Apple updates its 13-inch MacBook Pro with Magic Keyboard and double storage

The 13-inch MacBook Pro is entitled to a refresh with the 10th generation Intel Core i5 chip and storage capacities between 256 GB and 4 TB.

The press release issued on 4th May 2020 by Apple around the 13-inch MacBook Pro ends weeks of speculation and rumors of all kinds. While many commentators announced a new 14-inch MacBook Pro, the big news of the day concerns the elimination of its controversial butterfly keyboard. The news did not really surprising in light of Apple's recent policy on keyboards like its new Magic Keyboard which has been on its new MacBook Air since March, but it is already starting to generate many reactions online.

Apple has updated its 13-inch MacBook Pro by adding the latest 10th generation Intel processors for certain models and doubling the basic storage capacity for all and for the same price as the previous generation. 

13-inch MacBook Pro(2020): Price

The entry-level MacBook Pro 2020 at 1,499 euros ($1,624.91) now has 256 GB of SSD instead of 128GB on the Macbook pro 2019, the mid-range model at 1,749 euros($1,895.85) goes from 256 GB to 512 GB and the configuration high-end at 2,379 euros ($2,578.75) goes from 512 GB to 1 TB, with a 10th generation Core i5.

The Magic Keyboard

On the two high-end models, the storage option can go up to 4 TB (against 2 TB on the previous generation) for an additional 1,500 euros. It should be noted that the 13-inch entry and mid-range MacBook Pro remain on the 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor. On the other hand, all the models benefit from the new Magic Keyboard which already equips the 16-inch MacBook Pro and the 13-inch MacBook Air which was given a makeover last March.

The Magic Keyboard and improved scissor mechanism is a major selling point. The keys are higher, their travel and the touch they provide are significantly more satisfactory than the old version.

Apple, therefore, seems to have forgotten its much-criticized keyboard and now offers a MacBook Pro with the following features:

• 13.3-inch Retina display with 2560x1600 resolution

• 256 GB storage capacity

• Apple T2 Security Chip

• macOS Catalina + classic applications (Safari, Mail, Photos, Pages, Numbers, etc.)

• Faster 16 GB memory at 3733 MHz is now available as standard on select models, and for the first time on a 13-inch Mac laptop, customers can choose a 32 GB memory option. 

Double the RAM and storage

If the power is there, Apple also has a good idea to double the amount of RAM available by default. The 8 GB are therefore replaced by 16 GB of LDDR4X at 3733 MHz. This basic doubling results in a doubling of the ceiling of the maximum amount of RAM. Here again, Apple promises gains of up to 50% for editing gigapixel images in Photoshop.

As with MacBook Air, the amount of SSD storage has also been doubled. The first model now has 256 GB of base space, while the total maximum is increased to 4 TB, against 2 TB previously.

Ah, and then, to finish on the configuration, no, these MacBook Pro will not be the first Apple laptops to be compatible with Wi-Fi 6. We will always have to settle for Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).

Another change in size, the new Magic Keyboard continues its conquest of the range of laptops from Apple. The butterfly keyboard so comfortable but so unreliable therefore takes its bow. Fortunately, the Retina screen remains relevant. It is given for brightness of 500 nits and still benefits from the P3 color gamut, directly from the world of cinema.

Of course, the Touch Bar, the Touch ID button and the touchpad with Force Touch are always there too.

Key points

1. The MacBook Pro 13 2020 offers an Intel 10th generation processor option for the two highest configurations.
2. All models double their basic storage capacity for the same price as the previous generation. 
3. All current MacBooks now have the new Magic Keyboard. Yes, it means the butterfly keyboard is officially dead.
4. The 13-inch MacBook Pro family now offers up to the 10th generation of quad-core Intel Core processors with Turbo Boost speeds of up to 4.1 GHz.
5. The 13-inch MacBook Pro now offers twice the storage capacity of the previous generation, with standard storage ranging from 256 GB to 1 TB, allowing customers to store even more photos, videos, and files.
6. The Magic Keyboard has a redesigned scissor mechanism with a keystroke of 1 mm for a feeling of comfort and stability. The new inverted "T" layout of the arrow keys makes them easier to find when users search for information on spreadsheets or play games. Magic Keyboard also has a physical escape key, as well as a touch bar and a touch identification function.

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Overall, the new MacBook Pro seems to be a modest refresh from the 2019 version, aside from the new Magic Keyboard. It is interesting to note that this update comes at a time when rumors of major new products are becoming more pressing each time because of the brand's potential in terms of processors.

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