Apple announces the next generation MacBook Pro with Retina display, available today

Having announced updates to the current-generation 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pros at today’s WWDC Keynote, Phil Schiller unveiled what the company are calling the “next generation MacBook Pro”. The new machine boasts an ultra-slim form factor (0.71 inches thick), a 15.4-inch Retina display, and flash-based storage.

Of course, the standout feature of the new MacBook Pro is its Retina screen, which Apple claim is the world’s highest resolution notebook display – with over over 5 million pixels. OS X Lion, iPhoto, iMovie, iTunes and other Apple apps have already been updated to take advantage of the new high resolution display.

In terms of design, the new MacBook Pro is almost as thin as the MacBook Air, but it doesn’t have the wedge-styling. Like the Air, it doesn’t have an optical drive, and the storage is flash-based only. In terms of connectivity, it has two Thunderbolt and two USB 3.0 ports, a new HDMI port for connection to HDTVs, and an SD card slot. It doesn’t have ethernet or FireWire ports, though Apple revealed that Thunderbolt adapters will be available for both.

Notably, this particular model is only available with a 15-inch screen, and Apple appears to have killed off the older 17-inch MacBook Pro – it’s no longer available to purchase from their online store.

Apple claims the new MacBook Pro’s battery will last up to 7 hours, depending on use, with 30 days standby time.

Available Configurations:

15-inch 2.3 GHz – Retina display, 2.3GHz quad-core Intel Core i7, 8GB memory, 256GB flash storage, Intel HD Graphics 4000, NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 1GB of GDDR5 memory.

15-inch 2.6 GHz – Retina display, 2.6GHz quad-core Intel Core i7, 8GB memory, 512GB flash storage, Intel HD Graphics 4000, NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 1GB of GDDR5 memory.

Apple’s next-gen MacBook pro is available to order today. Prices start at £1,799 ($2,199).