Apple’s best MacBook Pro decision this week had nothing to do with touch - 9to5Mac
Touch arrives with other changes
Apple’s touchscreen MacBook Pro is set to arrive on November 6. Its updates include a Tandem OLED display, slimmer bezels, a thinner and lighter design, a redesigned audio system and Dynamic Island.
The new model also brings back the glowing Apple logo on the lid. For users who want touch, the additions may make the $400 premium reasonable, even though performance is unchanged compared with non-touchscreen models using the same chips.
Same chips, uncertain thermals
The writer had hoped the new MacBook Pro might bring a performance increase to help justify its rumored $400 premium. Instead, the touchscreen model has the same chips as the current non-touchscreen line.
Apple has redesigned the thermal system, which could affect performance, but the changes appear focused more on cooling the display than improving heat dissipation. Reviews will show whether the system helps the computer run faster.
Older models remain available
Apple’s choice to keep non-touchscreen M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models for sale gives buyers another option. They can get the same chip specifications without paying the touchscreen model’s premium, or use the $400 toward better specifications.
The writer says that option is especially useful because their 2023 M2 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro, with 16GB of RAM, is beginning to feel cramped. They had been considering an upgrade while waiting to learn which chips the new model would use.
A different choice than 2016
When Apple introduced the Touch Bar in 2016, the only MacBook Pro without one was the entry-level 13-inch model. Buyers seeking a more powerful Mac or a 15-inch model had to choose a Touch Bar version and pay more.
This time, Apple is keeping higher-powered non-touchscreen models available alongside the new design. The writer says waiting for an ideal upgrade moment may have contributed to their current situation, while acknowledging they might instead have preferred to wait for the M7 generation.
Key points
- The touchscreen MacBook Pro uses the same chips as non-touchscreen models.
- Apple is keeping non-touchscreen M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models for sale.
- The new touchscreen model carries a $400 premium and is scheduled to arrive November 6.
- A redesigned thermal system could affect performance, but reviews will clarify its impact.