Last Updated on June 16, 2022 by srinivas
While the MacBook Air is hugely popular, some users need something more. More performance, a bigger battery, more ports, a bigger screen…if you need it Lakeyou need a MacBook Pro.
Before you spend all that money (often over $2,000) on something you hope to keep and use for years to come, it’s worth asking if now is a good time to buy. In the world of computers, there’s always something better on the way, but when it’s one lot better and it’s coming soonyou may want to wait.
Updated 06/16/22: With the 13-inch MacBook Pro getting an upgrade to the M2 processor, it’s time to re-evaluate our recommendations.
13-inch MacBook Pro: Prices and Specifications
Released: June 2022
At WWDC in June 2022, Apple announced that the 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro would receive a processor upgrade to the M2. You can order on June 17, 2022 and they will ship on June 24.
The M2 MacBook Pro is identical in every way to the M1 model, except for the processor (and the maximum supported RAM of 24 GB, instead of 16 GB). It has the same matte webcam, same silver clamshell aluminum case, same keyboard, same limited port selection.
This is Apple’s most affordable MacBook Pro, starting at $1,299. The newer 14-inch MacBook Pro is similar in size, but has a much more powerful M1 Pro or M1 Max chip, mini-LED HDR display with ProMotion, more ports, MagSafe, an SD card slot, full-size function row keys, and Lake. However, it starts at $1,999.
13-inch MacBook Pro: Why You Should Buy
The M2 chip in the MacBook Pro is a lot faster than the M1 it replaces, which was already a lot faster than the comparable Intel chip in this particular MacBook Pro. Apple sells the 13-inch MacBook Pro starting at $1,299, but you’ll definitely want to get at least the $1,499 version with a 512 GB SSD, and it may be worth upgrading the memory to 16 GB, as it won’t be available later. can be upgraded.
The main reason to buy this particular MacBook Pro model is if you’re too price-conscious for the newer 14-inch MacBook Pro, but are willing to pay more than the M2 MacBook Air for the addition of the Touch Bar. This is the last Mac with the Touch Bar.
13-inch MacBook Pro: why you should wait
At the same time, Apple upgraded this MacBook Pro to the M2 and introduced an all-new MacBook Air. It starts at $1,199, and the $1,499 model has similar specs to the MacBook Pro (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 512GB SSD). Only the MacBook Air is thinner, lighter, comes in more shades and has a slightly larger screen at 13.6 inches. It also has a much better webcam and the MagSafe charging port, which helps keep one of the two Thunderbolt ports free. It will be available in July, just a few weeks after the M2 MacBook Pro. There’s not much reason to get the 13-inch MacBook Pro over that, unless you For real need the Touch Bar.
Even if you don’t want to wait, there are probably better choices in the MacBook range. If you want a high-end MacBook, the 14-inch MacBook Pro is a much better choice. Yes, the starting price is a lot higher, but you get a great HDR ProMotion display, a much faster M1 Pro or M1 Max processor, more RAM and storage options, more Thunderbolt ports, HDMI, SD card slot, MagSafe charging … it’s just a much nicer laptop in every way.
Macworld recommends: BUY, but consider alternatives
If you really want this version of the MacBook Pro, now’s the time to buy it (once it goes on sale). It certainly won’t be upgraded again for a year, and it’s the last Mac you can get with the Touch Bar if that’s important to you.
But we think most users will be more satisfied with either the same performance but superior features of the forthcoming M2 MacBook Air (just a few weeks away) at the same price, or the much better performance and features of the 14-inch MacBook Pro. , if you are willing to spend more.