Apple has begun removing the 13-inch non-Retina MacBook Pro from its retail store displays. The machine is still in stock and available to purchase at most locations, but it would appear that its future is starting to look bleak.
The non-Retina MacBook Pro is the only laptop left in Apple’s lineup with an optical drive. It’s also the most affordable MacBook Pro at just $1,099, but without the slimmer form factor, Retina display, and features like Force Touch, it’s starting to look pretty dated.
In fact, the machine hasn’t seen a refresh since 2012, which means it’s not too surprising to see that Apple is no longer pushing it. According to AppleInsider, many stores throughout the U.S. are now taking the machine off of their retail displays.
“In the course of research, a clerk at a New York City Apple Store steered AppleInsider towards buying a Retina model, arguing that the non-Retina system would quickly become outdated, and that a refurbished Retina would make more sense when trying to save money.”
The non-Retina MacBook Pro is still available to purchase online, and you can still buy one in store if you ask for it. But it’s unclear how long that will last. If Apple is beginning to phase out this model, it seems inevitable that supplies will dry up at some point.
If you’re still interested in a MacBook Pro with a SuperDrive, then, you might want to pick one up while you still can.
Apple is expected to deliver a big MacBook Pro redesign later this year, which is expected to include an OLED touch bar, improved internals, and Touch ID. Apple could then reduce the price of the MacBook Pro without these features to replace the non-Retina model.
