Apple could be preparing to unveil its first MacBook Pro with an OLED display and touchscreen capabilities at a special event in Los Angeles later this month, according to reports cited by technology publication Mashable.
The company has invited journalists to a “Pro and Tell” event scheduled for October 28 at 10am Pacific Time, fuelling speculation that it will announce a major update to its professional laptop lineup.
The anticipated launch would mark a significant shift for Apple, which has traditionally kept touchscreen functionality off its MacBook computers despite offering it on the iPad Pro.
The company has not officially confirmed the rumoured touchscreen MacBook or disclosed the specifications of any upcoming models.
When could Apple release the new MacBooks?
Apple typically updates its MacBook lineup as part of its annual product cycle, and a MacBook Pro powered by the anticipated M6 chip is expected to arrive this autumn, according to industry reports.
Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman has previously reported that Apple was preparing a touchscreen MacBook Pro for an October launch, with an online presentation and an in-person event for journalists.
The reported announcement could also include an M6-powered iMac and an updated iPad mini featuring an OLED display.
According to Gurman, the devices are expected to target creative professionals working in video production, photography and music production.
What will the OLED MacBook be called?
The upcoming laptop has been referred to as a possible “MacBook Ultra”, but recent speculation suggests Apple may retain its established MacBook Pro branding.
Both Gurman and Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have described the device as a high-end version of the MacBook Pro.
An Ultra designation would distinguish the laptop as a premium product, similar to Apple’s use of the name for its higher-end smartwatch and processor lines. However, the “Pro and Tell” event branding has strengthened speculation that the company will continue using the Pro name.
Gurman has reportedly identified the devices internally as K114 and K116, potentially referring to 14-inch and 16-inch models. Apple has not confirmed these details.
How much could the OLED touchscreen MacBook cost?
The rumoured laptop could become Apple’s most expensive MacBook because of its premium display technology and high-performance processors.
Existing MacBook Pro models provide a reference point for potential pricing. According to Mashable, the M5-powered MacBook Pro starts at $1,999, while 14-inch models with the M5 Pro chip start at $2,499 and 16-inch versions at $2,999.
A 14-inch OLED touchscreen model could start at around $2,999, although this remains speculative. The final price would depend on Apple’s configuration choices and component costs.
Rising memory prices could also affect the cost of the new devices, following earlier MacBook price increases reported this year.
Why an OLED touchscreen MacBook would be significant
The rumoured laptop would represent a major change for Apple’s Mac lineup.
OLED displays and touchscreen controls are already available on several premium Windows laptops, but Apple has not introduced either feature on its MacBook computers.
The company has historically expressed reservations about touchscreen laptops. In 2010, co-founder Steve Jobs criticised the ergonomics of touchscreen notebooks, while software chief Craig Federighi said in a 2018 interview with Wired that he was not interested in adding touchscreens to laptops.
An OLED touchscreen MacBook would therefore signal a notable shift in Apple’s approach to laptop design, potentially bringing together the Mac’s desktop operating system and the touch-based interaction associated with the iPad.
For now, the product’s launch date, final name, pricing and specifications remain unconfirmed. Apple’s reported October event could provide the first official details.
