Apple’s 13-inch non-Retina MacBook Pro looks to be close to end of life because the company is pulling it from retail displays, and it’s unavailable in some locations. Once the 13-incher is gone, the MacBook Air will be the only non-Retina laptop Apple sells, and none of its computers will ship with an internal optical drive.
The non-Retina 13-inch MacBook Pro was introduced in June 2012. Aside from an updated processor and the addition of USB 3.0, has remained essentially unchanged. It’s also the only computer Apple sells with an optical drive, and the only laptop that comes standard with a spinning hard drive instead of SSD storage.
Apple hasn’t been promoting the lower resolution model, and even relegated it to little more than a footnote between the environmental statement and accessory options on the MacBook Pro tech spec comparison webpage. Phasing out a product in store often means a refresh is coming, but in this case it’s more likely Apple is finally ditching the non-Retina screen from its Pro laptop lineup.
The quiete demise of the legacy MacBook Pro model was first noted by Apple Insider, and The Mac Observer’s checks with several Apple retail stores confirmed the computer started disappearing from the show floor about a week ago. There isn’t any official word on why the laptops are gone, and store employees weren’t given any explanation, either.
Apple is expected to introduce redesigned MacBook Pro models later this year, so clearing out the computer that doesn’t fit the product lineup will free up space and resources for what’s to come. The new 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro is expected to look like a big MacBook, and offer multiple Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C ports, a touch sensitive OLED display strip instead of function keys, may offer Touch ID, and will sport a big processor upgrade.
The MacBook Pro refresh release window hasn’t been narrowed down beyond “later this year,” although some rumors are targeting September—and if you really need an optical drive it’s time to start shopping for an external model.