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Apple refreshes entire Retina MacBook Pro lineup with improved processors and more RAM standard

Screen Shot 2014-07-29 at 5.17.22 AM

As expected, Apple has pushed out an upgrade to the Retina MacBook Pro lineup. Both the 15-inch and 13-inch models were updated, and two models received price drops.

Each 15-inch model received a modest processor speed bump, starting with a new 2.2 GHz chip in the base model, followed by 2.5 GHz in the upgraded version. The Turbo Boost speeds of each model are now up to 3.4 and 3.7 GHz, respectively. Both of the new models include 16 GB of RAM standard. The graphics processor in the upgraded model is still an NVIDIA GeForce 750M with 2 GB of VRAM.

A built-to-order option for a 2.8 GHz processor is also now available for the 15-inch model, which features Turbo Boost speeds of up to 4.0 GHz.

The 13-inch models have all been upgraded as well, featuring 2.6 GHz i5 processors in the two lower-end models, and a 2.8 GHz chip in the third model, with Turbo Boost speeds of 3.1 and 3.3 GHz. The cheapest of the three machines has also been upgraded from 4 GB of RAM to 8 GB standard.

The storage capacity of the 13-inch models remains unchanged, although a 1 TB built-to order option is now available, as is a 3.0 GHz CPU with Turbo Boost speeds of up to 3.5 GHz.

The new MacBook Pros are priced similarly to the previous models, although the non-Retina 13-inch model got a $100 price drop, as did the higher-end 15-inch. Apple is still reportedly working on a new 12-inch model of the computer for release later this year.

Apple Updates MacBook Pro with Retina Display

CUPERTINO, California—July 29, 2014—Apple® today updated MacBook Pro® with Retina® display with faster processors, double the memory in both entry-level configurations, and a new, lower starting price for the top-of-the-line 15-inch notebook. MacBook Pro with Retina display features a stunning high-resolution display, an amazing design just 0.71-inches thin, the latest processors and powerful graphics, and up to nine hours of battery life, delivering unbelievable performance in an incredibly portable design.* Apple today also lowered the starting price of the non-Retina 13-inch MacBook Pro, a very popular system with Windows switchers, by $100 to $1,099.

“People love their MacBook Pro because of the thin and light, aluminum unibody design, beautiful Retina display, all day battery life and deep integration with OS X,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “The MacBook Pro with Retina display gets even better with faster processors, more memory, more affordable configurations and a free upgrade to OS X Yosemite this fall.”

The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display features dual-core Intel Core i5 processors up to 2.8 GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.3 GHz and 8GB of memory, up from 4GB in the entry-level notebook. The 13-inch model can also be configured with faster dual-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 3.0 GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.5 GHz. The top-of-the-line 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display has a new, lower starting price of $2,499. The 15-inch model features faster quad-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 2.5 GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.7 GHz, 16GB of memory, up from 8GB in the entry-level notebook, and can be configured with quad-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 2.8 GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 4.0 GHz.

iLife® and iWork® come free with every new Mac®. iLife lets you edit your favorite videos with iMovie®, create new music or learn to play piano or guitar with GarageBand®, and organize, edit and share your best shots with iPhoto®. iWork productivity apps, Pages®, Numbers® and Keynote®, make it easy to create, edit and share stunning documents, spreadsheets and presentations. iWork for iCloud® beta lets you create a document on iPhone® or iPad®, edit it on your Mac and collaborate with friends, even if they are on a PC.

OS X® Mavericks, the world’s most advanced operating system, also comes free with every new Mac. With more than 200 features, OS X Mavericks is designed for ease of use while taking full advantage of the powerful technologies built into every Mac, including core technologies designed specifically for notebooks to boost performance and improve battery life. This fall, Mac users will be able to download OS X Yosemite, a redesigned and refined version of OS X, with a fresh, modern look, powerful new apps and amazing new continuity features that make working across your Mac and iOS devices more fluid than ever. OS X Yosemite will be available as a free download from the Mac App Store℠.

Pricing & Availability
MacBook Pro with Retina display and MacBook Pro are available today through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers. The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display is available with a 2.6 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.1 GHz, 8GB of memory, 128GB of flash storage and Intel Iris graphics starting at $1,299 (US); with a 2.6 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.1 GHz, 8GB of memory, 256GB of flash storage and Intel Iris graphics starting at $1,499 (US); and with a 2.8 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.3 GHz, 8GB of memory, 512GB of flash storage and Intel Iris graphics starting at $1,799 (US). Configure-to-order options include faster dual-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 3.0 GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.5 GHz, up to 16GB of memory and flash storage up to 1TB.

