13-Inch Retina MacBook Pro Is Already In Production, Launch Likely This Fall [REPORT]

Prior to this year’s WWDC keynote, it was widely presumed Apple would add a Retina display to each of its MacBooks, as well as possibly the iMac. Of course, considering history, we should have been wise to Apple’s plan; Include the Retina in one model, add a couple of extra perks, and slap an extortionate price tag on it, and see how many consumers can resist until said features are added across the board.

Apple makes a habit of holding features back – both software and hardware-based – in order to coax consumers into opting for the flagship. The same trick was pulled with Siri and the iPhone 4S, so while there’s only one Mac – the thinner, lighter MacBook Pro – boasting a Retina display, it seems a foregone conclusion that come 2013, most, if not all Macs will offer the super-sharp screens.

First to be inducted into the pixel-dense hall of fame will be the 13-inch MacBook Pro, currently reported as being in production. According to NPD DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim, the 13-inch iteration should be ready for release this Fall. With a 2560×1600 pixel display apparently being manufactured by Samsung, LGD, and Sharp, one would heavily suspect it could arrive alongside the iPad mini, which is thought to be dropping sometime in October.

"The supply chain indications are that it’s for a MacBook Pro 13.3 – not a MacBook Air," said Shim. The current 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display is way too big for those travelling frequently, and as such, many MacBook users are waiting for something new to surface before considering an upgrade. Indeed, Shim also noted that the number of units being produced is considerably in excess of the 15.4-inch display, and it stands to reason the smaller iteration will sell in bigger numbers.

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There’s no news on when the MacBook Air will be getting its very own Retina upgrade, although the anticipation is certainly high. With resource consumption increased dramatically by the Retina display (particularly on the battery), the super-svelte notebook will arguably present the largest challenge for the fruit company.

A MacBook Air with Retina display – along with the iMac – are both expected to surface early next year.

We can’t wait.

(via CNet)

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