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Apple Preparing to Launch New Ultra-Thin MacBook Pro With Retina Display and USB 3

Posted in Mac, News on 14/05/2012 by J. Glenn Künzler

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As summer approaches (and the release of OS X Mountain Lion), and with most of Apple’s Mac lineup due for a refresh, many are anxiously awaiting the release of new Macs based on Intel’s Ivy Bridge hardware.

A new report has surfaced regarding Apple’s forthcoming MacBook Pro update. According to a source speaking to 9to5Mac, Apple is preparing to release a new 15-inch MacBook Pro with an ultra-thin design, a Retina display, USB 3, and of course, Intel’s Ivy Bridge processors.

Apple is putting the finishing touches on an entirely new 15-inch MacBook Pro that is the outcome of years of research and development in ultra-thin mobile computing and super-high-resolution displays. According to trusted sources in Apple’s supply chain, who have handled prototype components and casings for the new Apple notebook, the computer is currently undergoing test production rounds. The new 15-inch MacBook Pro is coming this summer, and it features an ultra-thin design, a “jaw-dropping” Retina Display, and super-fast USB 3.

In order to make the MacBook Pro even thinner, Apple has removed the optical drive entirely – a move which is unsurprising, considering that the optical drive was removed from the Mac Mini last year, and that Apple is continually moving away from physical media in favor of the Mac App Store and iTunes downloads.

Interestingly, Apple has also eliminated the traditional power button, and has instead placed the power button directly on the keyboard, replacing the eject key. The report also reveals references to NVidia’s GT 650M graphics chip, which may be included in the upcoming MacBooks.

While the report doesn’t provide any details about an expected launch, it’s likely that the release of new Macs will fall in line with the release of OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion.

Apple’s World-Wide Developer Conference will be held from June 11-15, and it is possible that Apple could announce Mountain Lion, as well as new Macs, at the event. We also recently received information to suggest that new Macs, as well as OS X Mountain Lion, could be released this July.

The report cites “trusteed sources” within Apple’s supply chain. It’s worth noting that 9to5Mac has a fairly decent track record for this type of rumor, and the claims within the report  do seem to be fairly credible.

We’ll keep you updated on any new information as it emerges.

Update: Bloomberg has seemingly confirmed this rumor with a report of their own, suggesting that Apple is preparing to launch the new MacBook Pro models at WWDC.

  • http://twitter.com/UlrichDesign Travis Ulrich

    That’s sick! I’m definitely ordering one on Day 1.

  • saintlouisranger

    This all sounds good except for the USB 3 port. IMHO, it is not going to happen, Apple and Intel have put the Thunder Bolt whammy on all of the other Macs… I don’t see Mac users settling for USB 3 speed when T’bolt will give ‘em 10 GBs and monitor/display connection as well… 

    • http://MacTrast.com J. Glenn Kunzler

      USB 3 support is built into all Ivy Bridge chipsets – it’s almost an automatic inclusion.

      • Will Mendez

        I think apple is not going allow that to happen think about.
        Even if it were built in apple would ask to make one chipset
        Without it thats is apple it will affect there image by using USB
        3.0 they want to sell thunderbolt “thats the future”.

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  • myself

    No optical drive… what a bad idea… I have all my software on DVD… I don’t want to buy a external player………… I will keep my old MBP

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  • Me

    No disk drive? I don’t think so. DVD’s are still one of the best ways to transfer data to someone (Internet may be inadequate for certain amount of data, and flash drives are way more expensive than disks). Some users (mainly professionals and students) still use the drive for their projects.
    Thinner? Maybe. Apple would certainly increase their MBP sales due to the portability x power, but would certainly lose LOTS of sales of MBAir: people would have a more powerful computer, almost as thin as MBAir for a better price.
    Higher screen resolution (retina display, maybe)? Maybe. An awesome idea, but battery life would be dramatically reduced, even with MBP’s powerful battery cell
    3 USBs? Certainly! Users (mainly pros) needs more USBs. E.g.: A music producer who have to connect lots of sound tables, synthesizers and all that stuff

  • Darekbarquero

    apple would never do that, its a laptop for pro consumers they use that drive

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J. Glenn Künzler

Glenn is Managing Editor at MacTrast, and has been using a Mac since he bought his first MacBook Pro in 2006. Now he's up to his neck in Apple, and owns an old iBook, a 2012 MacBook Pro, a third-generation iPad, 2 iPhones, and a Mac Mini that lives at the neighbor's house. He lives in a small town in Utah, enjoys bacon more than you can possibly imagine, and is severely addicted to pie.