Apple updates 13-inch MacBook Pro with Magic Keyboard, more storage

Apple has announced a new 13-inch MacBook Pro to match with 2020 standards. The hardware update replaces the Butterfly keyboard with the Magic Keyboard, which debuted on the 16-inch MacBook Pro last year.

The 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro packs an 8th-generation Intel processor for the standard variant, like the previous generation. The high-end variant levels up with a 10th-generation Intel processor, 2.3GHz quad-core Intel i7 chip with Turbo Boost up to 4.1GHz. There’s also up to 80 percent faster graphics performance, thanks to the latest Intel Iris Plus Graphics.

Apple has doubled the base storage of the new MacBook Pro, with standard storage starting at 256GB that can go up to 4TB. For the first time ever, the 13-inch MacBook Pro can now hold up to 32GB of RAM, which was limited to 16GB in previous generation. Apple is using faster 3733MHz LPDDR4X memory for 16GB and 32GB RAM variants while the base configuration continues to have 8GB 2133MHz LPDDR3 memory.

One major change in the updated 13-inch MacBook Pro is the Magic Keyboard. The redesigned scissor mechanism with 1mm of key travel and an inverted-“T” arrangement for the arrow keys makes the Magic Keyboard a better choice over the Butterfly keyboard. There’s also a physical Escape button along with Touch Bar and Touch ID.

Apple switched to the Magic Keyboard on the MacBook Air back in March, after it first launched the keyboard on the 16-inch MacBook Pro last year. This means the Butterfly keyboard is no longer available on any Mac notebook that Apple is currently offering. Given how much people love the Magic Keyboard compared to the Butterfly one, it’s about time Apple made the switch.

The new 13-inch MacBook Pro models are available to order on Apple’s website and in the Apple Store app. Pricing starts at $1,299 in the United States, with availability later this week.