press release before offering invited attendees an opportunity to try them in person.

MacBook Pro Prices Could Increase by Up to $500

The move to OLED displays could make the new MacBook Pro models more expensive than their mini-LED predecessors.

In the U.S., current MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips start at $2,499 for the 14-inch version and $2,999 for the 16-inch version.

According to Gurman's report, starting prices for the upcoming OLED models could be as much as $500 higher.

These figures are estimates based on the reported potential price increase, not confirmed Apple pricing.

macOS Golden Gate Will Adapt to Touch Input

The touchscreen hardware is reportedly only part of the upgrade. Apple's upcoming macOS Golden Gate is also expected to introduce a more dynamic interface designed to respond to touch interactions.

According to Gurman, the operating system could adjust its controls based on how users interact with the device, whether through the touchscreen or the trackpad.

Expected changes include:

  ●Context-aware controls: The interface could present different controls depending on recent touch or trackpad interactions.

  ●Finger-friendly menus: Touching a button could open a menu positioned around the user's finger.

  ●Optimized Dock and Menu Bar: Key interface elements could become easier to use with touch.

Apple is reportedly positioning touchscreen input as an additional option rather than a replacement for the keyboard and trackpad. Users would be able to choose whichever input method works best for the task.

If implemented as described, these changes could bring a more flexible interaction experience to the Mac without abandoning its traditional desktop workflow.

Existing MacBook Pro Models Will Remain Available

Apple is reportedly planning to keep the current MacBook Pro models with mini-LED displays in its lineup for the time being. The company is expected to discontinue those versions eventually, although no specific timeline has been reported.

Keeping both generations available could give customers more choices, particularly if the OLED models launch at significantly higher prices.

When Will Apple Announce the New MacBook Pro?

Apple's “Pro and tell” experience is scheduled for October 28 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time in Los Angeles. The company has not officially confirmed the rumored touchscreen MacBook Pro specifications or pricing.

If the reports prove accurate, the launch could mark a major shift for the MacBook Pro, combining OLED technology, touch input, and a redesigned display interface with Apple's existing M5 Pro and M5 Max processors.

Source: MacRumors