In a somewhat unexpected (but very welcome) move, Apple updated the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro in early July 2019. This update brought the Touch Bar and 8th-generation Intel processors to the base version, bringing it in line with Apple’s other MacBook Pro models. Better yet, this all happened without an increase in price — the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro still starts at $1,299, making it a really enticing option.

In addition to the updated processors, the entry level 13-inch MacBook Pro now features Touch Bar with Touch ID, T2 Security Chip for enhanced security and “Hey Siri” support, True Tone display, and an updated butterfly keyboard. 

The updated 8th-generation Intel processors offer more cores for more processing power and better efficiency and the addition of the Touch Bar with Touch ID offers increased productivity. 

The entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro offers two Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports.

Earlier Updates to the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro Models: 

Earlier this year, Apple updated the other 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models. The outer design remains largely the same as previous MacBook Pro versions, but Apple did add a couple of important improvements and upgraded many of the internal components so it could provide a more powerful computer. You can buy these models whenever you want, with the updated 13-inch starting at $1,800 and the 15-inch model starting at $2,400.

All of the new MacBook Pro models use the latest Intel processors, introducing an 8-core option for the 15-inch MacBook Pro for the first time. While the 15-inch models use 6 or 8-core 9th-generation chips, the 13-inch MacBook Pro models are equipped with quad-core 8th-generation chips.

Apple says the new 8-core 15-inch MacBook Pro offers two times faster performance than a quad-core MacBook Pro and 40 percent faster performance than a previous-generation 6-core MacBook Pro.

The other major change to the MacBook Pro concerns the keyboard, which is now using an upgraded butterfly mechanism made from new materials. Apple says this updated keyboard will significantly cut down on key failures that have been prominent in prior MacBook Pro models.

Up to 32GB RAM is available in the 15-inch MacBook Pro, while the 13-inch model maxes out at 16GB. An OLED Touch Bar with Touch ID continues to be included along with a larger Force Touch Trackpad.

The higher-end 13-inch models and all 15-inch models feature four Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports.

Sources: 
Digital Trends
Apple Insider