Apple's new MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR introduces an OLED display and touchscreen capability for the first time on a Mac, along with the return of the backlit Apple logo. Technology critic David Phelan has been testing the laptop and shares his verdict on whether it is worth the premium price.
Design: backlit logo returns
The new MacBook Pro looks similar to its predecessor, available in Space Black and Silver. The most notable design change is the return of the backlit Apple logo, which now appears almost black when the laptop is closed on the Space Black model, then lights up when opened. Apple has redesigned it as a simple light, separate from the OLED screen.
The laptop is noticeably lighter than other MacBook Pro models in the range, though thinner is a much smaller change. The rest of the design remains the same, with a flat lid, sharp sides, rounded edges, a comfortable keyboard, and a spacious trackpad.
Display: PROLED XDR and touch
Apple has named the OLED screen PROLED XDR. OLED offers exceptional contrast and deep black colours because each pixel is independently lit, with no backlight across the entire screen. The display is detailed with rich, natural colours. Apple has used Tandem OLED, with two light-emitting layers, to make the screen much brighter than typical OLED, and Phelan had no trouble seeing the screen in bright light. Apple claims exceptional contrast of 10,000,000:1.
The touchscreen allows users to scroll by swiping a thumb up or down the display, and pinch to zoom in or out of photos. It is described as a bonus rather than a replacement for the keyboard and trackpad. The Dynamic Island has also come to the Mac for the first time, with a lozenge shape at the top of the display housing the camera, showing up to two Live Activities at a time, such as music track imagery.
Performance and battery life
Phelan tested a high-end model with the Apple M5 Max chip, which he found incredibly fast and responsive even with demanding programs. The M5 Max and M5 Pro chips can sustain speed over time without slowing down due to heat, handling power-hungry apps, games with deluxe graphics, and many browser tabs.
Apple claims battery life of up to 22 hours on the 14-inch model and up to 24 hours on the 16-inch model, both increased from previous models. The processor is efficient, allowing users to leave the charging brick at home.
Verdict: worth it?
The MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR has an impressive, immersive display, and touch is a useful addition. The processors are Apple's most powerful and fast. The glowing Apple logo is a nice touch. It is expensive, but Phelan concludes it looks astonishing, performs at speed, and keeps going. He calls it easily the best laptop Apple has ever made and thinks it is the best laptop out there. It is available from 6 November, priced from £2,899.
