Apple announces Pro and Tell event for next week, could MacBook finally get a touchscreen?

Apple's 'Pro and Tell' showcase on October 28 could bring a major MacBook Pro redesign, featuring a touchscreen and OLED display. The company is also expected to unveil new Macs and an upgraded iPad mini.

In Short

• Apple could launch its first touchscreen MacBook Pro with an OLED display
• The redesigned laptop may feature a Dynamic Island and a thinner, lighter design
• Apple could also unveil new Macs and an OLED iPad mini on October 28

Apple has announced a new product showcase called 'Pro and Tell' for October 28, and the name has fuelled speculation that the company could finally introduce a touchscreen MacBook Pro. The upcoming launch is expected to bring a redesigned high-end MacBook Pro, new Macs and an updated iPad mini, with several upgrades to displays and design.

Unlike a traditional Apple launch event, the October showcase will not feature a live keynote. Instead, the company is expected to announce its new products through press releases, while selected members of the media will get an opportunity to try the devices in person in Los Angeles.

The biggest expected change is the arrival of a touchscreen on the MacBook Pro. Apple has resisted adding touch controls to its laptops for years, even as Windows laptop makers have increasingly adopted the feature. If the reports are accurate, the upcoming MacBook Pro could become the first Mac to support touch input alongside its traditional keyboard and trackpad.

Leaked specs, features, India price

-Touchscreen display: Apple could introduce touch support on the MacBook Pro for the first time, alongside the traditional keyboard and trackpad.

-OLED display: The 14-inch and 16-inch models are expected to feature OLED panels for richer colours, deeper blacks and better contrast.

-Dynamic Island: Apple could replace the existing display notch with a Dynamic Island-style cutout.

-M5 Pro and M5 Max chips: The high-end models are expected to retain the existing processors instead of getting the next-generation M6 Pro and M6 Max chips.

-Thinner and lighter design: The redesigned models could be slimmer and significantly lighter than the current versions.

-Reinforced hinge: A sturdier hinge could help keep the display stable while users tap the screen.

-Touch-friendly macOS: Apple is reportedly preparing software changes, including larger on-screen controls and menus designed for finger input.

-Two screen sizes: The redesigned MacBook Pro is expected to be available in 14-inch and 16-inch variants.

-Higher price: OLED and touchscreen technology could push prices up by around 20 per cent, with the starting price potentially reaching the range of Rs 3.6 lakh in India. But, this is not an official Apple price, so users can stay tuned to India Today Tech for all the details when the device launches next week.

Why Apple stayed away from touchscreen MacBooks for years

Apple has resisted adding touchscreens to MacBooks for years, arguing that laptops and tablets work best with different types of input. In 2010, Apple's late co-founder Steve Jobs described touchscreen laptops as "ergonomically terrible", while software chief Craig Federighi said in 2018 that he was not in favour of touchscreens on laptops. Apple instead focused on touch controls for the iPad and kept MacBooks centred on keyboards and trackpads. The reported touchscreen MacBook Pro would suggest that the company is now reconsidering that approach, potentially bringing touch input to the Mac without replacing traditional controls.

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