Touchscreen MacBook Pro Price Leaks: $2,899 for the 14-Inch

Apple is expected to introduce its first touchscreen MacBook Pro models at its "Pro and Tell" event tomorrow. The new line is said to bring an OLED display, a Dynamic Island and a thinner, lighter body, and leaks about its price have dominated the conversation ahead of the event.

According to reported information, Apple has discussed a starting price of $2,899 for the 14-inch model with the M5 Pro chip. If the company applies at least the same $400 gap to the 16-inch model, that version would start at $3,399 or more.

Price increase reaches at least $700 in four months

Before the price hikes in June, the M5 Pro 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models started at $2,199 and $2,699 respectively. If the reported figures are confirmed, the difference will have grown to at least $700 in just four months.

If the $2,899 price materializes, the 14-inch model would carry the highest starting price of any new MacBook Pro. That figure even tops the $2,799 Apple charged for the 17-inch model it launched in 2006. A price at this level would put Apple alongside brands such as Dell, which offers high-end OLED models, and among the most expensive makers of touchscreen laptops.

Non-touch models will stay on sale

According to the reports, Apple will keep selling the non-touch MacBook Pro versions alongside the new models. In other words, the OLED touchscreen models are expected to occupy the top tier of Apple's laptop lineup rather than replace the current M5 Pro and M5 Max machines.

Even so, buyers who want the redesigned hardware are likely to have to pay the price premium even if they never plan to use the touchscreen.

New design and cooling system

Previously reported design details have surfaced again: a slightly thinner body, slimmer bezels, a noticeably lighter build, and a redesigned hinge meant to keep the screen from wobbling when touched. The new detail concerns cooling. Apple is said to have reworked the cooling system to improve airflow through the hinge, which also helps reduce the device's weight.

There is also some background on the project. According to the reports, Tim Cook approved the touchscreen MacBook Pro project about four years ago, partly because the feature had become one of the most requested by Apple customers. A person familiar with the matter says Cook told the team they should do it. The development effort was reportedly led by John Ternus, who is said to have felt Apple was falling behind in this area and argued internally that a touchscreen had become a basic expectation for laptops.

Preorder and release date

According to the plans, Apple will open preorders for the new touchscreen MacBook Pro models tomorrow, October 28. The devices could go on sale as early as November 6, a date that falls in the same window as the sales schedule for the new M6-powered Macs announced today.