MacBook Pro 2020 could get major boost with Intel 10th-generation processors

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New leak suggests new CPUs

MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019)
(Image credit: Future)

It seems like the 13-inch MacBook Pro 2020 could get a major performance boost over last year’s model, with a new leak suggesting Apple’s smaller MacBook Pro will get 10th-generation Intel processors.

The leak has emerged from 3DMark Time Spy benchmark results, which were shared by @_rogame on Twitter. According to these leaks, the MacBook Pro 2020 13-inch will come with an Intel Core i7-1068NG7 processor with four cores and eight threads, with a 2.3GHz base clock and a 4.1GHz boost.

When compared to results for the MacBook Pro 13-inch (2019), which features an older Intel Core i5-8279U quad-core processor, the MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020) apparently scores 12% higher.

Even more impressively, when it comes to graphics, the upcoming MacBook Pro looks like it could achieve a huge 29% performance increase.

Quite the upgrade

If these benchmark results are real (and at the moment, that’s a big ‘if’), then it looks like the MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020) could offer a big upgrade over last year’s model.

While we like the 2019 MacBook Pro 13-inch a lot, the fact that Apple stuck with 8th generation Intel processors was frustrating. If these benchmarks are correct, opting for 10th generation Ice Lake processors from Intel will give many people a very compelling reason to upgrade.

Of course, we should note that not only are these benchmarks results unconfirmed, as Apple hasn’t said anything about a 2020 MacBook Pro model yet (though we imagine one is likely), but also they appear to compare a MacBook Pro running an i5 CPU versus one running an i7 part – so a jump in performance is to be expected anyway.

What about Apple’s own processor?

If these leaks are real, it means Apple is sticking with Intel for its MacBook processors for now. We’ve heard in the past that Apple is getting frustrated with Intel’s supply issues, and is looking at creating its own ARM-based processor for its MacBooks – in a similar way to how it makes its own processors for iPhones and iPads.

However, if Apple is indeed using Intel’s chips in this year’s MacBook Pro, it either means Apple and Intel have sorted out their differences, or Apple’s own CPU needs more work.

Hopefully we’ll find out more about the MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020) soon – maybe even at this rumored Apple event that’s taking place on March 31. 

Via Digital Trends

Matt Hanson
Matt Hanson
Managing Editor, Core Tech

Matt is TechRadar's Managing Editor for Core Tech, looking after computing and mobile technology. Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there's no aspect of technology that Matt isn't passionate about, especially computing and PC gaming. He’s personally reviewed and used most of the laptops in our best laptops guide - and since joining TechRadar in 2014, he's reviewed over 250 laptops and computing accessories personally.