Apple confirmed on Monday that it will hold a new product launch event in Los Angeles next Wednesday (Oct. 28), with expectations that it will unveil its first MacBook Pro with a touchscreen. The move marks a major shift in Apple's laptop design strategy. According to Bloomberg, Apple retail stores are already making preparations and expect to officially start selling the new products on Nov. 6.
This event, themed "Pro and tell," is expected to bring upgrades to the MacBook Pro. Bloomberg previously reported that, in addition to the touchscreen version, Apple also plans to launch an entry-level MacBook Pro with an M6 chip, an updated iMac, and an iPad mini 8 with a higher-resolution display.
Market expectations suggest the new touchscreen MacBook Pro will be available in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, and will introduce two designs never before seen in the Mac family: an iPhone-like "Dynamic Island" interface and a higher-resolution OLED display.
In terms of performance, the new models will be powered by M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with performance specifications consistent with the current MacBook Pro models launched by Apple in March this year.
iPad mini 8 expected to debut
The new-generation iPad mini 8 may also appear at this event. It is rumoured that the model will be upgraded to an OLED display, with the front camera moved to the landscape bezel, and a redesigned speaker system to improve audio performance. Whether the body will be further enhanced for water resistance remains to be officially confirmed.
This string of new product launches continues Apple's recent pace of frequent releases, including the previously unveiled new HomeView, HomePod mini 2, and upgraded Apple TV set-top box. In addition, Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, will officially go on sale this Friday (Oct. 23).
The launch of the new touchscreen MacBook Pro symbolises a historic turning point in Apple's product strategy. For years, Apple has maintained that iPad and Mac experiences should not be combined. Its founder Steve Jobs publicly opposed the "vertical screen touch" design at the 2010 iPad launch event, arguing that holding one's arm up for long periods could cause soreness and discomfort.
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