Cost-cutting Apple M2 MacBook Pro embraces lower-level specs to gain entry-level status

It seems possible Apple is preparing to replace the M1-powered MacBook Pro 13 with a new entry-level device for the laptop product stack. Details shared by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman about the 2022 MacBook Pro have made it clear that Cupertino is targeting a large portion of the notebook-buying public with the M2-based model by offering a computer that allows entry into Apple’s ecosystem at a reasonable price.

Although the M2 Apple Silicon doesn’t even have an official designation yet, it should be the M1’s successor that powers this entry-level MacBook Pro. While there should be performance improvements over the predecessor, Gurman states “key differentiators will be lesser displays, processors, and storage”, indicating that the M2 SoC will not be as powerful as the M1 Pro or M1 Max, which is to be expected.

In fact, to keep the M2 MacBook Pro at an entry-level price, there are other important differences between it and the 2021 MacBook Pro devices. As mentioned above, there will be lesser displays, with no miniLED technology involved and no ProMotion feature included (no variable refresh rate). As well as possibly sporting an LCD panel, it appears the M2 MacBook Pro will not have the up to 8 TB SSD storage option of the more-powerful MacBooks.

There is an additional expectation that the 2022 Apple MacBook Pro will also lack a Touch Bar, copying the design that was given to the 2021 MacBook Pro laptops. While there is no specific mention of the presence of a notch, it seems a notched display is practically guaranteed considering Apple went in that direction with the more premium models. There is even some argument this SKU may lose the “Pro” suffix and simply become the new Apple MacBook.

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