Skip to main content

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

MacBook Pro 13 2013 back angle
Image used with permission by copyright holder

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:

“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.

Editors' Recommendations

Konrad Krawczyk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Konrad covers desktops, laptops, tablets, sports tech and subjects in between for Digital Trends. Prior to joining DT, he…
The best MacBook to buy in 2024
Apple MacBook Pro 16 downward view showing keyboard and speaker.

With M3 chips outfitted across the entire MacBook range, you might be wondering which is the best MacBook to buy in 2024. Figuring it out isn't always easy, and buying the newest MacBook might not be the right decision based on your needs. Apple has several tiers of performance, as well as various sizes, which can further complicate the matter.

What’s more, you can also still get M1 and M2 MacBooks, some from Apple’s own website and some from third-party retailers. But are they still worth your money? Our guide should help you decide.

Read more
Why Samsung’s answer to the MacBook Pro can’t quite compete
The Galaxy Book4 Ultra open on a wooden suruface.

The 16-inch MacBook Pro is the king of the creator laptops, and it's been that way for several years.

But there have been a wave of new Windows laptops attempting to challenge the MacBook Pro on its own terms. The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra is certainly a contender, packing some impressive specs in a portable chassis. When you compare the two straight up, the MacBook Pro 16-inch clearly comes away with the upper hand, even when considering its higher price.
Specs and pricing

Read more
MacBook Pro OLED: Here’s everything we know so far
Halo running on a MacBook Pro.

While many of Apple’s laptop rivals have embraced OLED screens, Apple has stuck firmly with mini-LED in its MacBook Pro -- and the results have been spectacular. As we said when we reviewed the M3 Max MacBook Pro, it has the best display out of any laptop, bar none.

Yet, there whispers that Apple is working on something even better: its own brand of OLED display that could take the MacBook Pro to the next level. It’s still early days, and there are all sorts of different rumors flying about, but it seems that something big is definitely in the works.

Read more