The 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display is available with a 2.2 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.4 GHz, 16GB of memory, 256GB of flash storage and Intel Iris Pro graphics starting at $1,999 (US); and with a 2.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.7 GHz, 16GB of memory, 512GB of flash storage, and Intel Iris Pro and NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M graphics starting at $2,499 (US). Configure-to-order options include faster quad-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 2.8 GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 4.0 GHz and flash storage up to 1TB.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro is available with a 2.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.1 GHz, 4GB of memory, Intel HD Graphics 4000 and a 500GB hard drive starting at $1,099 (US).

Additional technical specifications, configure-to-order options and accessories are available online at www.apple.com/macbook-pro.

*The Wireless Web protocol testing was conducted by Apple in July 2014 using preproduction MacBook Pro with Retina display configurations. Battery life and charge cycles vary by use and settings. For more information visit www.apple.com/macbook-pro/features-retina.

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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Comments

  1. Lee (@leemahi) - 10 years ago

    Alright. So if I wanted a Retina MacBook bootcamped with Windows and I wanted to play say, Evolve or Battlefield Hardline at 60 fps normal settings, should I buy the most expensive one? At what point does it not make a difference in gaming? I had for a couple years a 2010 MacBook 15” and I had to play skyrim on low settings.

    • John (@jrgibson1) - 10 years ago

      Lee.

      Buy the best your budget can afford.
      All parts are now soldered to the motherboard so you won’t have the opportunity to upgrade anything in the future.

      Keep this in mind when buying/ordering your new computer.

      I bought a new MBP just under two weeks ago, and I am hoping that I can have it replaced with one of these.

      • borntofeel - 10 years ago

        Why did you buy a MBP now? A simple search would have shown you that an update was imminent.

      • proudappleuser - 10 years ago

        Did you buy it from Apple? If so, you are good to go to either exchange it OR get the difference refunded to you since the older model went down in price. Apple’s refund policy is quoted as 14 days but in my experience they have always stretched it to 30 when a new product drops. They are really flexible and that’s why I buy from them.

    • Nesho Lubarda (@Nesho83) - 10 years ago

      Lee,
      Why don’t you just purchase a windows machine instead of a MAC since, by the sound of things, you are interested in only the gaming side of things.

    • Alvyn K Augustine - 10 years ago

      Even if you get the most expensive Macbook Pro, you wont get high/ultra settings without lagging. That’s not what MBP are used for. But if you insist, an i7 (iris gen), Nvidia 750M (the current graphic card they have), 8GB RAM and 1TB SSHD should be optimal. Just a suggestion from a fellow Bootcamp user.

    • Mike Beasley - 10 years ago

      Hey Lee, I own the most expensive model (previous generation) with the 1 TB hard drive, 16 GB RAM and GeForce 750M 2 GB. The only difference between mine and the new ones is a 200 MHz CPU speed bump, which honestly isn’t that big of a deal either way.

      I’m able to run stuff like Titanfall and Watch Dogs without a hitch. Can get mid-high settings on Titanfall with no issue, and even though the computer doesn’t technically meet the minimum requirements for the very demanding Watch Dogs, I’m able to run it on low-mid settings without a problem at 720p (1080p seems to be a bit of a different story though).

      I had the Battlefield Hardline beta but I never even got around to installing it before it expired, so I can’t speak to how well that’ll run, but Battlefield 3 runs just fine (I know that’s 3 years old now, but it’s the closest thing I can approximate to Hardline).

      My previous computer was also a 2010 15″ MacBook Pro, and I can tell you right now this new one is a big step up in terms of gaming on Boot Camp. While it’s not going to be anywhere near as powerful as a dedicated gaming rig, it’ll do nicely for casual gaming.

      As for what the others have said about getting a dedicated PC, that’s true if you’re not planning on using the computer for anything else. I use my MacBook for a lot of stuff, so it makes sense to have a machine that can do everything I need plus run most games. If you need an all-purpose machine, I recommend the MacBook Pro. If you’re only interested in gaming, stick with a gaming PC.

      Either way, enjoy!

  2. And still over priced….

    • mpias3785 - 10 years ago

      That depends on your point of view. To most Mac users, not having to deal with Windows is priceless. I’ve beeb a Windows user since v2.0 and I honestly ever had the slightest temptation to use a Windows machine at home.

