How is the new touchscreen MacBook Pro different to the standard “Pro” model

Apple’s MacBook lineup is more expansive than ever with products from the entry-level Neo, the daily workhorse that is the MacBook Air and now several options for the MacBook Pro – so with the new touchscreen model – where does it fit into this lineup?

In simple terms, the MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR is the top of the tree.

You can spec this new touchscreen MacBook with the same performance and capability as the previous top-of-the-line MacBook Pro with with the most powerful processor the M5 Max, but – with the touch model you of course get the different screen, but you also get the option of a much higher storage capacity and it all comes in a lighter body – saving around 170 grams.

The overall footprint of the PROLED XDR model is slightly smaller at 31.08 × 21.63cm versus 31.26 × 22.12cm too, and it’s 0.5mm thinner.

All eyes though are on that screen. A “tandem OLED” compares to mini-LED with the existing MacBook Pro.

At the top of the screen you’ll now see a “dynamic island” like the iPhone, instead of the notch we’ve had in recent years on the MacBook Pro – this is only on the touchscreen PROLED XDR model.

Peak HDR brightness jumps to 2,000 nits up from 1,600, and outdoor SDR brightness doubles to 2,000 nits.

Staggeringly, and thanks to that OLED panel, contrast is ten million to one – ten times the traditional MacBook Pro.

Bottom line, it’s not just touchscreen, the new OLED panel on the MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR is a dramatic step up.

And that storage option – up to 16TB! But talk to your bank manager.

While a MacBook Pro with M5 Max with its full spec (tops out at 8TB) will set you back $15,724, the new PROLED XDR Model with 16TB will be a mere $22,424.

Of course the entry level price is steep but perhaps not as alarming, kicking off at $5,499 – but please, do yourself a favour and option then Nano-texture screen – its sensational.