Apple's new laptops cost up to $3,399

Apple unveiled its first touchscreen laptops on Wednesday during a launch event in Los Angeles, setting the entry price for the 14-inch model at $2,899.

The devices, officially named MacBook Pro with ProLED XDR Display, continue to run macOS rather than switching to the operating systems used by iPhones or iPads. This distinction ensures that the familiar desktop interface remains the primary way users interact with the machine.

Touch input is entirely optional for owners of the new hardware. Users can continue to rely on the physical trackpad and keyboard for all tasks, and the visual design of the operating system remains largely unchanged from previous versions. Apple’s software converts every touch tap into a standard click behind the scenes, meaning that any existing application that supports mouse clicks will also work with a finger.

The company noted that specific user interface elements have been adjusted for touch use. For instance, the red close button in the top left corner of windows expands when touched to make it easier to hit. Apple stated that third-party developers, including Microsoft and Adobe, will update their applications to increase the size of buttons and other touch targets.

The hardware introduces a new tandem OLED display technology that provides deeper blacks and higher contrast. While the visual improvements are subtle for general users, they are designed to benefit creators who require accurate color representation for photo and video editing. The screens also feature an oleophobic coating that resists fingerprints, a claim that held up during brief testing of the 14-inch and 16-inch models.

The physical design of the new laptops replaces the traditional notch with a hole-punch cutout for the cameras, mirroring the look of recent iPhones. This change allows Apple to introduce the Dynamic Island feature to the Mac for the first time, which expands to display live activities and Siri interactions. The company also highlighted a new hinge design intended to reduce screen shake when users tap the display during video calls.

The most visible difference from previous models is the illuminated Apple logo on the lid, which lights up when the computer is powered on. This is the first Apple laptop to include this feature since the 2017 MacBook Air. Analysts and influencers present at the Wednesday event reacted with applause when the glowing logo was revealed.

The larger 16-inch version of the laptop starts at a price of $3,399. Both models are available immediately, offering buyers the choice between a device that feels like a traditional Mac or one that incorporates modern mobile-style interactions.