The MacBook Pro 13- and 15-inch summer update gives the laptops updated Intel CPUs and new RAM, but their keyboards are only getting a slight noise tweak.
These updates relate to the 13- and 15-inch models that feature Apple’s Touch Bar secondary displays. Along with more RAM and updated Intel CPUs, these models are getting more storage options, True Tone screens, a new T2 subprocessor for more security and encryption, and hands-free Siri.
Though Apple is adding all this to these models, the company hasn’t fixed the controversial butterfly keyboard — which is known to stick due to dust and debris.
Upgraded to the New 8th-Gen Intel Processors
The 15-inch MacBook Pro is being upgraded to offer current-gen, Six-core Core i7 and Core i9 processors. As for the 13-inch Pro, its dual-core CPU is being upgraded to eighth-gen, quad-core i5 and i7 models.
These MacBook Pro Models Up Their RAM and Storage
Apple’s doubled the RAM on the 15-inch MacBook Pro from 16GB to 32GB, at the same time updating from DDR3 memory to DDR4. DDR4 memory means faster speeds and higher capacities along with more power.
This, however, could mean that battery life also drains more quickly. Apple, in turn, has added a larger battery to compensate.
Storage capacities additionally have been upgraded from 2TB to 4TB for the 15-inch and 1TB to 2TB for the 13-inch.
A Slightly Quieter, yet Still Sticky, Keyboard
If you were hoping that Apple would fix its MacBook Pro keyboard dust problem — an issue that involved dust or debris making keys stick — then you will be disappointed. The new models of the MacBook Pro will still have this problem, but they’ll be slightly quieter.
Apple’s flat keyboards often make noisy clacking sounds when used. So, the company has slightly modified the keyboards so they’ll be quieter. Cnet.com, however, reports the keyboards are still somewhat noisy: “Giving it a quick typing test, it wasn’t whisper-quiet, but it did lack the sharp click of the previous design.”
Apple’s actually been sued a couple of times for their sticky keyboards, being accused of making defective keyboards. So it’s been an ongoing problem and one Apple’s yet to fix.
Pricing
The 13- and 15-inch have retained their current starting prices of $1,799 and $2,399. Go to apple.com for more info.