Backing up long-time suspicious that a 13-inch version of the Retina MacBook Pro would launch this fall, 9to5Mac reports that the device will indeed be launched at Apple’s October 23rd event, alongside the iPad Mini.
Alongside the smaller iPad, Apple will debut a 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display, according to a consistently reliable source at a high-profile U.S. retailer.
This new 13-inch MacBook Pro with a Retina Display is said to pick up the thinner and lighter enclosure of the 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display that was released in June.
The 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro will reportedly be sold in two configurations, with varying processor speeds and built-in storage, and are expected to become available the same day that they are introduced. According to the report, the device will bear a code name of D1, compared to the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro, which bears a code name of D2.
A 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro has been predicted to arrive soon by a number of credible sources, most notably a prediction made by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (1, 2), who’s track record with predicting future Apple product releases is exceptional.
It appears that we’ll have a lot to look forward to from Apple’s October 23 event. Are you ready?!
Update: AllThingsD confirms October 23 launch:
The smaller iPad may be the star of Apple’s as of yetunannounced October 23rd invitation-only event, but it will have an impressive supporting cast.
Sources familiar with Apple’s plans tell AllThingsDthat the company plans to unveil a smaller version of its MacBook Pro with Retina Display as well. News of Apple’s plans to show off the device next week was first reported by 9to5Mac.
The machine, a 13-inch version of the 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display that debuted in June, will feature the same thin chassis, all-Flash storage and a 2,560-by-1,600 pixel density display comparable to the 2880-by-1800 pixel of its predecessor, sources say. No word yet on price, though it will obviously be a bit less than $2,199 base-line price of the 15-incher.