Apple Expands Build-to-Order Configuration Options on Retina MacBook Pro [Updated]

Apple today quietly expanded the available configuration options for the Retina MacBook Pro, now offering a full slate of individual upgrade options on the base model that starts at $2199. Previously, customers who opted for the base model were locked into a 2.3 GHz Core i7 processor and 256 GB of flash storage, with the only configurable onboard option being a $200 RAM upgrade from 8 GB to 16 GB. Customers looking to boost either the CPU or storage were required to step up to the high-end $2799 model, which offers both a 2.6 GHz i7 processor and 512 GB of storage, with additional upgrades beyond that.

Apple is now offering all available upgrades on the low-end model, giving customers full control over their configuration needs. For example, users who want to upgrade storage on the low-end model can now do so with 512 GB ($500) and 768 GB ($1000) standalone options that do not also require an upgraded CPU. Similarly, users interested in boosting the base 2.3 GHz CPU to the 2.6 GHz chip can now do so on the base model for just $100 without having to step up the full $600 to the high-end model with both CPU and storage upgrades.

retina macbook pro full customization
Apple continues to quote 1-2 week shipping estimates for the Retina MacBook Pro as the company continues to try to keep up with demand.

Update: Some readers have noted that selection of the new CPU and storage options on the low-end model does not seem to register with the online store system. Typically, changing options results in live updating of the price and shipping estimates during the configuration process, but changes to the CPU and storage are not having that effect. Consequently, customers are unable to place orders with these new custom configurations on the low-end model.

Update 2: Within minutes, Apple has now pulled the new configuration options entirely, once again leaving RAM as the only available onboard hardware upgrade for the low-end model.

Update 3: There are now conflicting reports on whether or not the new options have been pulled. Many readers are reporting still seeing the options and are able to add the configurations to their shopping carts, while others viewing the same pages are not seeing the new options.

Update 4: The new configuration options are now appearing more consistently, and Apple has also added the ability to have individual iWork apps preinstalled. With the move to the Mac App Store, it is not difficult for users to obtain the apps on their own, but some customers will undoubtedly prefer to have their machines as ready to go as possible upon delivery.

Related Roundup: MacBook Pro

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Top Rated Comments

DarlokDC Avatar
165 months ago
Anyone else annoyed this comes after they ordered their base level rRMBP w/upgraded RAM? Definitely would've bumped the processor at those prices, too. :(
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WannaGoMac Avatar
165 months ago
Steve Jobs would never allow this to happen

lol, sorry someone had to say it :)
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Ryth Avatar
165 months ago
Still needs a 2GB GPU/Card on this thing...

Anyone else annoyed this comes after they ordered their base level rRMBP w/upgraded RAM? Definitely would've bumped the processor at those prices, too. :(
That's why you always wait on something this new...
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
paulro Avatar
165 months ago
$1000 for a 768GB SSD upgrade ???

Unbelievable price!

In the UK, SSDs seem to be hovering around the 50p/Gig mark currently.

So if you buy from Apple, you're paying $1.30 per gig and losing the stock drive in the process.

EDIT: Just looked at the UK site and it's £800 for the 768GB upgrade. So only double what I'd expect to pay at £1.04 per gig. Bargain!!
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
maxwelltech Avatar
165 months ago
Early adopters are kind of ripped.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
KnightWRX Avatar
165 months ago
Options. Nice.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)