In 2023, the 13-inch MacBook Pro remains a decent laptop, but it no longer justifies the investment. The base model boasts Apple’s M2 chip, with an 8-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB storage, both of which can be upgraded for an extra cost. For daily tasks and light work, it still performs adequately. However, in the realm of “Pro” laptops, it falls short, especially with the superior offerings like the new MacBook Air and the 14-inch MacBook Pro, which boasts a better screen and the necessary ports for professional users. Despite this, Apple has long touted the 13-inch MacBook Pro as one of its best-selling models, likely due to its more budget-friendly price point.
The 13-inch MacBook Pro may have persisted as a budget-friendly Pro option, starting at $1,299, while the cheapest 14-inch model was $1,999. However, with the recent introduction of the M3 14-inch MacBook Pro at $1,599, the 13-inch model simply no longer fits the equation. This rationalizes Apple’s decision to discontinue this particular MacBook Pro version.