13-inch Retina MacBook Pro due in September, says analyst

A 13-inch version of the Retina MacBook Pro may surface in September.

(Credit: Apple)

Apple buyers looking for a smaller and less expensive Retina MacBook Pro may soon get their wish.

A 13-inch MacBook Pro is expected to join its larger 15-inch cousin this September, according to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Sharing an investors note with AppleInsider, Kuo said that the new laptop would offer consumers an "attractive" alternative to the non-Retina 13-inch MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air due to the higher-resolution screen.

The analyst believes the unit's appeal will be enhanced by its combination of low power consumption and smaller form factor. And for more budget-conscious buyers, the 13-inch Retina machine should be priced along the lines of Apple's non-Retina MacBook Pro, according to Kuo. The 13-inch non-Retina MacBook Pro starts at $1,199, while the 15-inch flavor starts at $1,799.

One potential problem: supply may have a tough time keeping up with demand. Apple has run into delays with the 15-inch Retina model due to constraints on panels and other parts for the sharper display, AppleInsider noted. And although the ... [Read more]