13-Inch Retina MacBook Pro Reportedly Still on Track for 4Q 2012 Launch

CNET reports on comments from DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim, who says that Apple's plans for a 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro remain on track for production during this quarter, suggesting that a launch may come in the near future.

DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim has been telling CNET for a while now that a 13.3-inch Retina version of the MacBook Pro (MBP) is slated for production in the fourth quarter. And today Shim reiterated that he sees no change in those production plans.

What's not clear is when Apple would release the new MacBook. Shim speculates that it would happen after the iPad Mini announcement -- which is expected to be released in the coming weeks -- though he said he has no first-hand knowledge of this.

Shim reiterates that the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro will carry a resolution of 2560x1600, doubling the number of pixels in each dimension over the current model. As with the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro, Apple will presumably offer the new 13-inch Retina model alongside the current non-Retina model at different price points.

macbook pro 15 retina side
Apple's 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro

Several other reports have indicated that production on the new 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro is underway ahead of a launch later this month, with new iMacs also said to be in the works. Retail shortages of the Mac mini may suggest that an update to Apple's entry-level desktop is also coming, although specific rumors about updated Mac mini models have been lacking.

Related Roundup: MacBook Pro

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Top Rated Comments

Mums Avatar
166 months ago
Great - now bring back the 17".

Apple seems to be dropping everything not iToy. I hate to say it, but it's beginning to look like a typical selling out.

Steve Jobs built Apple and rebuilt it again, both times with money from Mac users. Now we're dinosaur liabilities. It's making me hope for the New Geek Messiah to come along (the Anti-Jobs?).
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
The Samurai Avatar
166 months ago
Woop woop for 'Mac' Rumours :D :)
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
puckhead193 Avatar
166 months ago
Well this is nice and all but what about the flacking iMacs and Mac pros :eek
This is starting to get ridiculous :mad:
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
3282868 Avatar
166 months ago
Well this is nice and all but what about the flacking iMacs and Mac pros :eek
This is starting to get ridiculous :mad:
Agreed.

Cue the "This is a post-PC era" and "Apple makes their money from notebooks and mobile devices" comments.

There is money in the professional sect, Apple used to make a great deal of profit from their PowerMac's and CCFL LCD's (and later iMac's). They CHOSE to ignore this segment, and cash in on cheaper iPad's, iPhone's and MacBook's in comparison to their power line not because it isn't profitable, because it isn't AS profitable. Professionals who need the power and have used Apple systems for years are [sadly] leaving for Windows or Unix systems that cater to their needs. Speaking with a former colleague at 1 Infinite, I was disheartened that many agree with the decision to move away from the Mac Pro.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Schmitty11 Avatar
166 months ago
Mac rumor on Macrumors? The world might be ending
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Broojo02 Avatar
166 months ago
If this is true then that would mean Apple is selling 3 different 13" Macbooks, it seems possibly a bit redundant :P
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)