Why Was MacBook Pro 13 Discontinued?

The discontinuation of the 13-inch MacBook Pro represents a significant strategic realignment within Apple’s laptop portfolio. This model, particularly its final M2 iteration, was phased out due to a convergence of factors, including an increasingly outdated design, the controversial and divisive Touch Bar, and a diminished value proposition. It found itself in an untenable position, caught between a more modern and capable MacBook Air and a newly accessible, truly “Pro” 14-inch MacBook Pro. This strategic move clarifies Apple’s product hierarchy, eliminating internal competition and establishing distinct market segments for its Air and Pro lines.

Key Reasons Why the MacBook Pro 13 Was Discontinued

Table 1: Key Discontinuation Dates for 13-inch MacBook Pro Models

The 13-inch MacBook Pro was discontinued for several key reasons, mainly due to a re-evaluation of Apple’s laptop lineup and the evolution of its products.

• Product Overlap: The 13-inch MacBook Pro, especially the M1 and M2 models, became an “awkward middle child” in Apple’s lineup. Its specs and price were very close to the redesigned MacBook Air models, which offered a better design and many of the same features for a lower price. The MacBook Air had become so powerful with the M-series chips that the “Pro” designation for the 13-inch model was often seen as unnecessary for most users.
• Outdated Design: The 13-inch MacBook Pro retained an older design with thick bezels, a 720p webcam, and limited ports. It was also the last Mac to feature the Touch Bar, a feature that had a mixed reception and was eventually dropped from the rest of the MacBook Pro line. This older design made it feel less modern compared to the redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models and even the M2 MacBook Air.
• Streamlining the Product Line: By discontinuing the 13-inch MacBook Pro, Apple was able to simplify its product offerings. The current lineup is much clearer: the MacBook Air for everyday use and portability, and the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros for professionals who need more power, better displays, and additional ports.
• Introduction of the M3 14-inch MacBook Pro: A major factor was the introduction of a new entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 chip. This new model provided a more compelling option for users who previously would have bought the 13-inch Pro, offering a better display, more ports, and a more modern design, while still being more affordable than the higher-end Pro models.

The New “Entry-Level Pro”: 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3

Table 2: Comparative Analysis: 13-inch MacBook Pro (M2) vs. MacBook Air (M2) vs. 14-inch MacBook Pro (M3)

The introduction of a new 14-inch MacBook Pro featuring the base M3 chip at a more accessible price point was a decisive blow to the 13-inch MacBook Pro. This new model provided a clear and compelling upgrade path for “Pro” users, rendering the older, smaller “Pro” redundant and strategically obsolete.

The MacBook Pro 14, previously starting at $1,999, now comes in a new version with the M3 chip, introduced at a significantly lower starting price of $1,599. This new 14-inch M3 model was explicitly positioned to replace the discontinued 13-inch Touch Bar MacBook Pro. This move fundamentally altered Apple’s laptop hierarchy, as the 13-inch model “simply no longer makes sense” in light of the M3 14-inch’s introduction.  

The new M3 MacBook Pro 14 offers substantial upgrades, including a “brighter Liquid Retina XDR display, up to 22 hours of battery life, and a very powerful M3 chip with serious power”. The M3 chip itself is noted to be “up to 60% faster than the MacBook Pro 13-inch with M1 chip”, providing a clear performance improvement.  

Apple’s decision to launch the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the base M3 chip at $1,599, a $400 reduction from the previous 14-inch entry price, is a critical strategic maneuver. This is not just about offering a new product; it is about actively creating a more accessible and compelling “entry-level Pro” tier. This move directly addresses the market space previously occupied by the 13-inch Pro, but with a product that truly embodies “Pro” features. This pricing strategy effectively squeezed the 13-inch Pro out of its market niche, making its $1,299 price point appear uncompetitive for its feature set.  

Resale Value of Discontinued MacBook Pro 13 Lineup

As with all electronics, the model’s value began to depreciate from the moment it was released, losing about 30% of its value in the first year. And the discontinuation of the Apple MacBook Pro M2, the last of the 13-inch lineup, on October 30, 2023, only accelerated the depreciation rates.

Even though the M2 chip is still a very capable processor, especially when compared to Intel-based MacBooks, if you still want to cash in on your older notebook, there is no better time than now. Apple plans to release its newest M5 chip early in 2026, so sellers still have a few months’ window to maximize the resale value of their older versions.

Other Factors Affecting the Resale Value of a 13-inch MacBook Pro:

• Condition: This is the most crucial factor. A laptop in “excellent” condition with minimal wear and tear, no screen scratches, and full functionality will sell for the most money.
• Specifications: The original configuration, including RAM and storage capacity, plays a big role. A model with more unified memory (RAM) or a larger SSD yields a higher resale price.
• Battery Health: A healthy battery that still holds a charge is essential for a good resale price. Buyers will often check the battery cycle count.
• Included Accessories: Having the original charger or even the original box can potentially increase the value, especially when selling on marketplaces.

Related: Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch 2022 M2: Trade-in Value.

Conclusion

The discontinuation of the 13-inch MacBook Pro is a clear indicator of Apple’s adaptive and forward-looking product strategy. It represents a decisive move to rationalize its laptop lineup, driven primarily by the transformative capabilities of Apple Silicon and a strategic imperative to establish clearer differentiation between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro segments. This evolution ensures that each product within Apple’s portfolio offers a distinct and compelling value proposition, catering more effectively to diverse user needs and reinforcing the premium positioning of the “Pro” lineup.

Lastly, if you’re still holding on to your 13-inch MacBook Pro–don’t despair. We at Gadget Salvation still accept these older models (dating back to 2016 releases), but expect a decrease in valuation as 2025 progresses and Apple introduces its newest gadgets.

Olena is an operations manager at Gadget Salvation, wearing many hats and navigating the intersections of efficiency and innovation. With a deep passion for tech and sustainability, they thrive on exploring solutions that drive progress while protecting our planet.