New Delhi: Apple’s first touchscreen MacBook Pro has become the subject of jokes on social media after a screenshot showing a shopping bag total of Rs 18,77,600 went viral on X. The price reflects a high-end configuration of the laptop bundled with AppleCare+, rather than the starting price of the new MacBook Pro range in India.

X user @sumitkbehal shared the screenshot, sarcastically describing the device as available “for just ₹18,77,600”. He also joked about the monthly instalment and the power adapter, calling the pricing an example of “Apple’s Growth Story”.

Another user, @saurabhyadavz, reposted the screenshot with a comparison that added to the online humour: “I got my first car in less money than this.”

The discussion has drawn attention to the cost of Apple’s most expensive laptop configurations, particularly when maximum memory and storage options are combined with extended protection coverage.

How the MacBook Pro reaches Rs 18.77 lakh

The screenshot shows a 16-inch MacBook Pro in Silver, equipped with Apple’s M5 Max chip and the new PROLED XDR display. The configured laptop is priced at Rs 18,17,700.

Adding AppleCare+ for Rs 59,900 takes the total to Rs 18,77,600.

The figure therefore represents a particular high-end configuration, not the price every buyer will pay for the touchscreen MacBook Pro. Apple offers several configurations at substantially lower prices, with the final cost depending on the screen size, chip, memory, storage and optional protection plan selected.

The screenshot also lists financing options. The displayed annual interest rate is 15.99 per cent over 12 months. With AppleCare+ included, the monthly payment is shown as Rs 1,68,986.

The page also advertises savings of up to Rs 15,000 with eligible cards, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.

The EMI figures and promotional offers are specific to the configuration and payment options shown on the store page. Buyers should check the final checkout price and financing terms before placing an order.

Why the most expensive configuration costs so much

Apple’s MacBook Pro range is designed for users who need substantial computing power and memory for demanding professional workloads.

The company allows buyers to configure compatible models with up to 128GB of unified memory and up to 16TB of storage. Selecting the highest available specifications can raise the price considerably above the base model.

Large amounts of memory can be useful for workloads involving complex video projects, large datasets, software development, 3D rendering and certain artificial intelligence applications. High-capacity storage can also benefit professionals working with extensive video libraries, high-resolution media and large project files.

However, the most expensive configuration is not necessarily the right choice for every user. People primarily using a laptop for browsing, office applications, streaming and everyday productivity may not need the highest memory and storage options.

The Rs 18.77-lakh total is best understood as the cost of an extensively configured professional machine with additional protection, rather than a standard entry price for the MacBook Pro family.

MacBook Pro prices in India

Apple’s new touchscreen MacBook Pro range starts at much lower prices than the configuration shown in the viral screenshot.

According to the supplied pricing details, the starting prices are:

MacBook Pro configurationStarting price in India
14-inch model with M5 ProRs 3,49,900
16-inch model with M5 ProRs 4,09,900
14-inch model with M5 MaxRs 5,49,900
16-inch model with M5 MaxRs 5,89,900

The difference between the starting price of the 16-inch M5 Max model and the configured laptop in the screenshot is substantial. The higher total reflects the selected upgrades and AppleCare+, rather than the cost of the standard M5 Max model alone.

The price comparison also explains why the viral figure should be treated with context. A buyer selecting a more modest configuration would pay considerably less than Rs 18.77 lakh.

What is new in Apple’s touchscreen MacBook Pro?

The headline feature is the addition of touch input to the MacBook Pro display.

Users can interact directly with the screen through taps and swipes, including when browsing websites, enlarging photographs or moving through presentations. This adds another way to navigate macOS alongside the traditional keyboard, trackpad and other supported input methods.

The new PROLED XDR panel uses tandem OLED technology and supports refresh rates of up to 120Hz. Apple’s stated peak brightness reaches 2,000 nits, according to the supplied specifications.

The display is intended to provide high brightness and contrast for demanding visual work, including photography, video production and other colour-sensitive tasks.

Dynamic Island also makes its Mac debut with the new models. The feature provides a compact interface for certain live activities and alerts, bringing a familiar element from Apple’s recent iPhone experience to its laptops.

M5 Pro and M5 Max target demanding workloads

The new MacBook Pro models use Apple’s M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, which are designed for professional computing tasks.

The higher-end models are intended for users who regularly work with demanding applications, including video editing, software development, 3D rendering and AI-related workloads.

The value of these chips will depend on the nature of the work being performed. Users running complex applications and large projects may benefit from the additional processing and graphics capabilities available in the higher configurations.

For people whose requirements are less demanding, lower-priced models may offer sufficient performance without the need for the most expensive upgrades.

The new range therefore caters to a broad set of users, from professionals seeking powerful portable workstations to customers who need a premium laptop for general productivity.

Connectivity and battery life

The new MacBook Pro models also offer a range of connectivity options intended for professional use.

The listed features include three Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI, an SDXC card slot and MagSafe charging. Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.

The combination of ports can be useful for people who regularly connect external displays, storage devices, cameras and other accessories. The SDXC card slot, in particular, can simplify media transfers for photographers and videographers using compatible memory cards.

Apple rates battery life at up to 24 hours, depending on the model, configuration and usage. Actual battery performance can vary according to screen brightness, applications, network activity and the intensity of the workload.

These features add to the laptop’s appeal as a portable workstation, although the benefits will differ according to individual requirements.

When can customers buy the new MacBook Pro?

According to the supplied launch details, customers in India have been able to place orders since October 28, with deliveries of the new laptops scheduled to begin on November 9.

The particular configuration shown in the viral screenshot has a later estimated delivery window of November 18 to 25. The page also lists in-store pickup at Apple BKC on November 25.

Delivery and pickup dates can vary according to the selected configuration, location and stock availability. Customers should therefore check the current dates on Apple’s online store before ordering.

A viral price with an important caveat

The Rs 18.77-lakh screenshot has provided social media users with an opportunity to joke about the cost of Apple’s most expensive laptop configurations. The comparison with the price of a first car has become a particularly memorable reaction.

However, the figure needs to be viewed in context. The laptop itself is listed at Rs 18,17,700, with AppleCare+ adding another Rs 59,900. The total reflects a heavily upgraded 16-inch M5 Max model, not the entry-level price of the touchscreen MacBook Pro.

With the new range starting at Rs 3,49,900 for the 14-inch M5 Pro model, buyers have several options depending on their computing needs and budget.

For professionals who require extensive memory, storage and high-end performance, the top configuration may appeal to a specialised market. For everyone else, the standard configurations offer a more affordable way to access Apple’s latest MacBook Pro features.

The viral post has highlighted the eye-catching cost of the most expensive option, but the broader price range is essential to understanding what Apple is actually charging for its new touchscreen laptops.