Apple’s launch week brings touchscreen Macs and new iPad choices

Apple introduced touchscreen MacBook Pro models on October 28, opening orders for a week of Mac and iPad announcements. The 14- and 16-inch PROLED XDR models use tandem OLED displays and M5 Pro or M5 Max chips. U.S. starting prices are $2,899 and $3,399 for the M5 Pro versions; Apple schedules availability for November 6. This is announcement coverage, not a hands-on review. ^[1]

The lineup now requires a closer look than the processor name. Apple’s separate 14-inch M6 MacBook Pro, announced October 27, starts at $1,999 and retains a Liquid Retina XDR display. The touchscreen 14-inch model costs $900 more at starting prices. Those are different configurations, so that gap is not a price for touch alone. ^{[1] [2]}

The M6 notebook starts with 16GB of memory and can be configured to 32GB, with a 12-core CPU and GPU. Apple’s speed comparisons use specified applications and comparison systems, not every workload. Orders open October 28, with availability scheduled for November 6. ^[2]

The desktop option is the M6 iMac, announced October 27. It retains an integrated 24-inch 4.5K screen. Apple lists a $1,499 starting configuration with a 10-core CPU and GPU and a $1,699 version with 12 cores in each. A family or small office choosing between them is therefore comparing configurations as well as prices, rather than buying the same computer in another color. ^[3]

Apple advertises up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports and two external 6K displays for the iMac. Check the exact configuration before reusing displays, storage or a dock. Orders start October 28 and availability is scheduled for November 6; that schedule does not establish local store stock. ^[3]

The iPad mini announcement, dated October 26, addresses portability with an 8.5-inch OLED display and A20 Pro chip. U.S. pricing starts at $699 for Wi-Fi or $849 for Wi-Fi plus cellular, with orders from October 28 and availability scheduled for November 6. Apple Pencil Pro and the USB-C Pencil are supported, but their separately listed prices matter when budgeting for a note-taking or drawing setup. ^[4]

One specification needs particular care: the mini’s IP67 rating is based on controlled testing at up to one meter for 30 minutes. Apple says resistance can diminish with wear and liquid damage is not covered under warranty. The rating should not be read as permission to treat the tablet as permanently waterproof. ^[4]

Treat the November 6 date as a launch schedule and check the configuration, accessories and delivery estimate before ordering. NewsTumble has not independently tested Apple’s performance or battery claims. ^[2]

About this item: News report. No first-hand reporting or independent testing is claimed. Corrections policy.