Apple Debuts New 8-Core MacBook Pro With Updated Keyboard

[Natzoo]

Does it throttle?

I’d imagine the thermal cooling is still bad and the I9 was not that good to begin with, i imagine the 8-cores make it worse. Just get the I7 honestly, it will perform well if not better than the I9. Or build a PC

 

[ejms07]

Apple today announced the surprise launch of new 13 and 15-inch MacBook Pro models, which are the fastest Mac notebooks ever at the top of the line. The updated machines feature Intel's 8th and 9th-generation processors, with high-end models featuring eight cores for the first time.

According to Apple, the new MacBook Pro offers two times faster performance than a quad-core MacBook Pro and 40 percent more performance than a 6-core MacBook Pro. The new 13-inch machines are using updated quad-core processors, with the 6 and 8-core options limited to the 15-inch models.

Aside from new processors, the updated MacBook Pro machines continue to feature the same design, despite rumors that Apple would introduce a 16 to 16.5-inch MacBook Pro in 2019. There are some internal updates, though.

Though not mentioned in the press release, The Loop confirms that the new machine has an updated keyboard. The new keyboard uses a new material that Apple says will cut down on the failure problems that users have seen.Apple did not explain what the "new materials" in the butterfly keyboard are, but said that the update will significantly cut down on issues like double key presses and missed key presses.

According to The Verge, some existing MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models that experience keyboard failures will have their keyboards replaced with the new 2019 keyboard that Apple has developed. Unfortunately, only MacBooks with the third-generation butterfly keyboard can get the updated 2019 keyboard, which includes the 2018 MacBook Pro and the 2018 MacBook Air.

Apple is speeding up keyboard repair times in its retail stores, and extending its Keyboard Service Program to include the 2018 MacBook Pro and 2018 MacBook Air models. The repair program lasts for four years after the first retail sale of a Mac machine.

The MacBook Pro continues to feature "the best Mac notebook display ever" with 500 nits of brightness, P3 wide color gamut, and True Tone technology. It is equipped with Apple's T2 security chip, Thunderbolt 3 ports, and immersive stereo speakers like prior machines. The new MacBook Pro models are priced starting at $1,799 and $2,399, respectively, for the 13 and 15-inch models. The new machines are available today through Apple's online store and will be coming to Apple retail stores later this week. Apple has not updated the non-Touch Bar 13-inch MacBook Pro machines.

Article Link: Apple Debuts New 8-Core MacBook Pro With Updated Keyboard

No default Vega GPU's!

 

[ThisBougieLife]

No redesign, not interested. Will stick with my 2016 model a little longer.

Glad they are trying to address the keyboard issues but the real interesting product will be the redesigned 16” model. Hopefully that is still coming this year.

 

[cmaier]

Given that they are only promising that the “updated” keyboard “reduces” the problem, I’ll stay away until the rumored 16.5” MBP with the 1mm travel scissor keys, inverted T arrows, and physical escape key next to the touchbar.

 

[nouveau_redneck]

It take real courage to double down on a garbage keyboard design for the 4th consecutive year rather than redesigning it.

Technically it was redesigned.

Definitely bruises your fingertips if you type on it like a normal keyboard. Learn to type a little softer and it can actually be fairly pleasant and fast to use. I've adapted. I wouldn't say I LOVE it, but I don't hate it.

And yes, it's loud. That's probably one thing I really don't like about the new keyboard - the noise. As my keyboard has "broken in" over the last year, it has really gotten ... loud. lol.

It will be interesting how the new material affects the sound level made by the keyboard.

 

[bernuli]

Have to agree. Not sure why they’re so resistant to going back to prior kbs that so many liked.

Totally. I don’t remember many complaints with the non butterfly keyboard. People liked it and it worked. Butterfly keyboard is hit or miss with people. But then when you throw a few crumbs into the mix it just does not make it even reasonable.

MacBook Pros used to be built like tanks. But now we stuck with dainty.

 

[Icaras]

Is apple serious no re design no faster graphics just a cpu update, shame on apple give us something new like a new design

4 years is about right for a MacBook Pro design to last. Expect the redesign and possibly 16” variant next year.

Now for redesigns, let’s talk about that iMac....

 

[sydenham]

This is not a popular thing to say on Macrumors. It is better to complain about Apple and voice opinions to the fact that this keyboard has been the greatest failing Apple has ever had, Apple is doomed now, and Tim Cook is 103% responsible.

https://appleinsider.com/articles/1...em-to-improve-reliability-and-thats-not-great

"Overall, the total number of service calls is lower for both the 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro, versus the older models, even including the keyboard failures. Given that the volumes of MacBook Pros sold over the years are pretty static, this points to a more reliable computer overall —which is good considering that there are no user-replaceable parts."



