Does the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (Intel, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3) work with Linux?

Not cleanly: there are significant gaps, so we don't recommend it for Linux as-is. The last Intel 13-inch Pro with four Thunderbolt 3 ports, an x86 Ice Lake machine with a T2 chip that boots Linux directly using the t2linux patches, unlike Apple Silicon which needs Asahi.

Is the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (Intel, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3) good for programming?

For programming we score it 5/10 on value and 5/10 on performance.

How heavy is the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (Intel, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3)?

1.4 kg (3.09 lb). That's manageable for occasional travel.

What's the battery life like?

A 58 Wh pack, around 7 hours real-world mixed use. We score battery 5/10.

Can I upgrade the RAM or storage?

RAM is soldered, so the 16 GB it ships with is the RAM it dies with. Storage starts at 512 GB on this configuration.

Photo: Wikipedia contributor · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons (identical Pro 13 chassis design)

Apple · 2020 · end of life

Apple MacBook Pro 13

Name: Apple MacBook Pro 13 (Intel, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3)
Brand: Apple
SKU: MacBook Pro 13 (Intel, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3)
Price: 560 USD
Availability: Discontinued

Intel, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3

The last Intel 13-inch Pro with four Thunderbolt ports is a tidy refurb for macOS, but the T2 chip turns Linux into a project and battery life sits around seven real hours.

from $560 last seen 2025-11-20

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Best for programming office and web work study
Linux: gaps

Compiled & edited by Dennis de Kruijf · updated 2026-05-22 · how we rate

Scorecard

6.3 / 10

Mean of six category scores, 0 to 10. Compiled from public sources. How we rate.

Strongest on build and keyboard, with no category below average.

Battery 5/10
Display 7/10
Build 8/10
Keyboard 8/10
Speed 5/10
Value 5/10

Worth knowing

Stands out

Bright 500-nit screen, readable in sunlight

Watch for

Discontinued, sold from remaining stock
Linux needs significant work on this hardware
RAM is soldered, no upgrade later

Compare with other laptops

Linux: significant gaps, expand for details

Linux readiness3.5

Partial · Most documented on fedora, with major gaps. Confidence: high · How we score

Specs

Specifications for Apple MacBook Pro 13
CPU	Intel Core i5-1038NG7 (4-core), i7-1068NG7 option
GPU	Intel Iris Plus Graphics (integrated)
RAM	16 GB (soldered, not upgradeable)
Storage	512 GB
Screen	13.3" 2560x1600 @ 60Hz, 500 nitsvery bright, easy in direct sun
Weight	1.4 kglight for daily carry
Battery	58 Wh, around 7 h real-world

Common questions

Does the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (Intel, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3) work with Linux?: Not cleanly: there are significant gaps, so we don't recommend it for Linux as-is. The last Intel 13-inch Pro with four Thunderbolt 3 ports, an x86 Ice Lake machine with a T2 chip that boots Linux directly using the t2linux patches, unlike Apple Silicon which needs Asahi.
What does the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (Intel, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3) cost?: Last seen around 560 USD (2025-11-20). It is discontinued, so prices vary with remaining stock.
Is the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (Intel, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3) good for programming?: For programming we score it 5/10 on value and 5/10 on performance.
How heavy is the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (Intel, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3)?: 1.4 kg (3.09 lb). That's manageable for occasional travel.
What's the battery life like?: A 58 Wh pack, around 7 hours real-world mixed use. We score battery 5/10.
Can I upgrade the RAM or storage?: RAM is soldered, so the 16 GB it ships with is the RAM it dies with. Storage starts at 512 GB on this configuration.