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Apple updates processors/drops prices on Retina MacBook Pros & 13-inch MacBook Air

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MacBook-Updates-Feb-2013

Apple quietly made some updates to specs and pricing for some of its Retina MacBook Pro lineup. Apple announced today in a press release that it lowered the price of the entry-level 128GB 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro to $1,499 and the 256GB model to $1,699. The models previously sold for $1,699 and $1,999.

Apple also upgraded the processor in the latter model with a 2.6GHz processor (up from 2.5). As for the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pros, Apple said the entry-level model would now come with a faster 2.4GHz quad-core processor. The higher-end model will come with a 2.7GHz quad-core and 16GB of RAM (up from 2.3GHz and 2.6GHz).

Apple also dropped the price of its 13-inch MacBook Air with 256GB to $1,399. That’s discounted from the regular price of $1,499. Apple’s online store doesn’t appear to have been updated to reflect the changes.

13-inch Retina MacBook Pro (128GB)- Now $1,499 (down from $1,699)

13-inch Retina MacBook Pro (256GB)- Now $1,699 (down from $1,999), 2.6GHz processor (up from 2.5)

15-inch Retina MacBook Pro (256GB)- Now a faster 2.4GHz quad-core (up from 2.3GHz)

15-inch Retina MacBook Pro (512GB)- Now a faster 2.7GHz quad-core (up from 2.6GHz), 16GB RAM (up from 8)

13-inch MacBook Air (256GB)- Now $1,399 (down from $1,499)

Evidence in October suggested that Apple would improve production techniques to fix issues with thermal heating and screen ghosting on the Retina MacBook Pros. The upgrades also come after retailers just recently started offering similar discounts on some MacBooks.

Apple’s full press release is below:

Apple Updates Processors & Prices of MacBook Pro with Retina Display

CUPERTINO, California—February 13, 2013—Apple® is making the MacBook Pro® with Retina® display faster and more affordable with updated processors and lower starting prices. The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display now starts at $1,499 for 128GB of flash, and $1,699 for a new 2.6 GHz processor and 256GB of flash. The 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display now features a faster 2.4 GHz quad-core processor, and the top-of-the-line 15-inch notebook comes with a new 2.7 GHz quad-core processor and 16GB of memory. Apple today also announced that the 13-inch MacBook Air® with 256GB of flash has a new lower price of $1,399.

The MacBook Pro with Retina display features the world’s highest resolution notebook display. Whether you’re reading emails, writing text, editing home movies in HD or retouching professional photography, everything appears vibrant, detailed and sharp, delivering an unrivaled viewing experience. The MacBook Pro with Retina display features flash storage that is up to four times faster than traditional notebook hard drives, and delivers improved reliability, instant-on responsiveness and up to 30 days of standby time.

Pricing & Availability
The updated MacBook Pro with Retina display and MacBook Air models are available today through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. Pricing details, technical specifications, configure-to-order options and accessories are available online at www.apple.com/macbook-pro andwww.apple.com/macbookair.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad.

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Avatar for Jordan Kahn Jordan Kahn

Jordan writes about all things Apple as Senior Editor of 9to5Mac, & contributes to 9to5Google, 9to5Toys, & Electrek.co. He also co-authors 9to5Mac’s Logic Pros series.