    • ameadows252 - 10 years ago

      Listen man, I’m a huge Android fan, but am also a Macbook owner (I have no dog in any fanboy fight). No macbook is “overpriced.” The quality and consistency with which a macbook operates is worth the price. You’re getting a premium device for a premium price. I have a three year old PC with specs that are double that of my macbook, but it runs like shit now compared to my three year old Macbook, which still runs as great as the day I bought it. I understand that you see the high price of a Macbook as “overpriced” but until you own one, and discover how much sturdier the build quality is, and how streamlined the day to day operations are, you won’t understand how their overall quality justifies the expense for most people.

      • Gregory Wright - 10 years ago

        Build quality isn’t the issue. PC manufacturers make a computer for every budget. The biggest difference between the Mac and a comparable equipped PC is OSX. With a PC you will, I repeat will get a virus. That’s what slows down PCs and all users. My 15″ Mid-2012 Macbook Pro w/Retina Display still runs like it is new. No slow downs whatever. On a PC you can run any program you want. Whereas the Mac (OSX) is more restrictive in what commands can be executed. Overpriced? Lets just say I’m willing to pay more for machine that does not get viruses. One can make the argument that Apple’s profit margins are a bit excessive.

    • I would be very interested in seeing a comparably built and spec’d laptop from a windows OEM at a cheaper price point. Keep in mind: build quality and battery life are extremely important to me. I’d also like it to be worth at least 40% of it’s MSRP in 3 years when I go to upgrade.

      Can you point me to a non-Apple laptop that meets those requirements? I’m genuinely curious, as I certainly wouldn’t mind saving some coin, and I’m not against going back to Windows (I use both interchangeably at work and at home)

      • Gregory Wright - 10 years ago

        You will have to do your own research to find a comparably built and spec’d PC laptop. I’ve had my Macbook Pro w/Retina 1 month short of two years. Before that, I own and used a 2010 Gateway 6910 desktop. Like Macs, PCs have come a long way since 2010 and I have not followed their progress. As to resale value, PCs will never carry the resale value of a Mac. Apple has done a great job at cultivating a loyal Mac following. There is a mystique that comes with owning a Mac. The metal chassis is associated with quality whereas the PC’s plastic body connotes lesser quality even though the body of a computer has nothing to do with performance. Some associate Mac’s higher price with quality when the reality is the extra cost reflects Apple’s insistence on achieving a 37% profit margin. As indicated, for me, OSX seals the deal.

      • Andrew Maloney - 10 years ago

        David, why not have a look at Gigabyte’s Aorus series of laptops. The X3 and X3 plus are both amazing spec machines and can really extend out similar battery life to a Macbook in non GPU intensive tasks. They’ll likely underperform with battery life when comparing GPU intensive tasks as you have a GTX870M vs GTX750M, but the Aorus is a much faster option that can throw out amazing quality and frame rates in demanding games.

  3. mpias3785 - 10 years ago

    So the 13″ MBPs still aren’t available with quad core processors. Apple basically sells the light and efficient MacBook Air, the middle of the road 13″ MacBook Pro and the top of the line 15″ MacBook Pro.

    Apple should just drop the word “Pro” from the 13″ models to avoid confusion since they’re clearly not in the same class as the 15″ quad cores.

    • Stetson - 10 years ago

      It’s more like Intel doesn’t offer a quad core CPU that would work well in the 13″. The closest is a 35W model but it has low end integrated graphics. Apple chose the 28W dual core instead which has better graphics and less power usage.

      • mpias3785 - 10 years ago

        Some of us would prefer to sacrifice battery life for better performance on a more portable unit. My point is that Apple recreated the middle of the road MacBook line without changing the name. The latest Mactracker has yet to be updated, but look at the 13″ Geekbench numbers between the 15″ and 13″ from the prior generation: 13287 vs 7899. The 13″ isn’t Pro level.

      • Stetson - 10 years ago

        It’s not just battery life, but thermal capacity. To have the same quad core CPU with Iris Pro that the 15″ has, the 13″ would have to be significantly thicker.

        The 13″ Pro has had a dual core CPU with lower thermal headroom since it was introduced in 2009. It’s nothing new.

      • mpias3785 - 10 years ago

        I guess I’m recalling the days when a 15″ MBP could be spec’d the same as a 17″ MBP. Somehow I have trouble seeing a 15″ laptop having significantly better heat dissipating capabilities than a 13″ model since just a small area near the screen tends to get significantly warmer when doing video conversions and other processor intensive tasks. Recall that the iCores will throttle down when the processor temperature gets to a certain point. (Try the Intel Power Gadget to verify this).

        I’m going to head over to iFixit.com and have a close look at the 13″ and 15″ MBP’s heat sinks, motherboards and cases. I don’t dispute your reasoning, maybe the 15″ is just large enough to handle the heat load.

