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Touch Bar MacBook Pro Q&A
Update Published December 11, 2020
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What are all the differences between the 13-Inch "2020" MacBook Pro models and the "2019" models replaced?
The "2019" and 2 TB 3 "2020" 13" MacBook Pro models both have been discontinued. Apple continues to sell the 4 TB 3 "2020"13" MacBook Pro models as new.
There are two stock 13-Inch "2019" MacBook Pro models -- the MacBook Pro "Core i5" 1.4 13" Touch/2019 2 TB 3 and MacBook "Core i5" 2.4 13" Touch/2019.
These were replaced two stock 13-Inch "2020" MacBook Pro models -- the MacBook Pro "Core i5" 1.4 13" 2020 2 TB 3 and MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.0 13" 2020 4 TB 3.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (2020 Retina MacBook Pro 13")
Because the 13-Inch "2019" and "2020" MacBook Pro models look similar, it can be difficult to tell them apart. However, there are important external differences as well as major internal differences and a detailed comparison can be particularly helpful.
External Differences
The 13-Inch "2019" and "2020" MacBook Pro models use nearly identical "sealed" aluminum and glass cases in either silver or a darker "Space Gray" color. The "2020" models are slightly thicker (0.02 of an inch) and heavier (0.08 of a pound), but these differences are so minute that they are not noticeable in person.
All of these notebooks have high-resolution 13.3" (2560x1600) LED-backlit, True Tone, P3 color gamut, widescreen "Retina" displays, integrated stereo speakers, three microphones, a 720p FaceTime HD webcam, large "Force Touch" trackpads and an integrated touch-sensitive "Touch Bar" in lieu of traditional function keys.
However, the keyboards and "Touch Bar" designs are dramatically different.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (13-Inch MBP Keyboards: "2019" Left; "2020" Right)
The "2019" MacBook Pro models use a "Butterfly Switch" keyboard with limited travel and potential reliability issues whereas the "2020" MacBook Pro models use a generally believed to be more reliable -- and better feeling -- "Scissor Switch" keyboard. The "2020" MacBook Pro models also have a physical esc key and a "Touch ID" sensor that are separate from the "Touch Bar" and the 4 arrow keys are provided in a classic "inverted-T arrangement."
Connectivity Differences
The 13-Inch "2019" and "2020" MacBook Pro models all have a "traditional" 3.5 mm headphone jack that does not support optical audio, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0.
However, some models from both lines have four full-speed Thunderbolt 3 ports (size compatible with USB-C) whereas others only have two:
MacBook Pro |
Release Date |
TB 3 Ports |
EMC |
13-Inch (2019, Touch Bar) |
May 2019 |
4 |
|
13-Inch (2019, 2 TB 3) |
June 2019 |
2 |
|
13-Inch (2020, 2 TB 3) |
May 2020 |
2 |
|
13-Inch (2020, 4 TB 3) |
May 2020 |
4 |
These MacBook Pro models otherwise are the same as far as connectivity goes.
Identification Differences
When compared just to one another, the 13-Inch "2019" and "2020" MacBook Pro models all have different Model Numbers and Model Identifiers.
The 13-Inch "2019" MacBook Pro models with two Thunderbolt 3 ports, for example, use the unique A2159 Model Number and the MacBookPro15,4 Model Identifier. However, 13-Inch "2019" MacBook Pro models with four Thunderbolt 3 ports share identifiers with earlier notebooks and the "2020" MacBook Pro models very well may share these identifiers with future notebooks, too.
Accordingly, the aforementioned EMC Numbers on the bottom of each notebook likely will be better for long-term identification.
Just as the site has done for decades, EveryMac.com has diligently hand documented these details from the hardware itself for your convenience:
MacBook Pro |
EMC |
13-Inch (2019, Touch Bar) |
|
13-Inch (2019, 2 TB 3) |
|
13-Inch (2020, 2 TB 3) |
|
13-Inch (2020, 4 TB 3) |
Additionally, EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature can uniquely identify each one of the Touch Bar MacBook Pro models by their serial numbers, which are listed in software as well as on the bottom of the system.
Internal Differences
All 13-Inch "2019" MacBook Pro models and 13-Inch "2020" MacBook Pro models with two Thunderbolt 3 ports practically are identical internally. All use the same 8th Generation Intel "Coffee Lake" architecture and have similar processors.
