Apple's touchscreen MacBook Pro gets a four-hour workout as Labrinth creates music live

Apple has given its new touchscreen MacBook Pro a rather different kind of launch demonstration. Instead of another polished presentation filled with performance graphs, the company handed the laptop to British musician Labrinth and invited him to create a song from scratch.

During the almost four-hour livestream, Labrinth explored Apple's new touchscreen technology while working on a song in Logic Pro.

The Labrinth Live on Mac event began at 8 pm Pacific Time on 4 November, or 04:00 GMT on 5 November, at Apple Tower Theatre in Los Angeles. As reported by MacRumors, Labrinth worked in Logic Pro while viewers watched the creative process unfold and submitted questions.

During the session, Labrinth adjusted mixer controls directly on the MacBook Pro's touchscreen, with a multitrack arrangement visible on the display. The interaction offers a glimpse of how touch could fit into music production, although whether it proves more practical than a mouse and keyboard remains to be seen.

Touchscreen MacBook Pro moves beyond the launch presentation

Apple announced its first touchscreen MacBook Pro on 28 October, introducing 14-inch and 16-inch models equipped with tandem OLED displays and M5 Pro or M5 Max processors.

The updated Logic Pro supports an onscreen polyphonic keyboard, chord pads and drum pads, allowing musicians to play virtual instruments directly on the display. Apple has also retained conventional keyboard shortcuts and trackpad controls, so touch is intended to complement existing workflows rather than replace them.

Labrinth's lengthy session gives viewers an opportunity to observe how the touchscreen fits into the process of making music, beyond the brief demonstrations typically seen at product launches.

That doesn't establish whether touch is faster, more accurate or more comfortable during everyday use. Those questions will require independent testing.

For musicians considering the new MacBook Pro, the session provides an opportunity to see its touchscreen controls in action before the laptop goes on sale.

The completed track is expected to arrive on Apple Music next week.

Apple's touchscreen MacBook Pro launches on 6 November, with US prices starting at $2,899 for the 14-inch model and $3,399 for the 16-inch version.