Apple MacBook Pro M5 vs. M6 Pro: Touchscreen and Performance Compared

Apple's new touchscreen MacBook Pro introduces a different way to interact with professional creative software. Combining a super-bright OLED display with M5 Pro and M5 Max performance, the laptop brings touch controls to Apple's professional lineup. Although it does not feature the newer M6 chip, its touchscreen, improved portability, and creative capabilities could make it an interesting upgrade for professionals.

Touchscreen MacBook Pro Combines OLED With M5 Performance

The new MacBook Pro runs the same M5 Pro and M5 Max chips Apple launched in March. Its biggest changes come from the touchscreen and the super-bright OLED display. For creators working with HDR content, particularly those producing material for Apple Vision Pro, this could be the best display Apple has ever put on a laptop.

Touch interaction also changes how users approach creative applications. From controlling 3D Gaussian splats in Apple Maps to manipulating objects inside professional software, the touchscreen introduces a more direct experience.

Touchscreen MacBook Pro Transforms Music Production

One of the most interesting demonstrations involved Logic Pro and its chord tracks. Users can extract chords directly from audio recordings or use MIDI data to define the music. For example, users can drag guitar recordings into the chord track, allowing the software to identify the chords automatically.

The feature becomes more interesting when combined with AI session players. The bass session musician uses those chords to know what notes to play. Users can make the performance more complex, less strenuous, or higher-pitched.

The system outputs a MIDI-like performance rather than outputting audio directly, which may be mapped to multiple instruments. This allows musicians to lead the concert while experimenting with other arrangements. The touchscreen also makes it easier to get to grips with synths, plugins, and drum step sequencers. With multi-touch, players can interact with instruments with their fingertips, play chords, and use MPE expression controls.

One helpful thing for musicians who tour a lot is having one piece of equipment that can do a few parts of music production.

Gaussian Splatting Makes 3D Interaction More Natural

The touchscreen also opens up exciting opportunities for artists, programmers, and 3D makers. One example showed off Gaussian splatting in Apple Maps, rendering real-world surroundings in precise 3D. Users can zoom in and out and move around buildings while observing realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections. It integrates some of the interaction features you get with Apple Vision Pro into a standard laptop display.

Creators working in 3D environments may find some tasks faster and more intuitive with direct manipulation of graphical objects using their fingertips.

Brighter Display and Lighter Design Improve Portability

The new MacBook Pro also focuses on portability. Compared with an existing MacBook M5 Pro, the touchscreen model feels considerably lighter, making it appealing for creators who regularly travel. Apple highlights up to 24 hours of normal-use battery life. The display also adjusts its brightness according to surrounding lighting conditions, helping maintain visibility in different environments.

The M5 Max touchscreen MacBook Pro starts at $2,899, with greater options available for an extra fee.

M5 Touchscreen MacBook Pro Versus the M6 Model

Apple has also launched a 14-inch MacBook M6 Pro without a touchscreen. The processor is said to be 25% faster than the M5 for local AI applications; however, it lacks the new display technology. The touchscreen M5 model targets high-end creative professionals, with M5 Max configurations offering up to 128GB of unified memory shared between the CPU and GPU.

Both machines have 14-inch screens, but their physical designs differ. The touchscreen model has thinner display bezels, while the non-touchscreen M6 has a slightly different chassis. If you are a programmer or user who cares about local AI performance, the M6 might be a better fit. But if you're a creator who needs HDR editing, 3D interactivity, and touch-based workflows, the M5 may be a better fit.

Touchscreen MacBook Pro Offers a Different Creative Experience

The touchscreen MacBook Pro is not only a laptop with extra touch controls. Its multi-touch, keyboard, and trackpad interface can open up new opportunities for music composition and graphical apps. The M6 has newer processing, but the touchscreen M5 model provides something distinct. That said, it might be an interesting option for professional creators who want a brighter display and a more tactile software interface.