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Key Takeaways of 2018 MacBook Pro vs. 2017 MacBook Pro

Apple today introduced new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar models (https://www.macrumors.com/2018/07/12/apple-launches-2018-macbook-pro-lineup/), now available to order (https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/macbook-pro) from its online store.





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As with any new product launch, there is a wealth of information to sift through, so we've created a list of key takeaways about the 2018 MacBook Pro lineup, particularly as it compares to the 2017 MacBook Pro lineup.


<ul><li>2018 MacBook Pros feature eighth-generation Intel Core processors. Apple says the 15-inch model is <strong>up to 70 percent faster (https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/)</strong>, and the 13-inch model is up to two times faster, than the equivalent 2017 models with seventh-generation Intel Core processors in benchmarks.

15-inch models can now be maxed out with a 2.9GHz six-core Core i9 processor, while the previous generation topped out at a 3.1GHz quad-core Core i7. <strong>Quad-core 13-inch models</strong> with the Touch Bar are now available, up to 2.7GHz, while 2017 models were dual-core up to 3.5GHz.




<li>15-inch models have much-requested <strong>support for up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM</strong>, compared to 16GB of LPDDR3 RAM on 2017 models, accommodated by a <strong>10 percent increase in the battery</strong>'s watt-hour rating (https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/specs/). Overall battery life remains up to 10 hours per full charge.




<li>AMD's Radeon Pro graphics cards now come with 4GB of GDDR5 memory standard on 15-inch models, while 13-inch models now have 128MB of embedded DRAM, compared to 64MB on 2017 models.




<li>2018 MacBook Pros have an <strong>Apple T2 chip with "Hey Siri" support (https://www.macrumors.com/2018/07/12/2018-macbook-pro-hey-siri/)</strong>, versus an Apple T1 chip in 2017 models. The T2 chip integrates several previously separate components, including the system management controller, image signal processor, audio controller, and SSD controller.




<li>Apple now offers <strong>doubled SSD storage capacities</strong> of up to 2TB for 13-inch models and up to 4TB for 15-inch models, compared to up to 1TB for 13-inch models and up to 2TB for 15-inch models in 2017.




<li>2018 MacBook Pros now feature <strong>True Tone displays</strong>, including the Touch Bar, on 13-inch and 15-inch models. Like the latest iPhone and iPad displays, the white balance automatically adjusts to match the color temperature of the light around you for a more natural viewing experience.




<li>2018 MacBook Pros now feature an "<strong>improved third-generation keyboard for quieter typing</strong>," but they still use butterfly switches, and it's unclear if the new keyboard addresses the issues with sticky, repeating, or unresponsive keys (https://www.macrumors.com/2018/07/12/2018-macbook-pro-quieter-keyboard/) that prompted Apple's new service program (https://www.macrumors.com/2018/06/22/apple-macbook-pro-keyboard-repair-program/).




<li>2018 MacBook Pros feature <strong>Bluetooth 5.0</strong>, up from Bluetooth 4.2. 802.11ac Wi-Fi remains unchanged.




<li>2018 MacBook Pro models have the <strong>same overall design and I/O</strong> as their 2017 equivalents, with four Thunderbolt 3 ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, Space Gray or Silver finishes, and so forth. 13-inch model still weighs three pounds, and 15-inch still weighs four.




<li>2018 MacBook Pros also have <strong>unchanged display resolutions</strong> of 2880×1800 for 15-inch models and 2560×1600 for 13-inch models.




<li>13-inch models start at $1,799 and 15-inch models start at $2,399 in the United States, the <strong>same pricing as 2017 models</strong>. However, configure-to-order prices top out higher (https://www.macrumors.com/2018/07/12/ultimate-macbook-pro-costs-7000-dollars/), primarily due to larger storage options.




<li>13-inch MacBook Pro models without the Touch Bar were not refreshed today.</ul>MacRumors will have continued coverage of the new MacBook Pro lineup throughout the week, so keep checking back.

<div class="linkback">Related Roundup: MacBook Pro (https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/macbook-pro/)</div><div class="linkback">Buyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now) (https://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#Retina_MacBook_Pro)</div>
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Source: Key Takeaways of 2018 MacBook Pro vs. 2017 MacBook Pro (https://www.macrumors.com/2018/07/12/2018-macbook-pro-vs-2017-macbook-pro/)