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Apple's MacBook Pro gets a performance spruce up; MacOS Mojave coming soon
Fri, 13th Jul 2018
FYI, this story is more than a year old

Apple's MacBook Pro is getting a spruce up with new 8th-generation Intel Core processors, which means that the popular notebooks can deliver even more performance improvements.

The 15-inch model is fitted with a six-core processor which can drive a 70% performance improvement, while the 13-inch model features a quad-core processor with up to two times faster performance.

Why do people need these improvements? Apple says they're ideal for “manipulating large data sets, performing complex simulations, creating multi-track audio projects, or doing advanced image processing or film editing”.

Apple is heavily targeting developers with its new releases, stating that developers can easily compile code faster, run multiple virtual machines and test environments.

One of the most notable additions to the updated MacBook Pro models is the Apple T2 chip, which delivers system security, support for secure boot and on-the-fly encrypted storage. It also brings ‘Hey Siri' to the Mac.

“The latest generation MacBook Pro is the fastest and most powerful notebook we've ever made,” says Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, Philip Schiller.

“Now with 8th-generation processors up to 6-core, up to 32GB of system memory, up to 4TB of super fast SSD storage, new True Tone technology in its Retina display and Touch Bar, the Apple T2 chip for enhanced security and a third-generation quieter keyboard packed into its thin and light aluminium design with all-day battery life, it's the best notebook for pro users.

Some of the more aesthetic features include an updated for quieter typing, Retina Display with True Tone technology, and updates to the Touch Bar that offer a ‘more natural experience'.

The updated 13-inch Macbook Pro models with Touch Bar are available for NZ$2999.

The updated 15-inch Macbook Pro models with Touch Bar are available for NZ$3999.

They will be available through Apple's online store and through select Apple Authorised Resellers lateer this week.

Apple's latest macOS is coming this spring

MacBook Pros will soon be updated to macOS Mojave, slated for this spring.

In macOS Mojave, a new Dark Mode transforms the desktop with a dramatic new look that puts the focus on user content.

The new Stacks feature organises messy desktops by automatically stacking files into neat groups.

Familiar iOS apps, including News, Stocks, Voice Memos and Home, are now available on the Mac for the first time.

FaceTime now adds support for group calling, and the Mac App Store gets a full redesign featuring rich editorial content and the addition of apps from top developers, including Microsoft and Adobe.