Apple Updates MacBook Pro with New Intel Chips, Redesigned Keyboards

Apple is finally refreshing the MacBook Pro line with 8th-generation Intel CPUs, and everything is about to get much faster.

According to a new Apple press release sent to IIC, the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models with Touch Bar are adding new features designed specifically for professionals, as well as state-of-the-art components, including updated Intel CPUs, new RAM and storage options, True Tone screens, a new T2 subprocessor for security and encryption and hands-free Siri. The controversial butterfly keyboard, meanwhile, is getting tweaked a bit — but it won’t be completely overhauled.

“The latest generation MacBook Pro is the fastest and most powerful notebook we’ve ever made,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “Now with 8th-generation 6-core processors, up to 32GB of system memory, up to 4TB of super-fast SSD storage, new True Tone technology in its Retina display and Touch Bar, the Apple T2 chip for enhanced security and a third-generation quieter keyboard packed into its thin and light aluminum design with all-day battery life, it’s the best notebook for pro users.”

As is standard for Apple laptop upgrades, the new 13-inch and 15-inch models overlap in some ways, while the larger model boasts superior overall performance. Both computers have been updated to Intel’s eighth-generation Intel Core processors, with the new 13-inch MacBook Pro offering quad-core Intel Core i5 and i7 chips with up to 16GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage.

By comparison, the 15-inch model offers six-core Core i7 and Core i9 chips, with up to 32GB of RAM and a maximum 4TB of SSD storage. While the smaller machine uses Intel’s Iris Plus 655 integrated graphics, the larger one offers Radeon Pro 555X or 560X configurations, with the ability to fall back to Intel UHD Graphics 630 to conserve power.

The entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro model without the TouchBar is unchanged for now, as is the rest of the Mac lineup, including the 12-inch MacBook, MacBook Air, and desktop Macs.

Along with the updated MacBook Pro 2018 models, Apple also introduced today new leather sleeves for MacBook Pro owners. Available in Black, Midnight Blue, Saddle Brown, the new leather sleeves fit both the MacBook Pro 15-inch and 13-inch models. They offer extra protection to your MacBook thanks to the high-quality leather and soft microfiber lining.

The new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro 2018 models are available for purchase starting today from Apple’s online store with prices starting at $2,399 CAD and $3,199 CAD, respectively.

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