Definitely don't think that people are lying. I realize your post wasn't directed at me but, of those 80 pages there is a lot of the same posters complaining about how terrible Apple is - over and over. One would think if this is indicative of real world problems, the service calls for 2016 and 2017 models would be off the charts, not lower than previous models.

I'm not calling anyone a liar, just seems to be a disconnect and I'm genuinely curious as to why there are a ton of complaints but the service calls seem to be lower -- as a 2017 MBP owner (my wife and I each have one).

Thank you. Finally a voice of reason. As I said earlier, I doubt one of these people talking nonsense about the keyboard ever had a problem themselves.

 

[brilliantthings]

A bit disappointed to see this less than a week after I took the plunge on a 15" MacBook Pro, haha. I'm still in my return window, but I think I'll just keep what I have. The processor is already fine for what I need, and I'm mostly just happy knowing that if my keyboard goes out, I'll get the newer one that's likely free from failure.

Overall, I've been very impressed with the upgrade from my 2015 13". I'm primarily using mine as the brains of my home recording studio, so it stays stationary and is used with a Magic Mouse and Keyboard 75% of the time.

You've gotta be kidding! Return it!

 

[bpeeps]

Why?

I need top spec for work and I really didn't want to purchase a computer with known keyboard issues again.

Call Apple Support, complain, get authorization to return it past the 14 day return period (it's only a week) and buy one of the new ones.

Apple will take the one you return and sell it as a refurbished unit. So it isn't like they are going to lose money. You are actually doing Apple a favor by doing this.

Good to know, I'll give them a call.

 

[Howard2k]

Swing and miss.

* For the 13" it's an untested but largely unchanged keyboard.
* Still over-priced for the specs.
* Still has the T2 (and I assume associated issues).

16GB and 512GB or storage for the price of the 8GB/256GB and I'd certainly consider beta testing that keyboard, but for this current price point, I don't think so.

Too expensive.

 

[theapplehead]

I guess that means no 10nm processor. Not surprised but still disappointed. I'll be skipping this marginal update.

 

[petvas]

Aside from the Escape key, which really needs to become a dedicated physical key, I think the main issue is cost.

macOS's Touch Bar support hasn't evolved at all in 3 years. With the right apps, Touch Bar can be very useful, far more usable than a row of function keys.

But I think it needs more system level refinements.

The Touch Bar is as useful as the app you are using, if the app has support for it. If not, then of course it's not that useful. I find it very interesting that most of the apps I am using, do support the Touchbar and provide an enhanced experience, compared to laptops or desktops that do not have the Touch Bar. Maybe Apple should expand the TouchBar on its keyboards too.
Also the idea of having the dock in the TouchBar is cool and I would love to see that being implemented by Apple at some point. Even now though, in its current incarnation I like the TouchBar a lot.

 

[dan9700]

The Touch Bar is as useful as the app you are using, if the app has support for it. If not, then of course it's not that useful. I find it very interesting that most of the apps I am using, do support the Touchbar and provide an enhanced experience, compared to laptops or desktops that do not have the Touch Bar. Maybe Apple should expand the TouchBar on its keyboards too.
Also the idea of having the dock in the TouchBar is cool and I would love to see that being implemented by Apple at some point. Even now though, in its current incarnation I like the TouchBar a lot.

It would only be useful if i can place my dock there and use the mouse to go down to the touch bar and click apps so I can have full screen without hiding it, cant belive apple hasn't added that

 

[cardfan]

Funny how mine, and everyone else at work works just fine...yet people like you insist its a failure/disaster *eye roll*. A few people having issues doesn't mean the entire thing is a flop.

KB Repair Program. Its very existence speaks volumes. Devoting the time to come up with a magic material that somehow fixes the "problem" But wait, it's not a problem for the vast majority. Apple is talking out both sides now.

Sorry, but can't spend 2-3k on something like that and need constant repairs. I don't care if Apple pays for the repairs which is a big hassle.

 

[ThatiPhoneKid]

Will we have another 3 days of releases like we did a couple of months back?

 

[BigMcGuire]

KB Repair Program. Its very existence speaks volumes. Devoting the time to come up with a magic material that somehow fixes the "problem" But wait, it's not a problem for the vast majority. Apple is talking out both sides now.

Sorry, but can't spend 2-3k on something like that and need constant repairs. I don't care if Apple pays for the repairs which is a big hassle.

If these MBPs were needing constant repair, the numbers would show it, and they don't. I do see Apple standing behind their product, which is one reason why I buy Apple.

I loved my 2015 MBA keyboard. Wish they had just kept that. But then people would be here bashing them for not changing/updating. Imo, no win for Apple either way.

 

[LordVic]

Totally. I don’t remember many complaints with the non butterfly keyboard. People liked it and it worked. Butterfly keyboard is hit or miss with people. But then when you throw a few crumbs into the mix it just does not make it even reasonable.

