Does Apple Still Make a Macbook Pro with an Optical Drive?

Apple, a leading technology company, has phased out the inclusion of optical drives in their MacBook Pro lineup. However, this does not necessarily mean that users cannot access optical media on their Macbooks. This article delves into the history of Apple’s decision to remove optical drives and explores the options available to those who still require this functionality.

The Evolution of Optical Drives in Apple's Macbook Pro

Apple stopped including optical drives in their MacBook Pro around ten years ago. This decision was driven by several factors: the low usage of such devices, their limited capacity, and the space and weight they take up in a portable enclosure. Modern USB keys, SD cards, and external SSDs offer significantly better storage capacity and read/write speeds in a far more compact form factor. Most current music and video content are now available through digital media such as iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, Netflix, and Google Music.

Alternatives to Optical Drives

For those who still need to use physical media or desire the functionality of optical drives, there are several alternatives available. Apple offers an excellent portable CD/DVD recorder/player for $99. Alternatively, users can purchase a portable Blu-ray reader/writer for around $80. These options allow users to access and store media in traditional optical formats.

The Current Landscape

Currently, no MacBook Pro models come with built-in optical drives. However, Apple still offers the 13-inch MacBook Pro model with a Superdrive for optical disks, making it a unique exception in their latest lineup. This decision reflects Apple's broader vision for the next generation of computing, where portable storage and viewing options are increasingly digital.

Future Trends in Digital Storage

As we move into the future, the removal of optical drives in mainstream MacBook Pros is likely to continue. External optical drives have been on the market for some time and are an excellent solution for those who still need access to optical media. Even USB storage devices are becoming more prevalent and are likely to replace optical drives entirely in the near future. The future of storage is shifting towards digital files transferred via the internet or USB for those who require local access.

Conclusion

While Apple’s latest MacBook Pro models do not include an optical drive, users have several options to ensure they can still access and work with physical media. Whether through portable CD/DVD readers, external Blu-ray drives, or traditional external optical drives, the functionality is still accessible. As we move forward, the digital storage trend will continue to dominate, but for now, there are still ways to enjoy the convenience of optical media.