10:30 PM IST, Oct 28: Apple's Touchscreen MacBook Pro Is Coming

In 2018, Apple's software chief Craig Federighi argued against touchscreen Macs, citing ergonomic concerns. Eight years later, Apple looks ready to change its mind.

Apple will host a "Pro and tell" event in Los Angeles on October 28. According to Bloomberg News, it is expected to feature Apple's first touchscreen MacBook Pro.

Quick answer

• The event is on October 28 at 10 am PT, which is 10:30 pm IST in India.
• The headline rumour is a 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with an OLED touchscreen and M5 Pro or M5 Max chips.
• Also expected: an M6 entry-level MacBook Pro, an M6 iMac and an OLED iPad mini with the A20 Pro chip.
• Apple has confirmed none of the products, specs or prices yet.

Why this event matters

This is Apple's second event this month. At its earlier "Welcome home" event, it unveiled the HomeView smart display, a new HomePod mini and a new Apple TV.

Before that, Apple launched the Duo foldable iPhone in September. The Economic Times reports that analysts link this faster pace to efforts by chief executive John Ternus to speed up product development and simplify the company's structure.

Apple's marketing head Greg Joswiak teased the event on X on October 19, writing that he couldn't wait to "pro and tell next week."

Mint reports that Apple invited media and analysts, and that the launches may come as press releases with hands-on demos in Los Angeles for selected press.

The big one: a touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro

The most anticipated product is a redesigned MacBook Pro with an OLED display and touch support. Both 14-inch and 16-inch versions are expected, according to MacRumors and 9to5Mac.

Here is what the reports say so far:

• Display: OLED with touch, added as an extra input alongside the keyboard and trackpad, not a replacement for them.
• Design: thinner and lighter, with a stronger hinge.
• Notch: the current notch may be replaced by a hole-punch camera and a Dynamic Island, like on iPhones.
• Chips: M5 Pro and M5 Max, rather than the next-generation chips.
• Software: macOS is expected to gain touch gestures.

Business Standard reports that the touchscreen model is expected to sit above the existing MacBook Pro lineup rather than replace it. Mint adds that the OLED panel and touch parts could make it more expensive than today's MacBook Pro.

That is a big shift. Apple already moved the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro to M5 Pro and M5 Max chips in March 2026, according to Wikipedia. A touchscreen version would be a new top tier on the same chips.

The M6 updates: MacBook Pro and iMac

Not everything is a redesign. Apple could also launch an entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with its next-generation M6 chip.

That model is expected to keep the current design and display. The main change would be the processor. The current 14-inch M5 version was only launched in October 2025.

The 24-inch iMac is also tipped to get the M6 chip. Mint notes the desktop has not had a major update since October 2024, and Business Standard says the current model uses the M4 chip. No big design change is expected, though new colour options are possible.

iPad mini goes OLED

The iPad mini is reportedly getting its biggest upgrade in years. MacRumors expects an OLED display, a new design and better water resistance.

Other rumoured changes include a front camera moved for landscape use and a vibration-based speaker system that removes the usual speaker holes. It is expected to run on the A20 Pro chip.

The current model, the iPad mini with A17 Pro, was announced on October 15, 2024 and uses an LCD screen.

First iPad mini at $329 vs current iPad mini US starting price of $599

Source: Wikipedia, Mint

Apple has not shared prices for the new iPad mini. But Mint reports it could cost more than the current $599 US starting price. The very first iPad mini started at $329 for the 16 GB Wi-Fi model, according to Wikipedia.

When can you buy them?

Apple hasn't announced a release timeline. MacRumors, quoted by Mint, says the new Macs and iPad mini could be available as early as November 6, 2026, with pre-orders possibly opening on October 28.

For India, there is no official word yet on prices or local availability. Apple usually lists Indian pricing on its India website once products are announced, so check there after the event.

What Indian buyers should do now

1. Hold off on a MacBook Pro purchase for a week. If you were about to buy a MacBook Pro or iMac, waiting until after October 28 costs little and shows you the new lineup and prices.
2. Decide if you need touch. The touchscreen model is expected to sit above the current range and may cost more. Students and freshers may be better served by the M6 entry model or a discounted older one.
3. Watch for older-model deals. New launches often push sellers to clear old stock. Compare prices only after the official India listing.
4. iPad mini buyers, wait for the OLED version. If you want an iPad mini, the rumoured OLED model could be days away.
5. Set a reminder. The event starts at 10:30 pm IST, late evening in India.

Red flags to watch

• Treat every spec as a rumour until October 28. Mint notes Apple has not announced the products or confirmed the speculation.
• Ignore "leaked India prices." No India pricing has been announced. Wait for Apple's own listing.
• Beware pre-launch "booking" offers from unknown sellers. Apple has announced no pre-order date.

FAQs

What time is Apple's Pro and tell event in India? It begins at 10 am PT on October 28, which is 10:30 pm IST.

Will Apple launch a touchscreen MacBook Pro? Bloomberg News, MacRumors and 9to5Mac all expect one, in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes with an OLED display. Apple has not confirmed it.

Which chips will the new Macs use? Reports say the touchscreen MacBook Pro will use M5 Pro and M5 Max, while the entry MacBook Pro and iMac move to the M6 chip.

What will the new iPad mini cost? Apple hasn't announced pricing. Mint says it could be more than the current $599 US starting price.

Sources

• The Economic Times: Apple to host Pro and tell event on October 28 in LA
• Mint: Apple's Pro and tell event on October 28
• Business Standard: Apple's Pro and tell event next week, OLED MacBook Pro and more expected
• Wikipedia: MacBook Pro
• Wikipedia: iPad Mini