Much earlier than expected, Apple has come out with the price and release date of their new MacBook Pro. The 13-inch Pro will come with a Magic Keyboard, to the delight of fans from around the world. The new MacBook Pro functions with an Intel 10th Gen processor, and the latest tech will set you back by $1,299. When you look at the specs of the new MacBook, it isn’t a significant leap from the older version. Let us take a look at the latest release and what it will offer loyal fans around the world.
Goodbye Butterfly
The most significant change with this launch is that Apple has finally moved away from their disappointing butterfly keyboard. The keyboard which was met with a lukewarm response on release has been cut from their lineup quite quickly. The announcement for the MacBook Pro with a 16-inch screen came out in November 2019. The last March also saw the release of a new MacBook Air with the Magic Keyboard. Within just six months, the company has switched up their keyboards, replacing the butterfly with the newer scissor-switch consoles. The butterfly came out initially in 2015, as a part of the MacBook.
Changes in Spec
Like with the previous MacBook Pro, the new release also uses four Thunderbolt 3 USB-C connectors, with a headphone jack. Furthermore, the older design model has pulled through as the Touch Bar remains with the Touch ID fingerprint sensor. However, they have added a physical Esc key, which fans desperately found lacking in the older design.
The RAM may go up to 32GB, whereas storage can expand up to 4TB. Also, as per Apple, the 10th Gen processor works at 4.1Ghz, and the Intel Iris supports the Pro Display at 6K resolution. The new screen has a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, which supports True Tone technology. Reports state that the base model comes with an 8th gen Intel i5 chipset. The laptop will come out equipped with the macOS Catalina out-of-the-box.
Storage Capacity Upgrade
The $1,299 model contains 256GB storage, which is 128GB higher than the older models. However, this model does not have the 10th Gen processor and comes with 8GB of RAM. To upgrade to 16GB RAM, users have to pay only $100, which is half of the $200 they charged previously. While there were rumors that the display would be made more prominent, that turned out to be false. The 13-inch screen can go up to 500 units of brightness and also supports the P3 gamut.
Keyboard Switch-Up
The upgraded SSDs have a reading speed of up to 3.0GB/s, which is quite fast. However, as per fans, the most significant change is the fact that Apple has now regularised the new scissor keyboard. All the newer launches of the company now come with this new keyboard. The butterfly keyboard had met with criticism as it was less dust resistant. In the scissor-switch console, keys are linked through interlocking plastic pieces that move like a scissor when pressed. Meanwhile, butterfly keyboards used a hinge to activate the keys. While the Magic Keyboard requires more travel than the older model, it will have less dust stuck in between the keys.
The new model is available for order via the company’s official website as of now. Within a week, it will reach select stores and resellers around the world. Students also get the option of saving $100 on the base model. As per Apple, the new 10th gen processor will provide 80% faster graphics performance, when compared to older models. However, the India sale date has not yet been announced. Furthermore, since the country has entered the third phase 3 of the lockdown, non-essentials may now be delivered in green and orange zones. Therefore, soon enough, the sale of the new MacBook Pro can begin with delivery, having started in some areas.
Being a cinephile with a love for all things outdoorsy, Athulya never misses a chance to chase inspiring stories or poke fun at things, even when the subject is herself. Currently pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, she is someone innately interested in technical and scientific research. Music reviews and op-eds define her as they allow her to explore different perspectives. Though sometimes she thinks she makes more sense playing the guitar than she does while writing.