Apple Launches Touchscreen MacBook Pro and Updated M6 Lineup
Apple has begun selling its latest hardware, headlined by 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models that feature the company’s first-ever touchscreen interface. These laptops utilize an OLED display branded as PROLED XDR, which supports touch control.
The new MacBook Pro models integrate the “Dynamic Island” feature known from iPhones. Both sizes are thinner and lighter than their predecessors, with the 14-inch model weighing approximately 1.38 kilograms and the 16-inch version at 1.82 kilograms, depending on the configuration. Under the hood, these machines are powered by M5 Pro or M5 Max chips. Pricing for the 14-inch version starts at 84,990 Kč, while the 16-inch model begins at 99,990 Kč. Models equipped with the M5 Max chip start at 131,990 Kč and 141,990 Kč, respectively.
Performance Options with M6 Chipset
Alongside the touchscreen lineup, Apple has released a 14-inch MacBook Pro featuring the newer M6 chip. Unlike the professional-tier touchscreen models, this version retains the standard Liquid Retina XDR display without touch capabilities. According to Apple, the M6 chip includes 12 CPU cores and 12 GPU cores, aimed at users performing photo editing, video rendering, and AI tasks.
This base model starts at 57,990 Kč for a configuration with 16 GB of memory and a 1 TB SSD. The manufacturer claims a battery life of up to 24 hours for video streaming, though intensive professional workloads will reduce that duration. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg noted that Apple is currently maintaining both the new touchscreen models and the previous non-touch generation in its catalog, providing a lower-cost entry point for power users who do not require the latest display technology.
Hardware Updates for iMac and iPad Mini
The M6 chip also powers the updated 24-inch iMac, which integrates the computer and 4.5K display into a single chassis. The new iMac supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, with faster SSD performance than the previous generation. Prices for the iMac start at 44,990 Kč for the ten-core version and 49,990 Kč for the twelve-core configuration.
The iPad mini has also received a significant overhaul, featuring a larger 8.5-inch OLED display housed in the same physical footprint as its predecessor due to thinner bezels. The device is 5.4 millimeters thin, carries an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, and runs on the A20 Pro chip. Apple has relocated the front-facing camera to the center of the longer side to improve landscape video calls. Prices start at 19,990 Kč for the Wi-Fi model and 24,490 Kč for the cellular version.
Observers predict future touchscreen standardization
Market observers suggest that the current dual-track approach—offering both touchscreen and non-touchscreen MacBook Pros—may be temporary. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reports that analysis indicates a likely future move toward standardizing touchscreens across all high-end MacBook Pro models. While no official date for the phase-out of non-touch variants has been set, Apple has not announced an end to the non-touch versions. Reception to the shift has been mixed. In a podcast discussion, the hosts said there is nothing revolutionary about the touchscreen MacBook Pro, adding that students would perhaps appreciate touch control more, though they would rather opt for the affordable MacBook Neo.
Apple offers two MacBook Pro versions
Why are there two different versions of the 14-inch MacBook Pro available?
Apple is currently selling a professional-tier touchscreen model with M5 chips alongside a standard model with the M6 chip. This allows the company to offer a lower-cost option for users who prioritize internal processing power over the new touchscreen display technology.
What is the significance of the PROLED XDR display in the new MacBook Pro?
The new MacBook Pro features an OLED display with touch control, marketed under the name PROLED XDR. It is the core component of the redesigned screen on the new touchscreen models.
Is the new iPad mini more durable than the previous version?
Yes, the latest iPad mini includes an IP67 rating, which provides standardized protection against dust and water ingress. This is a new feature for the mini model that was not present in earlier iterations.
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