Apple updates the MacBook Pro with more power under the hood

Apple MacBook Pro image by Apple

Apple recently unveiled updates to the company's 13 and 15-inch MacBook Pro models, with updated Intel CPUs, new RAM and storage options, True Tone screens, a new T2 sub-processor for security and encryption and hands-free Siri.

The now infamous keyboard is said to be quieter, but still isn't dust resistant. 

According to a recent post by CNET, "The 15-inch Pro moves from older quad-core processors to current-gen, six-core Core i7 and Core i9 parts. The 13-inch Pro moves from dual-core CPUs to eighth-gen, quad-core i5 and i7 models. For the 15-inch MacBook Pro, people who work with lots of large files will be pleased to hear that the max RAM has been doubled, from 16GB to 32GB. The RAM itself moves from older DDR3 memory to newer DDR4. You can find a little background on types of DDR RAM on Wikipedia, but the upshot is that DDR4 is faster and allows for higher capacities, but can also use more power, potentially lowering battery life. 

To make up for this, the new MacBook Pros have a larger battery, crammed into the same chassis. Apple says the combination of faster RAM and a larger battery should be a wash, with no change to real-world battery life.

Storage capacities have been doubled as well, from 2TB to 4TB in the 15-inch and from 1TB to 2TB in the 13-inch. MacBook Pros keep the current starting prices of $1,799 (13-inch) and $2,399 (15-inch)."