Apple unveils lighter MacBook Pro models with PROLED XDR displays
Apple's latest MacBook Pro refresh reduces weight and adds a PROLED XDR screen, but the design remains largely unchanged and pricing has increased.
Apple introduced its first major MacBook Pro redesign in five years, featuring lighter chassis and a new PROLED XDR display. The 14-inch model now weighs about 0.5 pounds less and the 16-inch model about 0.7 pounds less, while the overall thickness has been marginally reduced.
The external design, including the keyboard, trackpad, speaker array and port layout, stays largely the same as previous generations, with the most noticeable change being the upgraded display and slimmer profile. The reviewer noted that the chassis itself was not in need of alteration, but expected a more distinctive visual update.
Pricing for the new models has risen, with a $400 increase over the earlier mini-LED versions, which themselves were $300 higher after June's price adjustments. The devices continue to use the M4 Pro chip, while Apple has already announced the M5 family and anticipates M7 chips next year, skipping an M6 Pro/Max iteration.
Touch capability has been added, allowing interaction with the iOS simulator, though the reviewer expressed uncertainty about its immediate utility. Apple has hinted at further macOS touch optimizations in future updates.
Overall, the reviewer plans to consider purchasing a future iteration equipped with M7 Pro or M7 Max processors and hopes for more compelling touch features, while acknowledging the current model’s strengths such as the return of the illuminated Apple logo and the high-brightness display.