Retina MacBook Pro Models Updated with Faster CPU and More RAM

Jul 29, 2014 - 6 Comments

Retina MacBook Pro models

Apple has updated the entire Retina MacBook Pro lineup with spec bumps, including faster processors and more RAM as standard options.

8GB of RAM is now standard for all 13″ Retina MacBook Pro models, which come with dual-core i5 CPU’s starting at 2.6 GHz, while 16GB of RAM is now standard for the Retina 15″ models, which include quad-core i7 CPU’s starting at 2.2 GHz. Prices for all MacBook Pros with Retina displays remain the same, with the 13″ model beginning at $1299 and the 15″ starting at $1999.


The updated MacBook Pro models qualify for the 2014 Back to School promotion available to students, which includes discounts on hardware and a $100 gift card to the Apple Store.

Those interested in reviewing or buying a new Retina MacBook Pro will find them in Apple Store locations, and available to ship within 24 hours from the Apple Online Store.

Despite the update, it’s worth pointing out that MacRumors speculates todays refresh is a “stopgap measure” until Intel’s more powerful next-generation processors are available next year:

Today’s minor refresh is primarily a stopgap measure until Apple can launch a more significant update to its Retina MacBook Pro line once Intel’s next-generation Broadwell processors hit the market. Broadwell chips appropriate for the MacBook Pro may, however, not arrive until mid-2015.

Thus, if you’re looking to upgrade MacBook Pro hardware but you’re not on a particularly urgent timeline, it may be wise to wait until next year to get more bang for your buck.

Finally, the base model MacBook Pro 13″ which lacks a Retina display received a small price drop, but given the significant improvements offered by the base model Retina 13″ model, the Retina model is generally better recommended.

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Posted by: Paul Horowitz in News

6 Comments

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  1. Ed says:

    I’m surprised we can’t get more memory on the macbook pros.

    • paul says:

      It would be great to have 32GB as the maximum, perhaps with next years revisions that’ll be possible. For power users who are the ones buying the MBP, 8GB of RAM is really too little for OS X these days… 16GB and an SSD is quite nice though, 32GB would be even better.

  2. apo says:

    So its still not clear wheter there will be cpu`s upgrade for the macbooks this year? I dont know, but have there been minor upgrades like these, at this time of year? I mean if they are going to release new hardware soon, they wouldnt make minor upgrades right?

    • paul says:

      The major CPU upgrade will almost certainly come middle of next year when Intel releases their new chips. This refresh will probably be the last update until summer of 2015, but that’s just a guess. Apple usually works on a once-a-year hardware cycle, so keep that in mind.

  3. Joe says:

    When is Apple going to stop supporting Intel graphics chips? They’re not always supported by 3D games and modeling apps. I have a feeling it’s cheaper then Nvidia or ATI but the price you pay, you should get a decent graphics chip.

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