Apple unveils MacBook Pro models with 'touch bar' controller

Touch-enhanced models of the laptop will begin shipping within three weeks

Apple on Thursday unveiled new MacBook Pro laptops infused with touch control features that have become popular on smartphones.

MacBook Pro models shown off at a special event at Apple's headquarters in Silicon Valley touted keyboards that had "Touch Bar" controls where function keys have traditionally been positioned.

Touch Bar adapts to display controls most relevant to whatever application is being used, from email or typing text to video editing or music mixing, demonstrations showed.

New MacBook Pro models with 13-inch and 15-inch screens also had "Touch ID" fingerprint reading sensors built into their power button, meaning that people will be able to unlock machines or make online purchases using their finger print to confirm their identity.

Apple Senior Vice-President of worldwide marketing Phil Schiller referred to the new MacBook Pro models as the "gold standard" in notebook computers.

A MacBook Pro with a 13-inch screen and Touch Bar had a starting price of $1,799, while an upgraded model with the same screen size but a traditional keyboard was priced at $1,499.

A 15-inch MacBook Pro with the touch control technology built in had a starting price of $2,399.

Apple began taking orders on Thursday, with touch-enhanced models promised to begin shipping within three weeks and the standard keyboard version available immediately.