Apple has unveiled the updated MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro , two machines that almost deliver what users have been asking for. However, alongside the inclusion of the Touch Bar on all Pro models, the most striking change is the discontinuation of the 12-inch MacBook. Yes, a machine that made little sense from the start.
New MacBook Air and Macbook Pro
A few weeks ago, we discussed the possibility of an upcoming refresh of Apple laptops. Several models had been registered , and everything seemed to indicate that they would be updates to the 13-inch MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air. And indeed, that's what happened.
Let's start with the new MacBook Air. In this revision, the device adds True Tone technology to its Retina display. As is already known, this provides a more natural viewing experience by allowing the color temperature to adapt to the ambient light. However, it does take some getting used to at first.
In terms of specifications, the device remains virtually unchanged with a dual-core Intel Core i5 processor at 1,6 GHz, 128 or 256 GB of SSD storage (configurable up to 1 TB), 8 GB of RAM configurable up to 16 GB, Intel UHD 617 GPU, and the rest of the features already seen in its previous version.
The new 13-inch MacBook Air is priced at €1249 and €1499 depending on the configuration. However, it will be offered with discounts as part of the Back to School promotion.
The new 13-inch MacBook Pro has benefited the most, but we still don't quite understand Apple's decisions—or do we? From now on, the first change you'll notice is that all models include the Touch Bar , an addition that not everyone appreciates, and if it weren't for the advantages offered by the Apple T2 chip, it would be much harder to justify.
The other major change is inside; they've finally added quad-core processors. The problem is that the base model's clock speed is far too low. The eighth-generation Intel CPU used runs at 1,4 GHz . It's true that it reaches 3,9 GHz via Turbo Boost, but they could have at least opted for a 2,0 or 2,2 GHz processor. Oh well, typical Apple stuff that only they understand. Even so, we'll trust that its performance will be better than what we can currently expect.
Two other aspects that they do not seem to have heard, despite multiple requests from users, is the inclusion of more USB ports and an SSD storage unit that starts with 256GB. Well nothing, basically you will only have two USB C and a 128 GB SSD that begins to sound like laughter.
Regarding price, the 13-inch MacBook Pro range now starts at €1.499 and reaches €2.249 for the standard configurations. With customization options, the price can increase significantly.
Along with the new laptops, Apple has also discontinued the 12-inch MacBook . This model was difficult to justify when it was first introduced, as it focused on ultra-portability that didn't really differ much from what the 13-inch MacBook Air or Pro offered at the time.
Now, after the last renovation and design of the Air model, it lost even more meaning within the Mac catalog. For this reason, Apple eliminating it and stopping selling it is a move that could be expected at some point.
And that's it! With this and the return of Apple's "Back to School" promotion , if you buy a Mac or iPad you can get a pair of Beats headphones . Hey, they might not offer the most satisfying sound for you, but considering the cost of Macs, it's a pretty welcome gift.