Apple to Unveil 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro With Unchanged Design Next Month, Claims Original MacBook Pro 'Notch' Leaker

Apple will next month debut its latest M2 Apple silicon processor in a refreshed 13-inch MacBook Pro model that will have no major design changes, according to a previously reliable source with close links to Apple's supply chain.

13 inch macbook pro m2 mock feature 2
Based on the new information seen by MacRumors, the upcoming 13-inch MacBook Pro retains the same design as the current version, including the Touch Bar, but unlike the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, it will not have a notch or a ProMotion display, contrary to some rumors.

If so, that means the headline difference in the new entry-level MacBook Pro model will be the new M2 chip, which features the same number of CPU cores as the ‌M1 processor‌, up to 10 graphics cores, and improved performance.

The above details were relayed by the original source of last year's last-minute MacBook Pro notch rumor that MacRumors was first to report on. In October 2021, we reported that the same leaker said the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models would have a redesigned display with a central notch for the webcam, but no Face ID.

That left-field claim, appearing seemingly out of nowhere and so close to Apple's fall "Unleashed" event, turned out to be completely accurate, and the new redesigned MacBook Pro models were unveiled the next week with the controversial camera housing centered at the top of the screen.

The latest 13-inch MacBook Pro rumor also lines up with a DigiTimes report that appeared last week claiming Apple will launch its first MacBook Pro with second-generation M2 chip at its spring event.

DigiTimes' supply chain sources also claimed that except for the processor, most other components used in the new MacBook Pro will feature almost the same specs as those for the existing model featuring M1 chips, seemingly corroborating the latest rumor.

Well-connected Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman recently said Apple's intention is to release an updated entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro with ‌M2‌ chip in 2022, but this was generally assumed to mean that the machine would appear later in the year, after Apple finishes releasing its final Macs with M1 Pro and M1 Max chips.

Notably, in contrast to the latest rumor, Gurman said he believes Apple will remove the Touch Bar on the new 13-inch machine, although he too expects the notebook will lack a ProMotion display.

Either way, we should know for sure in just a few weeks' time. Apple is working on several new Mac computers to be released this year, and Gurman has suggested the rumored spring event on Tuesday, March 8 will include the launch of "at least one" new Mac. Apple is also expected to introduce new iPhone SE and iPad Air models, which are both believed to feature an A15 chip and 5G support.

Related Forum: MacBook Pro

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Top Rated Comments

HeavenDynamic Avatar
48 months ago
I don't see the point of this product. The entry-level Mac is the MacBook Air and a lower-end Pro device is just confusing people.
Score: 83 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Chrisgroom Avatar
48 months ago
I know I'm in minority, but I think the Touch Bar is great. Maybe they are continuing to develop and improve.
I have never liked function keys.
Score: 52 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ProfessionalFan Avatar
48 months ago
It is interesting how things flipped. The Touch Bar was only on the higher end model before and now it is only on the lower end model.
Score: 36 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Reason077 Avatar
48 months ago
Strange that they can't just take out the Touch Bar. After all they used to make a 13" Pro without it. Having real function keys would make it more appealing for a lot of Pro buyers.

Also seems strange to still be making just one model with a Touch Bar, when everything else has moved on?
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
danmaldesign Avatar
48 months ago
I thought we were done with the TOUCH BAR
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
azentropy Avatar
48 months ago
Weird choice. I still think the better move is to get rid of the 13” MBP, the “Air" refresh would just be called MacBook, add a 15” version of it soonish, and keep the current MBA form factor as an entry level.

Something like this…

~ $999 13” MBA (M1 maybe even $899, then back to $999 with M2)
~ $1299 13” MacBook in new form factor using M2
~ $1499 15” MacBook in new form factor using M2
~ $1999 14” MBP
~ $2299 16” MBP
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)