13” MacBook Pro with Retina Display Could Debut Alongside iPad Mini

Apple wasn't fooling anyone when it neglected to give its 13-inch MacBook Pro model the same Retina Display facelift that the 15-inch model received. Let's face it, Apple loves staggered release schedules, partly to build up hype to a particularly product or technology. We all know it's only a matter of time before the 13-inch model gets the same Retina Display upgrade as its larger 15-inch sibling, and if the latest reports are accurate, Apple will roll it out the same time as the rumored iPad Mini device.

That information comes from 9to5Mac, which in turn was tipped off by "a consistently reliable source at a high-profile U.S. retailer." According to the un-named but apparently reliable source, the new 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display will sport a thinner and lighter chassis, just like the 15-inch version that launched four months ago.

15" MacBook Pro
Apple is getting ready to introduce a 13" MacBook Pro with Retina Display, just like its existing 15" model shown above.

There will be two configurations to choose from, with varying processor and storage options. Both will cost more than the non-Retina Display versions, which currently go for $1,199 (2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5, 4GB 1600MHz memory, 500GB 5400 RPM hard drive) and $1,499 (2.9GHz Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB 1600MHz memory, 750GB 5400 RPM HDD). As an additional point of reference, the price difference between 15-inch MacBook Pro models with and without Retina Displays breaks down as follows:
  • $1,799: Non-Retina Display with 2.3GHz processor, 4GB 1600MHz memory, 500GB HDD, GeForce GT 650M GPU
  • $2,199: Non-Retina Display with 2.6GHz processor, 8GB 1600MHz memory, 750GB HDD, GeForce GT 650M GPU
  • $2,199: Retina Display with 2.3GHz processor, 8GB 1600MHz memory, 256GB SSD, GeForce GT 650M GPU
  • $2,799: Retina Display with 2.6GHz processor, 8GB 1600MHz memory, 512GB SSD, GeForce GT 650M GPU

It's all speculation at this point, but the 13-inch model with Retina Display will probably debut at around $1,499, if we had to venture a guess.