While the MacBook Air is tremendously popular, some users need a little bit more. More performance, a bigger battery, more ports, a larger screen…if you need more, you need a MacBook Pro.
Before you spend all that money (often upwards of $2,000) on something you hope to keep and use for years, it’s worth asking if this is a good time to buy. In the world of computers, there’s always something better on the way, but if it’s a lot better and it’s coming soon, you might want to wait.
Updated 06/16/22: Now that the 13-inch MacBook Pro is getting an upgrade to the M2 processor, its time to re-evaluate our recommendations.
13-inch MacBook Pro: Pricing and specs
Released: June 2022
At WWDC in June 2022, Apple announced that the 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro would get a processor upgrade to the M2. You’ll be able to order on on June 17, and they’ll ship on June 24.
The M2 MacBook Pro is identical to the M1 model in every way other than the processor (and its maximum supported RAM of 24GB, instead of 16GB). It has the same lackluster webcam, the same silver clamshell aluminum body, the same keyboard, the same limited port selection.
This is Apple’s most affordable MacBook Pro, starting at $1,299. The newer 14-inch MacBook Pro is similar in size, but has a much more powerful M1 Pro or M1 Max chip, mini-LED HDR display with ProMotion, more ports, MagSafe, an SD card slot, full size function row keys, and more. However, it starts at $1,999.
13-inch MacBook Pro: Why you should buy
The M2 chip in the MacBook Pro is a good bit faster than the M1 it replaces, and that was already quite a lot faster than the comparable Intel chip in this particular MacBook Pro. Apple sells the 13-inch MacBook Pro starting at $1,299 but you definitely want to get at least the $1,499 version with a 512GB SSD, and it may be worth upgrading the memory to 16GB since it can’t be upgraded later.
The main reason to buy this particular MacBook Pro model is if you’re too price-conscious for the newer 14-inch MacBook Pro, but are willing to pay a premium over the M2 MacBook Air for the addition of the Touch Bar. This is the last Mac to feature the Touch Bar.
13-inch MacBook Pro: Why you should wait
At the same time Apple upgraded this MacBook Pro to the M2, it introduced an all-new MacBook Air. It starts at $1,199, and the $1,499 model has similar specs to the MacBook Pro (8 core CPU, 10-core GPU, 512GB SSD). Only the MacBook Air is thinner, lighter, comes in more hues, and has a slightly larger display at 13.6 inches. It also has a much better webcam and the MagSafe charging port, which helps keep one of its two Thunderbolt ports free. It will be available in July, just a few weeks after the M2 MacBook Pro. There’s not much reason to get the 13-inch MacBook Pro over that, unless you really need the Touch Bar.
Even if you don’t want to wait, there are probably better choices in the MacBook lineup. If you want a high-end MacBook, the 14-inch MacBook Pro is a much better choice. Yes, the starting price is a lot higher, but you get a killer HDR ProMotion display, a much faster M1 Pro or M1 Max processor, higher RAM and storage options, more Thunderbolt ports, HDMI, SD Card slot, MagSafe charging… it’s just a much nicer laptop by every measure.
Macworld recommends: BUY, but consider alternatives
If you really want this version of the MacBook Pro, now is the time to buy (as soon as it goes on sale). It’s not going to get upgraded again for at least a year, and it’s the last Mac you can get with the Touch Bar if that matters to you.
But we think most users will be happier with either equal performance but superior features of the upcoming M2 MacBook Air (just a few weeks away) at the same price, or the much better performance and features of the 14-inch MacBook Pro, if you’re willing to spend more.
Author: Jason Cross, Senior Editor
I have written about technology for my entire professional life - over 25 years. I enjoy learning about how complicated technology works and explaining it in a way anyone can understand.