While it’s not a deal-breaker by any means, the MacBook Air features Bluetooth 4.2 while the Pro notebooks feature Bluetooth 5.0. If you’re about to make the switch to a modern MacBook and don’t have one already, you’ll want to pick up a USB-C hub of some sort to keep compatibility with legacy USB-A and other devices. Now USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 are the only ports offered on Apple’s MacBooks outside of the 3.5mm headphone jack. When the previous generation MacBook Air was still around there was a range of I/O going on with Apple’s notebook lineup. MacBook Air and MacBook Pro specs comparison Here’s a detailed look at how these specs stack up.
Notably, Apple also significantly lowered its SSD upgrade prices with these latest changes. The latest 13-inch MacBook Pro comes with a quad-core 8th gen i5 processor while the base 15-inch MacBook Pro features a 9th Gen Intel 6-core chip. And the Touch Bar now comes on all MacBook Pro models.Īs for processors, the MacBook Air is the only MacBook that comes with a dual-core processor. RAM, processor, storage, and moreīoth the 2019 MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro come with Touch ID and that also means the whole MacBook lineup now features Apple’s T2 security chip. If you’re starting a specific college program or a new job and are on the fence, check in with the appropriate IT department or similar authority. In most cases (not all) if you’ve got a workflow that requires the power of a MacBook Pro, you’ll know. you’ll likely be fine with the MacBook Air. Note: If you’re not sure how much computer power you need and will be doing basic tasks like word documents, browsing the web, playing music, watching YouTube, etc. Meanwhile, the base 13-inch MacBook Pro (previously the non Touch Bar model) has gained the Touch Bar, Touch ID, True Tone display, and updated 8th-gen Intel quad-core processor for the same $1,299 price ( $1,199 for education customers).įor reference, we’ve included the 15-inch Macbook Pro that was just updated in May in the comparisons below. Not only has the MacBook Air been updated after its major refresh last October with a True Tone display, but Apple has also cut its price by $100, for a new starting price of $1,099 and $999 base price for students and teachers. This year, buyers won’t have to decide between saving money by going for an outdated MacBook Air design or spending the extra cash on a MacBook Pro. In past years, Apple’s MacBook updates haven’t always coincided with its Back to School promotion. While the simplification of its notebook offerings may make it easier for consumers to decide which MacBook is the best fit, many 12-inch MacBook users are feeling disappointed as the machine was killed off without any direct replacement (it is still being sold by Amazon and other retailers while stock remains).
Whether you’re looking to pick up a new Mac for school, work, or general use, read on for a detailed look at how the new MacBook lineup compares.Īpple’s shakeup of the MacBook line came as the company kicked off its Back to School promotion for education customers (free Beats headphones in addition to the standard education discount pricing). You can also use CleanMyMac X to remove malware, unwanted pop-ups, and virus extensions.Īfter launching updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro notebooks yesterday, Apple also pared down its lineup by discontinuing the 12-inch MacBook and previous-generation MacBook Air.
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