13-Inch Retina MacBook Pro Reportedly Still on Track for 4Q 2012 Launch

CNET reports on comments from DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim, who says that Apple's plans for a 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro remain on track for production during this quarter, suggesting that a launch may come in the near future.

DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim has been telling CNET for a while now that a 13.3-inch Retina version of the MacBook Pro (MBP) is slated for production in the fourth quarter. And today Shim reiterated that he sees no change in those production plans.

What's not clear is when Apple would release the new MacBook. Shim speculates that it would happen after the iPad Mini announcement -- which is expected to be released in the coming weeks -- though he said he has no first-hand knowledge of this.

Shim reiterates that the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro will carry a resolution of 2560x1600, doubling the number of pixels in each dimension over the current model. As with the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro, Apple will presumably offer the new 13-inch Retina model alongside the current non-Retina model at different price points.

macbook pro 15 retina side
Apple's 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro

Several other reports have indicated that production on the new 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro is underway ahead of a launch later this month, with new iMacs also said to be in the works. Retail shortages of the Mac mini may suggest that an update to Apple's entry-level desktop is also coming, although specific rumors about updated Mac mini models have been lacking.

Related Roundup: MacBook Pro

Popular Stories

Alleged iOS 19 Icons Front Page Tech

iOS 19 Leak Reveals Alleged New Design With Rounder App Icons, Floating Tab Bar, and More

Monday April 7, 2025 3:13 pm PDT by
YouTube channel Front Page Tech is back today with another video that provides a closer look at iOS 19's alleged design changes. The video contains re-created renders of iOS 19, which are allegedly based on real footage of the software update, provided by sources within Apple. Overall, iOS 19 is expected to have a more glass-like, visionOS-inspired design, with added translucency for user...
iPhone 17 Pro 3 4ths Perspective Aluminum Camera Module 1

iPhone 17 Pro's New Rear Camera Bar 'Same Color As Rest of Device'

Monday April 7, 2025 2:09 am PDT by
Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Pro models will feature a redesigned rear camera panel that spans the width of the device, but it will be the same color as the iPhone itself, rather than being part of a two-tone design. That's according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, the reporter says the iPhone 17 Pro won't have a two-toned back, as some renders have...
iphone 16 pro colors 1

Is Now the Time to Upgrade Apple Devices Before Tariffs Lead to Price Increases?

Friday April 4, 2025 3:41 pm PDT by
If you have an older Apple device that you've been considering upgrading, you're probably wondering how the newly announced tariffs might impact prices going forward, and whether it's worth buying now before there's a price hike. Given analyst and economist responses to the tariffs, market panic, and Trump's stance on the current financial chaos, the answer is that making a purchase...
iphone x front back

Apple Planning 'Bold' New 20th Anniversary Design for 2027 iPhone Pro

Monday April 7, 2025 2:46 am PDT by
Apple is preparing a "major shake-up" for the iPhone's 20th anniversary in 2027, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. iPhone X released in 2017 for 10th anniversary Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman says that Apple plans to launch a foldable iPhone alongside a "bold" new iPhone Pro model that makes more extensive use of glass. Could this mean Apple plans to realize former...
iPhone Assembly

Trump Believes Apple Could Manufacture iPhones in the U.S.

Tuesday April 8, 2025 12:08 pm PDT by
U.S. President Donald Trump "absolutely" believes that Apple could manufacture its iPhones and other devices in the United States, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said today during a media briefing. Leavitt was asked whether Trump thought that iPhone manufacturing is the kind of technology that could move to the U.S. "Absolutely, he believes we have the labor, we have the workforce, we have ...
iOS 19 Mock WWDC25 Feature

iOS 19 Expected to Run on These iPhones

Monday March 31, 2025 5:28 pm PDT by
iOS 19 will not be available on the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, or the iPhone XS Max, according a private account on social media site X that has accurately provided information on device compatibility in the past. The iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max all have an A12 Bionic chip, so it looks like iOS 19 will discontinue support for that chip. All other iPhones that run iOS 18 are expected...
iPhone 17 Pro 3 4ths Perspective Aluminum Camera Module 1

5 Biggest Changes Rumored for iPhone 17 Pro

Tuesday April 8, 2025 2:38 am PDT by
Later this year, Apple will introduce the iPhone 17 series, which includes the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 17 Pro Max, two new high-end flagship devices that will be sold alongside the regular iPhone 17 and an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air. If you have been holding out for the iPhone 17 Pro or its bigger sibling, here are five of the biggest changes, informed by the latest reports and...

Top Rated Comments

Mums Avatar
163 months ago
Great - now bring back the 17".

Apple seems to be dropping everything not iToy. I hate to say it, but it's beginning to look like a typical selling out.

Steve Jobs built Apple and rebuilt it again, both times with money from Mac users. Now we're dinosaur liabilities. It's making me hope for the New Geek Messiah to come along (the Anti-Jobs?).
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
The Samurai Avatar
163 months ago
Woop woop for 'Mac' Rumours :D :)
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
puckhead193 Avatar
163 months ago
Well this is nice and all but what about the flacking iMacs and Mac pros :eek
This is starting to get ridiculous :mad:
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
3282868 Avatar
163 months ago
Well this is nice and all but what about the flacking iMacs and Mac pros :eek
This is starting to get ridiculous :mad:
Agreed.

Cue the "This is a post-PC era" and "Apple makes their money from notebooks and mobile devices" comments.

There is money in the professional sect, Apple used to make a great deal of profit from their PowerMac's and CCFL LCD's (and later iMac's). They CHOSE to ignore this segment, and cash in on cheaper iPad's, iPhone's and MacBook's in comparison to their power line not because it isn't profitable, because it isn't AS profitable. Professionals who need the power and have used Apple systems for years are [sadly] leaving for Windows or Unix systems that cater to their needs. Speaking with a former colleague at 1 Infinite, I was disheartened that many agree with the decision to move away from the Mac Pro.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Schmitty11 Avatar
163 months ago
Mac rumor on Macrumors? The world might be ending
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Broojo02 Avatar
163 months ago
If this is true then that would mean Apple is selling 3 different 13" Macbooks, it seems possibly a bit redundant :P
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)