MacBook Pros used to be built like tanks. But now we stuck with dainty.

Apple's previous keyboards were often reviewed as one of the best mobile keyboards in the business. Regularly praised. They had great feel to them. They had good resistence. Decent throw length. Good enough tactile feedback. So much so they are the standard that every other chicklet style keyboard tried to live up to.

these new keyboards are terrible. I have used a couple when prepping Mac's for roll out. as someone who has been a touch typist now for probably 30 years, They are one of the worst mobile keyboards I have ever typed on. I don't even care about the noise (I still use cherry blues). But the lack of keythrow and actuation feedback makes them like typing nearly directly on wooden board.

The keyboard alone lost Apple a sale when I replaced my MacBook Air. I will at this point claim that i will never buy one of their laptops while they are using these keyboards

 

[leman]

Huh, didn't see this one coming at all. In retrospect, makes a lot of sense. Ice Lake won't be available in volume until end of the year at earliest, so CFL-HR is an obvious choice now. Also, good to hear that they are fixing the keyboard issue.

What is most interesting to me though is the fact that this time Apple is one of the first ones to adopt the updated CPUs. Either Intel was able to ramp up production very quickly or Apple made them a very good offer in order to snatch these SKUs away from other big names.

 

[SoyCapitanSoyCapitan]

Thank you. Finally a voice of reason. As I said earlier, I doubt one of these people talking nonsense about the keyboard ever had a problem themselves.

It’s the same two dozen lunatics complaining about a keyboard. They don’t represent the majority of users and some could easily be corporate sock puppets working for a competitor. This is the new normal.

 

[jonnysods]

No, a lot of people who have experienced first hand, many more than once what it means to have this butterfly keyboard fail. Don't confuse a realistic view with hater.

Maybe 4th time lucky, like I posted before, they have already added this new MBP to the keyboard repair program before it's even in the hands of customers.

https://www.apple.com/uk/support/keyboard-service-program-for-mac-notebooks/

I understand, I have the 2016 MBP and had to get the keyboard replaced. The keyboard they replaced it with is much better. I still prefer this style of board over the 2015 and older models.

 

[Plutonius]

Definitely don't think that people are lying. I realize your post wasn't directed at me but, of those 80 pages there is a lot of the same posters complaining about how terrible Apple is - over and over. One would think if this is indicative of real world problems, the service calls for 2016 and 2017 models would be off the charts, not lower than previous models.

I'm not calling anyone a liar, just seems to be a disconnect and I'm genuinely curious as to why there are a ton of complaints but the service calls seem to be lower -- as a 2017 MBP owner (my wife and I each have one).

My biggest issue with the keyboards isn't how they fail. It's the repairability of the keyboard and the rest of the MBP.

I also have a 2017 MBP and haven't had keyboard issues although I currently run it in clamshell mode with an external keyboard . I'm glad that Apple has the keyboard replacement program but, based on the evidence, I'll most likely need a keyboard replacement after the program ends. In order to repair the keyboard, Apple currently replaces half the computer at great expense making the MBP cost prohibitive to own after the four year keyboard repair program has ended.

My preference would be that Apple designed the keyboard to be easily and cheaply replaced.

 

[WardC]

I've been waiting for the new MacBook Pro to get released! Today is the day!

I'll have this purchased within the next two months in case there are any issues with it that are reported...

Thank you Gregg!

 

[theapplehead]

Dear Apple,

We do NOT want a Touch Bar. Please make a MBP without a Touch Bar. Please, thanks, and goodnight.

 

[Oblivious.Robot]

According to The Verge, some existing MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models that experience keyboard failures will have their keyboards replaced with the new 2019 keyboard that Apple has developed. Unfortunately, only MacBooks with the third-generation butterfly keyboard can get the updated 2019 keyboard, which includes the 2018 MacBook Pro and the 2018 MacBook Air.

Apple is speeding up keyboard repair times in its retail stores, and extending its Keyboard Service Program to include the 2018 MacBook Pro and 2018 MacBook Air models. The repair program lasts for four years after the first retail sale of a Mac machine.

Considering that I have a 2018 MacBook Pro 13", just about to hit the first year anniversary sometime in August.
I was wondering, whether or not to get the AppleCare as I never needed it for my last 2012 MacBook Pro and I had it running for years.

For the moment, my keyboard is running as expected. But, I'd rather have the "new 2019 keyboard" just for longevity sake. Would they charge me if later I run into that problem without an AppleCare?

Ah, decisions decisions.

P.s. - Does anyone have an actual quote, on what Apple charges to replace/repair the keyboard? Knowing it's the hardware that is at fault. It'd help me understand whether or not AppleCare would be worth it for just next two years.