Apple today introduced a surprise refresh for its MacBook Pro models featuring Intel’s 8th gen and 9th gen Core processors. The update brings Intel’s 8-core CPUs to the 15-inch MacBook Pro and allows it to deliver 2x more performance than a quad-core MacBook Pro.

The new 8-core MacBook Pro is also up to 40 percent faster than the 2018 MacBook Pro featuring a 6-core Intel CPU. Apple highlights several scenarios where the new 8-core MacBook Pro will be notably faster than the outgoing models.

  • Music producers can play back massive multi-track projects with up to two times more Alchemy plug-ins in Logic Pro X.
  • 3D designers can render scenes up to two times faster in Maya Arnold.
  • Photographers can apply complex edits and filters up to 75 percent faster in Photoshop.
  • Developers can compile code up to 65 percent faster in Xcode.
  • Scientists and researchers can compute complex fluid dynamics simulations up to 50 percent faster in TetrUSS.
  • Video editors can edit up to 11 simultaneous multicam streams of 4K video in Final Cut Pro X.

The 15-inch MacBook Pro is now available in 6-core and 8-core configurations, with Turbo Boost speeds of up to 5GHz. The smaller 13-inch MacBook Pro comes with quad-core processors with Turbo Boost speeds of up to 4.7GHz.

“Whether it’s college students mastering a course of study, developers building world-class apps or video editors creating feature films, we’re constantly amazed at what our customers do with their MacBook Pro,” said Tom Boger, Apple’s senior director of Mac Product Marketing. “Now with 8-core processors for an incredible performance boost, along with its stunning Retina display, fast storage, all-day battery life and running macOS, MacBook Pro continues to be the world’s best pro notebook and we can’t wait to get it into our customer’s hands to see what they do next.”

Other specs of the new MacBook Pro lineup remain the same as before. This includes Apple’s T2 security chip, Retina Display with 500 nits of brightness, Thunderbolt 3 ports, stereo speakers, TouchBar, Touch ID, and speedy SSDs.

While Apple does not mention anything in its press release, it has also updated the butterfly keyboard on the new MacBook Pro. It is now using a new material which will help reduce the reliability issues plaguing the keyboard on previous MacBook Pro models.

Prices for the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro start from $1,799 and $2,399.

[Via Apple]