“Touch” isn’t in the name because it’s not the most important new feature of the new MacBook Pro. In fact, I think it’s the least important feature, and there are other aspects of the laptop that are more important and have implications for other MacBooks down the line.
OLED takes the lead
The display is the most important feature, but not because of touch, but because it’s a tandem OLED display that can “deliver the kind of visual fidelity pros have been dreaming of,” according to Apple. Considering Apple’s long history of producing the best quality laptop displays, I’m inclined to believe that statement.
Apple
Look at these specs. This is on a laptop? Damn.
- 10,000,000:1 contrast ratio
- XDR brightness: Up to 1000 nits sustained full-screen; 2000 nits peak (HDR content only)
- SDR brightness: Up to 1000 nits sustained full-screen; 2000 nits peak (outdoor)
- P3 + Adobe RGB wide color gamuts
- ProMotion adaptive refresh rates
That’s easily one of the best, if not the best display ever put in a laptop. Can a display on a laptop be so good-looking that you’ll never want to take your eyes off it? If it can, count on Apple to make it.
What’s even more exciting is what it means for the rest of the MacBook lineup in the future. Several reports have said OLED is coming to the MacBook Air, possibly in 2028, and though it probably won’t be on the same level as the MacBook Pro with PROLED Display—consider the difference between the iPad mini and the iPad Pro—it’ll still be a major upgrade from the current LED-backlit IPS panel.
Lighter design
A few days ago, I was in the office with my 16-inch MacBook Pro in my backpack. I put my backpack on my desk, and it landed with a loud thud. My co-worker (a PC fanboy) was shocked. “What’s with the rocks in your bag?” he exclaimed
