Apple has launched its first touchscreen MacBook Pro, featuring a fully equipped 16-inch model with an eye-popping price tag of $14,549.
The tech giant based in Cupertino, California, revealed the revamped laptop on Wednesday, highlighting a new OLED screen, touchscreen capabilities, and a sleeker, lighter design.
However, customers eager to get the most out of the high-end model will face a price that is more than four times its starting price of $3,399, as noted by MacRumors.
The pinnacle configuration incorporates Apple’s M5 Max chip with an 18-core CPU and a 40-core GPU, along with 128GB of unified memory, a 16TB solid-state drive, and an optional nano-texture glass finish for reduced glare.
The biggest jump in cost comes from upgrading the storage from 2TB to 16TB, which adds a staggering $7,000. Additionally, raising the memory from 48GB to 128GB will set buyers back another $2,000.
For those interested in the nano-texture glass, an extra $150 will be required.
Even the smaller 14-inch version can escalate to a staggering $14,249 when fully upgraded.
The entry-level 14-inch touchscreen MacBook Pro begins at $2,899, while the most affordable 16-inch variant is priced at $3,399—both priced $400 higher than similar non-touchscreen models with M5 Pro chips.
This price surge led to some discontent among Apple enthusiasts on Reddit.
“$3,399 for the 16 inch. That’s outrageous,” one user expressed on the r/apple forum.
Another user, who mentioned working in 3D rendering, shared that the price felt high even for users requiring advanced technology.
“I mean, I’m a professional. It’s still overpriced,” the commenter noted.
“This machine was practically made for me; I need precise color and work in academia. Still, it’s overpriced. It starts at $2,899. Professional devices can often be excessively expensive for professionals.”
Not everyone was displeased, though.
Some Reddit users clarified that the touchscreen models are only $400 more than their non-touchscreen counterparts, and it’s crucial to remember that the $14,549 price tag pertains solely to the highest upgrade.
This new laptop signifies a significant change for Apple, which has traditionally refrained from integrating touchscreens into its Mac computers, preferring instead keyboards and trackpads while prioritizing touch controls on its iPhones and iPads.
The renewed MacBook Pro allows users to maneuver and resize windows with touch, drag files between applications, scroll through websites, and zoom in on images with gestures.
Its new PROLED XDR display uses tandem OLED technology, which Apple claims delivers enhanced brightness, contrast, and color fidelity, particularly beneficial for professional photographers, video editors, and designers.
The latest laptops operate on Apple’s M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, which are also found in the company’s existing non-touchscreen MacBook Pros.
Apple claims these redesigned devices can offer up to 24 hours of battery life depending on the specific configuration chosen.
This rollout of premium laptops follows closely after Apple’s introduction of its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, which starts at $1,999.
The unveiling on October 23 ignited a shopping frenzy, with customers lining up outside Apple stores and some locations running low on stock shortly after opening.
However, the much-anticipated phone experienced early customer complaints regarding cracked internal screens and bright lines appearing near the hinge.
Apple acknowledged on Monday that a “small number” of Duo devices were affected and instructed owners facing issues to contact AppleCare for replacements.
The new touchscreen MacBook Pros are available for preorder, with shipments and in-store sales commencing on November 6. The Post has reached out to Apple for comments.
