Currently, the only Mac model available with an optical drive is the 13-inch MacBook Pro. Apple has made a conscious decision to remove optical drives from their Mac lineup in recent years, but they have seemingly recognized that there are still some users, especially students, who may require a DVD drive for various reasons.
The removal of optical drives from Macs has been a gradual process for Apple. They initially started by eliminating optical drives from their MacBook Air lineup, which was aimed at providing a more lightweight and portable computing experience. This decision was met with some resistance from users who still needed to use CDs or DVDs for certain tasks, such as installing software or watching movies.
However, as technology has advanced and digital media has become more prevalent, the need for optical drives has diminished for many users. With the rise of streaming services and the availability of software downloads, the reliance on physical media has decreased significantly. As a result, Apple made the decision to remove optical drives from their Mac lineup in order to make their devices thinner and lighter.
While this move has been applauded by some for its forward-thinking approach, it has also left some users in a difficult position. There are still situations where having an optical drive can be beneficial or even necessary. For example, some educational institutions may distribute course materials or software on CDs or DVDs. Additionally, some users may have a collection of movies or music on physical media that they still enjoy using.
For these reasons, Apple has chosen to retain the optical drive in the 13-inch MacBook Pro. This particular model caters to a wide range of users, including students and professionals, who may still have a need for an optical drive. By offering this option, Apple is acknowledging that there is still a demand for this feature and is providing a solution for those who require it.
It’s worth noting that there are alternative options for users who need to use CDs or DVDs but don’t have access to an optical drive. External optical drives can be purchased separately and connected to a Mac via USB. These external drives allow users to access and use CDs or DVDs without the need for an internal drive.
The 13-inch MacBook Pro is currently the only Mac model available with an optical drive. Apple has recognized that there are still users who require this feature, particularly students, and has chosen to retain the optical drive in this particular model. However, as technology continues to advance, the need for optical drives has become increasingly less common, and Apple has made the decision to remove them from their other Mac models.