MacBook Pro 2020 13" (2 TB 3)

The MacBook Pro "Core i7" 1.7 13-Inch (2020, Scissor Keyboard, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports) is a "configure-to-order" version of the MacBook Pro "Core i5" 1.4 13-Inch (2020), also documented separately for clarity. Apart from the processor and its L2 cache, these two models are identical.

This model is powered by a 14 nm, 8th Generation "Coffee Lake" 1.7 GHz Intel "Core i7" processor (I7-8557U), with four independent cores on a single chip, 128 MB of eDRAM on the die, and a shared 8 MB L3 cache. It includes 8 GB of onboard 2133 MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM (upgradable to 16 GB only at purchase), a default of 256 GB or 512 GB flash storage, and an integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645 processor that shares system memory.

Externally, it features a 720p FaceTime HD webcam, a "new Magic Keyboard" with a redesigned scissor mechanism and inverted-T arrow keys, a customized "Touch Bar" with separate escape and "Touch ID" keys, and a large "Force Touch" trackpad. It also has a high-resolution 13.3-inch LED-backlit widescreen 2560x1600 (227 ppi, 500 nits) "Retina" display with True Tone technology and an integrated battery with an estimated 10-hour runtime.

Available in silver or "Space Gray" aluminum, it weighs just over 3 pounds (1.4 kg). Connectivity includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, two "Thunderbolt 3" ports (USB-C), and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Compared to its predecessor, this model uses the same processor, architecture, and graphics, but offers more default storage and an all-new keyboard design with improved travel and reliability.

The most celebrated feature of the 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro was undoubtedly the return to a scissor-switch mechanism in the new Magic Keyboard. This addressed the widespread criticism and reliability issues of the previous butterfly keyboard, offering a much-improved and more comfortable typing experience. This custom-ordered Core i7 version provided a solid performance boost over the base model, while inheriting the same processor architecture from the 2019 version. The physical Escape key and revised arrow key layout were also welcome refinements. However, this entry-level tier was still equipped with only two Thunderbolt 3 ports and used older 8th-gen Intel chips, which was a notable drawback compared to the more powerful and modern four-port models released simultaneously.