Apple Teases Touchscreen MacBook Pro Ahead of 'Pro and Tell' Event

Key points

• Apple CEO John Ternus shared a teaser video on X showing an Apple logo spotlight forming a MacBook shape, hinting at a potential return of the glowing logo.
• The new MacBook Pro is expected to feature a touchscreen display and OLED panel, marking the first touchscreen integration on a Mac since the discontinued Touch Bar.
• The 'Pro and Tell' event is taking place in Los Angeles on October 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. PT, with no public livestream available.
• The launch follows the release of M6-powered 14-inch MacBook Pro and iMac models, as well as a new iPad mini with an OLED display, earlier in the week.
• Previous reports indicated the new device would be significantly lighter due to internal component miniaturization, though not necessarily thinner than current models.

Background

Apple has been rolling out hardware updates since September, including the iPhone 18 Pro and a foldable iPhone Duo. In early October, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman confirmed that the upcoming OLED MacBook Pro would launch in late October, featuring M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. Earlier reports suggested the device would be both thinner and lighter, but Gurman later walked back the thickness claim, noting only a significant weight reduction. The new model is expected to run on macOS 27.2 and skip the M7 series, utilizing M5 chips instead.

How outlets are covering it

9to5Mac emphasizes the visual teaser from John Ternus, noting the spotlight effect resembles a MacBook and potentially signaling a return of the glowing Apple logo. The Verge highlights the significance of Apple finally adopting touchscreen technology, a feature executives had long criticized, and notes the event's unique format in Los Angeles without a public livestream. Mashable and PCMag focus on the broader 'Pro and Tell' event, detailing the iterative M6 chip updates for the standard MacBook Pro and iMac, as well as the new iPad mini, while awaiting the main touchscreen reveal. All sources agree on the October 28 date and the expectation of an OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro, but differ in emphasis on the teaser's symbolism versus the technical specifications of the preceding releases.

Why it matters

The introduction of a touchscreen MacBook Pro represents a major design shift for Apple, reversing a long-standing stance against touch interfaces on Macs. The event signals Apple's response to market demand for touch capabilities and OLED displays, potentially redefining the laptop category. The lighter chassis and Dynamic Island feature suggest a move toward more integrated and modern design language, aligning with trends seen in other Apple products. This launch also highlights Apple's strategy of iterative updates, releasing chip upgrades and new form factors in rapid succession to maintain market relevance and drive sales.

What to watch

Apple is expected to officially unveil the touchscreen MacBook Pro at 10:00 a.m. PT on October 28, 2026, during the 'Pro and Tell' event in Los Angeles. Pre-orders for the M6 MacBook Pro and iMac are set to open on October 28, with availability beginning November 6. The new iPad mini is also expected to be available for pre-order on the same date. Apple may reveal pricing, specific technical specifications, and the extent of the touchscreen integration during the event. The company is also expected to detail the AI capabilities of the new M6 chips and the integration of OpenAI models in Apple Creator Studio.