Apple has discontinued the 13-inch MacBook Pro, putting an end to one of the least appealing laptops in Apple’s recent lineup. This also means that the Touch Bar, Apple’s touch-sensitive strip, is no longer available on any MacBook.
During Apple’s Scary Fast event, the company unveiled its family of M3 chips for the new MacBook Pro and iMac computers. Typically, we would expect the entry-level M3 chip to be included in the 13-inch MacBook Pro, but this was not the case.
Instead, Apple introduced this chip in the refreshed 14-inch MacBook Pro, marking the first time this laptop has had anything other than a Pro or Max-branded chip since Apple silicon was introduced in 2020.
As a result, the 13-inch MacBook Pro has been discontinued. Its replacement now starts at a higher price of $1,599 but comes with significant upgrades including a superior Liquid Retina XDR display, double the starting storage, and longer battery life.
With the removal of the 13-inch MacBook Pro, Apple’s laptop lineup is now more straightforward. There is a clear distinction between the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro series, eliminating the confusion caused by the 13-inch laptop which did not fit within either range.
The removal of the 13-inch MacBook Pro also means the end of the Touch Bar, which can no longer be found on any Apple product. Although the Touch Bar had potential, it did not gain enough traction among developers to become a compelling feature.
Ultimately, the discontinuation of the 13-inch MacBook Pro is unlikely to be mourned by many. The MacBook Air provides a similar performance at a lower price, while professionals now have a new 14-inch option to consider. The end of the 13-inch MacBook Pro was long overdue, and Apple’s laptop lineup has finally become clearer.
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