Apple’s “Pro and Tell” Event Is Official: Touchscreen MacBook Pro Coming?

Apple has made it official. The company will hold a launch event in Los Angeles on 28 October under the playful name “Pro and tell”. The tagline makes no secret of the star of the show, and reports suggest it could be the most significant MacBook Pro redesign in years. If the rumours are accurate, Apple’s Pro and Tell event could unveil its first touchscreen Mac and a MacBook Pro featuring an OLED display. Here is what has been confirmed, what is expected, and when Australians can tune in.

The Date and Time in Australia

Apple says the event begins at 10 am Pacific time on Wednesday 28 October. For Australians on the east coast, that is 4 am AEDT on Thursday 29 October. Perth viewers can follow at 1 am AWST.

This may not be a classic keynote. Apple has invited media to an all-day experience in Los Angeles, and MacRumors notes that people not invited will likely see the announcements through press releases at the start time. If Apple follows its recent pattern, pre-orders could open on the day.

The Headline: A Touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro

The redesigned MacBook Pro is expected to be the event’s most highly anticipated product. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, as summarised by 9to5Mac, Apple plans new 14-inch and 16-inch models with several firsts:

• OLED displays, a first for an Apple laptop, promising deeper blacks, richer colours and better efficiency.
• Touchscreen support is also expected, with macOS 27 reportedly redesigned to support touch gestures.
• A Dynamic Island, replacing the camera notch with the iPhone-style cut-out.
• A significantly lighter design than current models.
• M5 Pro and M5 Max processors are expected, rather than chips from a newer generation.

Apple has resisted touchscreen Macs for more than a decade, so this would mark a major change of direction. Earlier rumours suggested a new “MacBook Ultra” name, but the event tagline suggests Apple is sticking with “Pro”.

The Rest of the Expected Line-Up

Reports point to a busy event beyond the flagship laptop:

• An entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with the newer M6 chip, keeping today’s design without OLED or touch.
• An updated iMac is also expected, potentially featuring the new M6 chip.
• An iPad mini with an OLED display, first reported by Bloomberg in July.

This would be Apple’s third launch this autumn, and the second under chief executive John Ternus, who took over from Tim Cook on 1 September. It follows the recent HomeView launch, which we covered in our look at the new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2.

What has not been confirmed

Apple has confirmed only the event, its date and its “Pro and tell” name. Every product above comes from reports and supply-chain sources. Prices and exact release dates are also unknown, and some reports suggest stock of top configurations could be limited at first.

Price and Availability Expectations

Apple has not announced pricing. Reports suggest the OLED models will cost more than current MacBook Pros, because the new display adds significant cost. Some reporting points to shelves stocking the new devices from around 6 November, roughly a week after the event, though that is unconfirmed.

Australian pricing usually appears on Apple’s local website at the moment products are announced, so early risers on 29 October will see the figures first.

Should You Buy a Mac Now or Hold Off for the Next Model?

If you are shopping for a MacBook Pro, waiting a little over a week makes sense. Even if you do not want a touchscreen, new launches often bring better configurations for the money or discounts on older models. If you need a Mac urgently for work, current models remain excellent, but check return windows in case the new ones tempt you. After the iPhone Duo’s rapid sell-out, which we cover in our iPhone Duo stock guide, it may also pay to be quick if you want a launch-day order. Our best laptops for students in Australia guide compares alternatives.

A Big Week for the Mac

If the reports prove accurate, “Pro and tell” could reshape the MacBook Pro more than any update in years, adding touch, OLED and a lighter body in one go. Set an early alarm for 29 October, and hold off on any big Mac purchase until Apple shows its hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is Apple’s event in Australia?

It starts at 4 am AEDT on Thursday 29 October, which is 10 am Pacific time on Wednesday 28 October.

Will the upcoming MacBook Pro feature a touchscreen?

That is widely reported but not confirmed by Apple.

Will there be a livestream?

Apple has not promised a traditional keynote. Announcements may arrive as press releases, so check Apple’s newsroom at the start time.

When can I buy the new Macs?

Pre-orders may open on the day, with some reports pointing to availability from around 6 November.