Apple Launches 2018 MacBook Pros With Coffee Lake, 32GB RAM, True Tone Displays, Third-Gen Keyboard
For the 13-inch model, customers can choose from quad-core Core i5 or Core i7 processors, which have base clocks of up to 2.7GHz and can Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz. These processors feature Intel Iris Plus 655 integrated graphics that incorporate 128MB of eDRAM. For the 15-inch model, Apple is allowing customers to choose from either 6-core Core i7 or Core i9 processors that have base clocks of up to 2.9GHz and Turbo Boost clocks of up to 4.8GHz. In addition to the Intel integrated graphics, 15-inch models also feature a discrete AMD Radeon Pro GPU with 4GB of memory.
According to Apple, the 13-inch MacBook Pros with Touch Bar are up to twice as fast as their predecessors, while the 15-inch model is no slouch with up to a 70 percent increase in performance.
When it comes to storage, the 13-inch MacBook Pro tops out with a 2TB SSD, while the 15-inch MacBook Pro doubles that to 4TB. The displays now support Apple's True Tone technology, and interestingly enough, this support also extends to the Touch Bar.
Apple has included a third-generation keyboard which is said to allow for "quieter typing", although there was no mention made about improving key travel or reliability, which has been a major sticking point with the current MacBook Pro models (and resulted in Apple instituting a costly replacement program). The Apple T2 processor has also been introduced for enhanced security and the ability for MacBook Pro models to respond to the "Hey Siri" voice command instead of having to tap a virtual button on the Touch Bar.
“The latest generation MacBook Pro is the fastest and most powerful notebook we’ve ever made,” said Phil Schiller, Apple’s SVP of Worldwide Marketing. “Now with 8th generation 6-core processors, up to 32GB of system memory, up to 4TB of super-fast SSD storage, new True Tone technology in its Retina display and Touch Bar, the Apple T2 chip for enhanced security and a third-generation quieter keyboard packed into its thin and light aluminum design with all-day battery life, it’s the best notebook for pro users.”
The 13-inch MacBook Pro without Touch Bar soldiers on without any changes and retains its $1,299 price point. The new Coffee Lake-infused 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar and 15-inch MacBook Pro start at $1,799 and $2,399 respectively.
