Apple could scrap 13-inch MacBook Pro, bring 5G to 10.2-inch iPad in 2022

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Save on 13.3-inch MacBook Pro from 2020
We're nearing the end of the 13-inch MacBook Pro era.
Photo: Apple

Apple will scrap the 13-inch MacBook Pro this year after introducing a new 14-inch model with a next-generation “M2” chip, one tipster claims.

The company is also said to be planning a new entry-level iPad with a 10.2-inch display — the last iteration before a big redesign is rolled out in 2023 — that will offer super-speedy 5G connectivity for the first time.

13-MacBook Pro’s days are numbered

Despite the arrival of the much-anticipated 14-inch MacBook Pro with M1 Pro and M1 Max chips last year, the 13-inch model with an original M1 chips remains available for those looking for a more affordable alternative.

But that’s going to change later this year, according to Twitter tipster @dylandkt, who has a pretty solid track record when it comes to predicting Apple’s plans.

“The currently available M1 MacBook Pro 13 will be replaced with a MacBook Pro 14 with an M2 chip in the 2H of 2022,” Dylan tweeted on Monday. “It will receive a slight price increase over the previous generation.”

It seems unlikely an “M2” MacBook Pro would replace the current 13-inch machine, so we can only assume that the new model would become the flagship device, with the M1 Pro configuration dropping down to be the most affordable.

10.2-inch iPad to get 5G, new MacBook Air this year

Alongside the new 14-inch MacBook Pro, Apple is also expected to introduce a redesigned MacBook Air with an M2 chip, Dylan said.

As for the entry-level iPad, that’s predicted to get 5G and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, as well as a faster A14 Bionic processor. However, Dylan said it will stick with the same 10.2-inch form factor ahead of a big redesign next year.

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