Apple has updated the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro for the back-to-school season. And they’re now more affordable.
The newest MacBook Air now ships with a True Tone display — just like its more expensive siblings. The newest 13-inch MacBook Pro is powered by faster Intel chips, while the entry-level model now offers a Touch Bar with Touch ID.
Apple computers are insanely popular among students, but they don’t exactly come with student-friendly price tags.
Apple is hoping that the revised pricing of its most portable machines — coupled with some welcome hardware improvements — will help make them a better buy this back-to-school season.
MacBook Air bags True Tone display
The revised MacBook Air, which now starts at $1,099 (down from $1,199) or $999 for college students, comes with True Tone. It’s the same great display technology you’ll find in iPhone and iPad.
True Tone adjusts the color tone of your MacBook Air’s display based on the temperature of the ambient light around you. It makes for a much more comfortable viewing experience.
This is a great addition to the MacBook Air after a Retina display was finally added in its previous refresh. And now that it’s cheaper, it’s an even better ultraportable that’s ideal for school.
13-inch MacBook Pro now even faster
The biggest improvements, however, are to the 13-inch MacBook Pro.
The entry-level model, which starts at $1,299 or $1,199 for college students, now packs a Touch Bar, Touch ID, and a T2 security chip. You previously had to pay hundreds for these upgrades.
Photo: Apple
As if that wasn’t enough, Apple has also introduced Intel’s latest quad-core processors, making the entry-level MacBook Pro up to twice as powerful as it was before.
The number one choice for students
“College students love the Mac — it’s the notebook they rely on from the dorm room to the classroom, and the No. 1 choice among higher education students,” said Tom Boger, Apple’s senior director of Mac Product Marketing.
“With a lower $999 student price for MacBook Air and the updated 13-inch MacBook Pro with faster performance, Touch Bar and Touch ID at $1,199 for students, there’s never been a better time to bring a Mac to college.”
Order yours today
The newest MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro are available today through Apple.com. You’ll be able to find them in Apple Store and at Authorized Resellers later this week.
Apple is also kicking off its latest Back to School promotion today. So in addition to paying less for these machines, students will bag a free pair of Beats headphones with qualifying purchases.