However, the higher-end 13-Inch "2020" MacBook Pro models with four Thunderbolt 3 ports are an all new design with the newer 10th Generation "Ice Lake" architecture and faster 3733 MHz LPDDR4X SDRAM. All of these models use relatively slow integrated graphics that share system memory, but the higher-end "2020" models have more capable graphics and support a larger 6K (6016x3384) external display.
Regardless of year, all of these models have soldered RAM and storage that cannot be upgraded after the initial system purchase.
Comparison Chart
The major differences between the 13-Inch "2019" and "2020" MacBook Pro models are summarized below. Please refer to the specs page for the model of interest for complete details:
 13" 2019 |
 13" 2020 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Architecture: | Coffee Lake | Coffee/Ice Lake |
| Generation: | 8th Gen | 8th Gen/10th Gen |
| Clockspeed: | 2.4 GHz/1.4 GHz | 1.4 GHz/2.0 GHz |
| Processor Cores: | 4 | 4 |
| Standard RAM: | 8 GB | 8 GB/16 GB |
| Maximum RAM: | 16 GB† | 16 GB/32 GB† |
| RAM Speed: | 2133 MHz | 2133 MHz/3733 MHz |
| RAM Type: | LPDDR3 | LPDDR3/LPDDR4X |
| Standard Storage: | 256 GB, 512 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Graphics Processor(s): | Iris Plus 655/645 | Iris Plus 645/Plus |
| GDDR5 VRAM: | None | None |
| Ext. Display Support: | 5120x2880 (5K) | 5120x2880 (5K) 6016x3384 (6K) |
| Battery W Hrs: | 58 W h 58.2 W h |
58.2 W Hr 58.0 W Hr |
| Battery Life: | 10 Hours | 10 Hours |
| Keyboard: | Butterfly Switch | Scissor Switch |
| Touch ID: | Integrated | Separate Key |
| Esc Key: | Integrated | Separate Key |
| Arrow Keys: | Awkward | Inverted-T |
| Thunderbolt: | 2/4 (3.0) | 2/4 (3.0) |
| Height (In): | 0.59 | 0.61 |
| Width (In): | 11.97 | 11.97 |
| Depth (In): | 8.36 | 8.36 |
| Weight: | 3.02 lbs | 3.1 lbs |
| Model Number: | A1989/A2159 | A2289/A2251 |
| EMC Number: | 3358/3301 | 3456/3348 |
| Model Identifier: | MacBookPro15,2 MacBookPro15,4 |
MacBookPro16,3 MacBookPro16,2 |
| Intro Price (US): | US$1799, US$1999 US$1299, US$1499 |
US$1299, US$1499 US$1799, US$1999 |
| Intro Price (UK): | £1749, £1949 £1299, £1499 |
£1299, £1499 £1799, £1999 |
| Intro Price (CA): | C$2399, C$2649 C$1699, C$1949 |
C$1699, C$1949 C$2399, C$2649 |
| Intro Price (AU): | A$2699, A$2999 A$1999, A$2299 |
A$1999, A$2299 A$2999, A$3299 |
† These MacBook Pro models could be upgraded with more RAM, but only at the time of initial purchase. RAM cannot be upgraded after purchase in any of these models.
For introductory pricing in dozens of other countries, see the "Global Prices" on the specs page for each Mac as well as the "By Global Original Prices" section of EveryMac.com.
Comparison Summary
Ultimately, the 13-Inch "2020" MacBook Pro models with two Thunderbolt 3 ports (3456) basically are a slightly thicker and heavier re-released version of the "2019" models also with two Thunderbolt 3 ports (3301), just with a new keyboard.
The 13-Inch "2020" MacBook Pro models with four Thunderbolt 3 ports, on the other hand, have an all new, faster and more capable architecture in addition to the new keyboard. Nevertheless, for those who don't mind the older -- and potentially less reliable -- keyboard, the "2019" MacBook Pro models remain well worth consideration, particularly given even lower prices on the used market.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new MacBook Pro models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb MacBook Pro models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. On the other hand, if you need to sell a MacBook Pro, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older notebook with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used MacBook Pro models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.
In Australia, site sponsor Mac City likewise has a variety of used MacBook Pro models sold at low prices and available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.
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