Skip to main content

MacBook Pro upgraded with Ivy Bridge CPUs, Nvidia graphics, shipping today

MacBook Pro upgraded with Ivy Bridge CPUs, Nvidia graphics, shipping today

/

Apple has just revealed its new line of 2012 MacBook Pro laptops, upgrading them to Intel's Ivy Bridge processors and Nvidia's new Kepler-based GeForce GT 650M graphics. All new models are shipping today.

Share this story

macbook pro 2012
macbook pro 2012

Apple has just revealed its new line of 2012 MacBook Pro laptops, upgrading them to Intel's Ivy Bridge processors and Nvidia's new Kepler-based GeForce GT 650M graphics. All new models are shipping today.

The big highlight of today's show is actually the introduction of a so-called next-generation MacBook Pro with an incredible 2880 x 1800 display, however that's happening quite aside from Apple's regular hardware refresh. You'll still find your usual 13-inch MBP with a 1280 x 800 screen, only now it has a new 2.5GHz Core i5 processor as the base spec, upgradeable to a 2.9GHz Core i7 chip. Regrettably, only Intel's integrated HD Graphics 4000 are listed for the 13-inch model. Prices start at $1,199 as previously.

Moving up to the 15-inch 2012 MacBook Pro, you'll get access to quad-core Core i7 parts, 2.3GHz or 2.6GHz in base speed, plus the aforementioned GT 650M graphics chips, either with 512MB or 1GB of VRAM on board. A seven-hour battery life is listed alongside each of the models, and the starting price is $1,799.

Updated Macbook Pro liveblog photos

1/8

Taking it all in, we're really getting both of the scenarios forecast before the event: a straight refresh to Ivy Bridge hardware and the latest graphics chips — a welcome return for Nvidia to Apple's hardware portfolio after it was shut out last year — and the crazy super-specced new machine that everyone's been waiting for. To learn more about the next-gen MacBook Pro laptop, check out our coverage of its full specs and details.

Interestingly, there's been no mention of the 17-inch MacBook Pro yet. Is that model being retired, perhaps? We'll endeavor to find out more about its peculiar absence from this latest hardware refresh.

Update: It's now been confirmed: the 17-inch MacBook Pro has been discontinued.

Compare this: MacBook Pro 15-inch (Mid 2012) vs. MacBook Pro 15-inch (Late 2011)

Compare this: MacBook Pro 13-inch (Mid 2012) vs. MacBook Pro 13-inch (Late 2011)