Rotten Apple? New 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro owners report multiple problems

By Konrad Krawczyk Published November 4, 2013

If you take a look at the new 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina section of the Apple forums, you won’t have to spend much time to find threads where users are complaining about multiple issues when using one of Apple’s latest toys.

For instance, one Apple thread named “New Retina Macbook pro 13 Haswell system hang/unresponsive,” which at this point has over 91,000 views, 1,600 responses, and over 190 pages; includes multiple reports of instances where the new MacBook Pro’s keyboard and touch pad keep freezing on users. More than one new MacBook Pro with Retina owner noted that when speaking with Apple representatives, they were assured that the issues are software related and have nothing to do with a hardware problem. Here’s what one Apple forum poster had to say:

Recommended Videos

“I do have the same problem with my rMBP 13-inch and a couple of minutes ago I talked to the German Apple Support. He seemed to be honest and told me that it’s not a hardware but a software problem. He said that apple is working hard to fix this problem and is trying to publish a software update in about 2-3 weeks. He also said that not all late 13″ Retina do have this problem but I actually cannot believe that. I made a self diagnosis hardware test and it says that everything is working fine. Hopefully apple fixes this problem soon.”

Another forum poster was also told by an Apple rep that the problems are rooted in software.

“I chatted AGAIN with tech support today and they yet again assured me it is a software issue. I also ran some hardware tests and no issues were found. I have faith that it is a software issue and not a hardware issue.”

If Apple indeed plans to release a software update in the next two to three weeks in an effort to rectify these freezing bugs, we can only hope that the patch will come sooner rather than later. In the interim, there don’t appear to be any surefire fixes, so you’ll either have to exercise patience or return your new MacBook Pro and buy again once the freezing issues are completely cleared up. In general, it’s wise to not opt in early on new tech, as newly released gear often comes with initial bugs. This is a case in point.

Konrad Krawczyk

Former Computing Editor

Konrad covers desktops, laptops, tablets, sports tech and subjects in between for Digital Trends. Prior to joining DT, he…

Topics

Computing

iPad is the best secondary screen I’ve used with a MacBook

You can extend your MacBook's screen by using an iPad as a secondary monitor.

I spend an unhealthy amount of time lurking in communities where people share aesthetic desktop setups. One of my friends recently set the group chat on fire with a triple monitor setup that had two vertical screens and an ultrawide curved panel at the center. An impulse swipe later, I achieved a similar makeover for my desk at home.

Here’s the problem, though. My $600 workstation overhaul did bring me visual joy, but not much utility. For reporting assignments, I spend the majority of the year away from home, working from deserted cafes or unnaturally uncomfortable bunk beds. I do miss the convenience of large secondary screens. Interestingly, that yearning is addressed by a rather unconventional device —the humble iPad.

Computing

The long overdue MacBook Pro design refresh might land in 2026

MacBook Pro

Apple likes to stick around with each product design refresh for at least a few generations. Take for example the M4 MacBook Pro, which is still carrying the same design language that was first introduced atop the M1 series models back in 2021.
Things could finally change next year. “In terms of major new Mac designs, I don’t expect the MacBook Pro to get an overhaul until around 2026 — when the M6 model is due to come out,” says a Bloomberg report.
Apple is currently working on refreshed MacBook Air and Pro models with M5-series processors. They might, however, stick with the same aesthetic formula as their respective M4-series counterparts. It’s not bad, but not without its flaws either.

“It’s no joke to lug around. Some will appreciate the extra screen real estate, no doubt, but there’s definitely a trade-off in mobility,” said Digital Trends’ review of the current-gen MacBook Pro.
“The one eyesore in the whole experience to me is still the notch in the display. I find it quite ugly and intrusive, and the way it cuts into the menu bar can be clumsy, especially on the 14-inch model,” the review adds.

Computing

MacBook Air 13 (M4) vs. Surface Laptop 7: Apple’s perfect little laptop wins out

Apple MacBook Air 13 M4 front angled view showing display and keyboard.

The best 13-inch laptops are fast and incredibly portable. But the two best laptops currently in that category actually have displays that are closer to 14-inch laptops. Those are the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8-inch model.

Regardless of which class you put them in, these are two very well-built laptops with solid performance and great battery life. They're both excellent laptops, but which one is right for you?
Specs and configurations