Apple finally updated the MacBook Pros after over a year (aka a lifetime) in the computer world! And, as luring as those features are – lightning-fast processors, increased RAM, storage configuration and err, quieter keyboard (We asked for dust-proof keyboards, not muted ones!) – none of them leaps out from Apple’s website and makes me scream ‘Shut up and take my money’.
Now, while the MacBook Pro was getting a midsummer update with spec-focused, under-the-hood refresh, the model without the Touch Bar was left to hang dry. The 13 and 15-inch Touch Bar models showed up with a lot of under-the-hood upgrades.
Here’s a breakdown of all things new!
Smarter And Faster 8th-Gen Intel Processor
Both the models come packed with 8th-generation Intel processors. The 15-inch Pro got bumped to current-gen, six core i7 or a Core i9 if you want an absolutely incredible performance. Besides, that quad-core processor is so 2017, with exceptions like the latest 13-inch Pro excluded, of course!
The13-inch Pro was upgraded from dual-core CPUs to an 8th-gen, quad-core i5 and i7 iterations. These upgrades will boost your Mac’s turbo boost score to an unheard of 4.8GHz and will be 70% faster than the previous models. At least that’s what Apple promises.
RAM, Storage and Battery
People working with large files (or a huge movie collection!) will be ecstatic to hear that the RAM has been doubled from 16GB to 32 GB for the 15-inch MacBook Pro. The RAM itself has moved from DDR3 to DDR4, which is faster and allows higher capacities. But here’s the catch!
While it will grant you with increased processing powers, it will also ask for more battery power in exchange. But, Apple being the sweetheart it is, made up for the battery sacrifice by cramming up a bigger battery in the same chassis. While there has been no change in the DDR for the 13-inch Pro, storage capacities for both the models have doubled; from 2 TB to 4 TB in the 15-inch pro and 1TB to 2TB in the 13-inch model.
True Tone Makes An Appearance
For those who haven’t been acquainted with the colorful new feature True Tone – found on the latest phones and iPad Pros – it adjusts the color temperature of the display to match the ambient light. It might seem like a subtle effect, but the fans of Night Shift will agree that the feature makes a noticeable difference — especially if you’re the one who works long hours on a project.
T2 –It’s Smudgement Day
Before you get all starry-eyed … no, it’s not a killing machine from the future made of liquid metal. But, it sure is the future of the fingerprint reading system on chip (SoC). The T2 version, already present in the iMac Pro, comes with extra features like a secure boot path to bypass any tricky malware trying to wriggle their way in during the boot up process. Oh, and for those of you praying for Face ID on Mac, you should’ve prayed harder!
Hey, It’s Siri!
Macs have been endowed with the Apple Smart Assistant since 2016 but sadly; we couldn’t wake her up by just calling out “Hey Siri”. However, for the first time, thanks to the new T2 Tricks, Siri wakes up from her slumber every time you call out to her.
The New(Ish) Keyboard – A Quiet Place
Are those loud, clacking sounds threatening to attract sound monsters? No more! The new MacBook Pros sport the third-gen butterfly keyboard (First seen in the skinny MacBook Pro in 2015). While, it might not be whisper quiet, but it is quiet enough to keep the monsters off your trail, or in this case, your typing. And if you were waiting for a keyboard fix for that ‘speck of dust’ problem … the wait is not over yet!
It’s Time To Sleeve Up
With the launch of the new MacBook Pros comes new leather laptop sleeves. Apple already makes them for the 12-inch MacBook and the new 13-inch and 15-inch models will come in three new colors – Saddle Brown, Midnight Blue, and Black. The sleeve for the 13-inch model will cost approx. Rs. 12500 and the 15-inch cover will cost around Rs. 13700.
Few Things To Consider
Now, before you go on drooling over these MacBook Pros, here’s some fine print!
Know that every upgrade discussed above is only available to the TouchBar versions of the 13-inch and 15-inch models. No upgrades or changes for the 12-inch MacBook, 13-inch MacBook Pro without TouchBar and MacBook Air. Do I hear a sob? Is that the sound of dreams shattering?
Basically, you are stuck with the TouchBar if you want an updated MacBook Pro. And, while I appreciate a quieter keyboard, but it would be great if the ‘third-gen’ keyboards don’t break from specks of dust!
Still tempted to buy one? Impeccable timing, because Citibank is offering a discount worth Rs. 10,000 till July end and Apple is offering student discounts till September. The Indian pricing for the 13-inch MacBook Pro model starts at Rs. 1,49,900 while the 15-inch model starts at Rs. 1,99,900.
But, if you’ve got your eye on a MacBook without the TouchBar, it’s back to the waiting game. The annual iPhone launch in early September 2018 seems to be the obvious choice on the calendar. Happy Waiting!