        BTW, google Intel Power Gadget, it’s a really nice utility that tracks temperature and real clock speed among other parameters.

      • mpias3785 - 10 years ago

        @Stetson
        Ah, I see. One fan, tiny heat sink. I won’t be holding my breath for a quad core.

        Still, does it deserve the “Pro” moniker?

  4. andyinbristol - 10 years ago

    So I bought a new MBP 15′ retina display with 8GB ram for £1699 less than seven days ago. What are the chances of returning and re-ordering do we think?

    • mpias3785 - 10 years ago

      Good. And make sure you get the 16 GB, you won’t be sorry.

    • proudappleuser - 10 years ago

      Read my post post above.

    • b9bot - 10 years ago

      If you bought it from an Apple Store you have 14 days to return or exchange without any restocking fees. This is a standard policy from Apple so you shouldn’t have any problem exchanging it.

    • andyinbristol - 10 years ago

      Hi guys, thanks for your comments.

      I have spoken with Apple this afternoon who have sent a courier for this one so I can have a replacement of the new variety next week! One happy camper!

    • Steve Cotner - 10 years ago

      where on earth did you find a 15 foot retina display?

  5. Alfie Scenna - 10 years ago

    Canadian prices actually went up by C$50.00 on all retina models and there was no price reduction on the non-retina MacBook Pro.

    • Glad, I bought mine before this change. It’s $200 more to the top of the line rMBP in Canada.

    • hungarianhc - 10 years ago

      Looks like Vancouverians need to drive to Bellingham to get their laptops and gas!

  6. Toby! (@TrashGoblin) - 10 years ago

    I’ll just be crying over in the corner with the unicorns, dragons, fairies, and updated Mac mini.

    • This. So much this. Maybe it’ll be part of the new product lineup they keep teasing. A major refresh whose design matches the Mac Pro somewhat?

      Ahh, who am I kidding . . .

    • I think the reason why Apple is taking so long is because they’re waiting for the fanless Intel Broadwell chips. I think they’re really pushing for a major re-design. Something super-thin, about Apple TV sized. That being said, they may also be waiting for SSDs to become cheaper.

      • Umm. Just checked and it’s still got USB 3.0, good processors, cheap upgradeable ram. I know it’s almost been two years. However, it’s not an awful machine. I think they’ll upgrade it at WWDC next year. The Broadwell chips will be out by then and unless they hold a special event for it in spring, that’s Apple first event of the year.

  7. aeronperyton - 10 years ago

    Not a Wow! update, but a nice one all the same. Apple is slowly but steadily continuing to grow more aggressive in pricing. The best part is that the refurbished 13″ 2013 Retina MacBook Pro in the Apple Store has now dropped to a grand.

  8. Don Beattie (@donbeattie) - 10 years ago

    Great! Now where is my 17 inch Retina MacBook Pro?

    • mpias3785 - 10 years ago

      I expect one is coming. A retina 17″ would be a 4K (or better, depending on the aspect ratio) display and would fit nicely into the line.

  9. Alex Wright - 10 years ago

    I’m surprised none of these articles mention that the hard drive size is no longer a configurable option for the two lower end 13″ models. If a 128 gb hard drive doesn’t work for you, you are “forced” to step up to the next model instead of being able to add a bigger drive.

    Also, kind of surprised they still offer Aperture in the customize menu considering development is ending and will be transitioned to the new photos app.

    • mpias3785 - 10 years ago

      There’s always the possibility of a 3rd party upgrade. OWC has been good for that.

    • Stetson - 10 years ago

      I remember that in some previous generations they would launch them with limited customization options and then expand them later once production was ramped up. Might be the case here.

  10. scumbolt2014 - 10 years ago

    Complain about price all you want Apple Haters. In the last 6 years my wife has gone through 3 PeeCee laptops, the last of which crapped out a couple days ago. At 400 plus a pop that adds up to one MacBook she’d still be using.

    • scumbolt2014 - 10 years ago

      And I’ve only factored in money. Factoring in time and data lost using a windowz machine the MacBook is actually much less expensive.

      • Andrew Maloney - 10 years ago

        You are comparing apples with oranges here. You can’t compare a $1,200 unit to a $400 unit. I have an 8 year old HP workstation at home that hasn’t missed a beat, and it was a similar price to a Mac Pro upon release.

        Buy yourself a similar quality laptop and you should expect the same.

  11. Sanjay Kasi (@sanjaykasi) - 10 years ago

    What’s the exact processor number (e.g. i7-4700MQ) of the 2.5 GHz processor?