Last Updated on June 16, 2022 by srinivas
On Friday, June 17, Apple will open pre-orders for the 13-inch MacBook Pro. It’s the first Mac to feature Apple’s next-generation M2 processors, and will follow the redesigned MacBook Air next month. But while it may appear to be a “new” device, the MacBook Pro actually packs in plenty of older features that we thought Apple had jettisoned. So should you buy one? Here are five reasons why you might want to wait.
It is more expensive than the M2 MacBook Air
While Apple hasn’t increased the price of the M2 MacBook Pro, it’s still in a tough spot when it comes to pricing. Starting at $1,299, it’s $100 more than the upcoming MacBook Air with a larger screen and comparable processor (8-core GPU vs 10-core GPU). The MacBook Pro comes with more storage (512 GB vs 256 GB) and a better cooling system, allowing for faster speeds for longer periods of time, although most users probably won’t notice this.
True professionals, however, are probably better suited to the M1 Pro and M1 Max models in the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros. They’re more expensive, of course, but you get more screen, better battery life, and more custom options.
It has Apple’s older design and display
The 13-inch MacBook Pro has long used the same classic design, and there’s really nothing wrong with that. But now that Apple has shaken up the template with the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro and redesigned the MacBook Air, the bulky bezels of the MacBook Pro 13-inch feel downright outdated.
There is also the display. The 13-inch MacBook Pro doesn’t have Apple’s newer Liquid Retina technology, which allows for more colors and rounded corners to match the contours of the design. It’s still a nice screen, but compared to the other Pro models with the XDR and the M2 MacBook Air, it’s not quite as good. Plus, it’s not the smallest in Apple’s lineup since the MacBook Air soared 13.6 inches.
It lacks ports
Apple and discussion about ports go hand in hand, but it would be fair to say that the company’s mea culpa last year saw the reintroduction of an SD card reader, HDMI, and MagSafe on the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros. . has been well received by consumers and professional users.
On the MacBook Pro M2, you don’t get any of those things, though. The M2 model has the same ports as last year: two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Even the M2 MacBook Air has better ports with MagSafe (so you don’t have to use a USB-C port to charge) and support for high-impedance headphones. If you use a docking station with your laptop, that’s no problem of course, but we prefer MagSafe anyway.
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The camera is still 720p
Apple was somewhat mocked for its steadfast commitment to the 720p FaceTime HD camera that has graced Macs for years, but last year saw it finally move with the times and replace it with a 1080p sensor on the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro. . As expected, the M2 MacBook Air also got the better camera hardware, but not the 13-inch MacBook Pro.
Granted, once macOS 13 Ventura arrives, you’ll be able to use your iPhone as a continuity camera webcam, but that’s hardly an excuse to have a terrible webcam in 2022.
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Better models are coming
While there’s always an argument that saving your money will get you a much better product later, that’s traditionally been more of a concern for phone or tablet purchases. Now that Apple’s (almost) all-in Apple silicon and next-generation M2 has arrived, the question will always be whether we should wait a few months for the next round of upgrades.
While we never quite know what the future holds, it seems like a pretty safe bet that another MacBook is on the way soon. There are rumors that a 15-inch model is on the way, as well as an M2 Pro/M2 Max update for the existing MacBook Pro models. That’s something to consider before dropping $1,299 right now.
But… the Touch Bar
Other than the processor, there’s nothing new about the new MacBook Pro. That means it’s still the last MacBook – probably ever – to have a Touch Bar. So if you like it, there is no other model that has it. And honestly, now that we’re no longer on the more expensive MacBook Pros, we’re actually kind of missing it.