Apple MacBook Lineup Revamp: Goodbye Function Keys

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by Jeff LochJuly 22^nd, 2019

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Apple quietly just did a MacBook lineup revamp: the MacBook is gone, and there is not any MacBook Pro left without a Touch Bar. Although, they introduced a new entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro, reduced the price of the MacBook Air and cut the costs for the various storage options. Let’s take a closer look.

Image credit: Apple

Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch

Apple has just introduced a new entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar. For the same price, this model replaces the previous 2017 entry-level one that still had function keys.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro lineup. Image credit: Apple

In terms of specs, the new 13-inch MacBook Pro features a Retina display, an Intel Core i5 quad-core processor at 1.4 GHz, 8GB of RAM, a Touch Bar with Touch ID, the T2 chip, and only 128 GB of SSD storage. This base model with two Thunderbolt 3 ports retails for $1299; if you need four Thunderbolt 3 ports, you’ll have to jump to the $1799 model.

Image credit: Apple

Goodbye 12-Inch MacBook

The 12-inch MacBook – also known as just “MacBook” – first introduced in 2015 is now gone. It was the lightest laptop available from Apple, even lighter than the MacBook Air. Also, it was the first Mac to feature the butterfly keyboard. We still don’t know why Apple decided to stop the production of the MacBook, as some users are just looking for a small, compact, fanless, and lightweight laptop.

Image credit: Apple

Apple MacBook Air and Storage Price-Drop

The “old” MacBook Air with a non-Retina display and various ports like the SD card reader is also gone. The new MacBook Air that was announced last year replaces it.

This new 2019 MacBook Air now features a  True Tone Retina Display, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, an Intel Core i5 dual-core processor at 1.6 GHz, 8 GB of RAM, a Touch Bar with Touch ID, and 128 GB of SSD storage. Also, there is a $100 price drop on the base model, which is now $1099.

Last but not least, Apple reduced the prices of the various storage options. Prices are now much more affordable – even if they are still relatively expensive – if you want to jump to a 1 TB SSD on every Mac laptops.

What do you think of these Apple updates? Do you think the Touch Bar is useful? Let us know in the comments!