The MacBook Pro 2018 was a significant release for Apple, bringing in some powerful upgrades and new features that excited many users. However, like any piece of tech, it wasn't without its shortcomings. If you're considering buying one used or are simply curious about the model, it's worth knowing what some of those downsides were. Let's dive into the details and explore what might make the 2018 MacBook Pro less appealing compared to other options.

Keyboard Issues: The Butterfly Mechanism

One of the most talked-about problems with the MacBook Pro 2018 was its keyboard. Apple used the butterfly mechanism, which was designed to be thinner and more stable than traditional scissor-switch keyboards. However, this design proved to be highly problematic. Users reported that the keys would often get stuck, become unresponsive, or repeat characters unintentionally. Dust and small particles could easily get lodged under the keys, exacerbating the issue. This led to a frustrating typing experience for many, especially those who relied on their MacBooks for extensive writing or coding.

Apple did attempt to address these issues with revisions to the butterfly keyboard in subsequent models, but the 2018 version was particularly susceptible to problems. The unreliability of the keyboard led to numerous complaints and even lawsuits against Apple. For many professionals, a reliable keyboard is essential, and the MacBook Pro 2018’s keyboard issues were a significant drawback. If you're considering this model, it’s crucial to be aware of this potential problem and factor in the cost of potential repairs or replacements. Furthermore, the butterfly keyboard's low key travel and stiff feel weren't universally liked, with many users finding it less comfortable than traditional keyboards. All in all, the keyboard was a major point of contention and a significant downside of the 2018 MacBook Pro.

Thermal Throttling: Performance Limitations

Another significant issue with the MacBook Pro 2018, especially the 15-inch model, was thermal throttling. The powerful Intel processors inside these machines could generate a lot of heat under heavy workloads. Unfortunately, the cooling system in the MacBook Pro 2018 wasn't always adequate to dissipate this heat effectively. As a result, the processors would often throttle down their performance to prevent overheating. This meant that users wouldn't always get the full performance they expected from their high-end CPUs, particularly during sustained tasks like video editing, rendering, or gaming.

Thermal throttling could be quite noticeable, causing slowdowns and lag that impacted productivity. Many users found that their MacBook Pro 2018 would perform admirably for short bursts of activity but would struggle to maintain peak performance over longer periods. This limitation was a major disappointment for professionals who needed consistent, reliable power for demanding tasks. Various workarounds were attempted, such as using external cooling pads or tweaking software settings, but none provided a perfect solution. The thermal throttling issue highlighted a design flaw in the MacBook Pro 2018's cooling system, making it a significant downside for those needing sustained high performance. If you're planning to use your MacBook for intensive tasks, it's essential to consider whether the 2018 model can consistently deliver the performance you need without throttling.

High Price for Limited Upgrades

The MacBook Pro 2018 came with a premium price tag, as is typical for Apple products. However, some users felt that the upgrades offered didn't fully justify the high cost, especially when considering the issues with the keyboard and thermal performance. While the processors and other internal components were certainly powerful, the overall value proposition was diminished by these drawbacks. Competitors offered laptops with similar or even better specifications at a lower price point, making the MacBook Pro 2018 a less attractive option for some.

Additionally, some users felt that Apple was charging a premium for the brand name and the macOS ecosystem, without delivering a truly flawless product. The high cost of repairs, especially for the problematic keyboard, further added to the overall expense of ownership. While the MacBook Pro 2018 had its strengths, the combination of a high price and notable flaws made it a questionable investment for some users. If you're on a budget or prioritize value for money, it's worth considering whether the MacBook Pro 2018 offers enough advantages over its competitors to justify the higher price. Ultimately, the high cost combined with the aforementioned issues made the MacBook Pro 2018 a less appealing choice for budget-conscious consumers.

Limited Port Selection: Dongle Life

The MacBook Pro 2018 continued Apple's trend of minimizing port selection, featuring only Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports. While Thunderbolt 3 is versatile and powerful, the lack of other ports like USB-A, HDMI, or an SD card reader meant that users often needed to rely on dongles and adapters to connect their peripherals. This could be inconvenient and frustrating, especially for professionals who frequently worked with external devices or needed to transfer files from various sources.

Carrying around a collection of dongles became a common experience for MacBook Pro 2018 users, adding extra bulk to their bags and creating a cluttered workspace. The need for dongles also introduced potential points of failure, as these adapters could sometimes be unreliable or incompatible with certain devices. While the move to Thunderbolt 3 was forward-thinking, the lack of legacy ports made the MacBook Pro 2018 less convenient for many users. If you rely on a variety of ports for your workflow, be prepared to invest in dongles and accept the added hassle they bring. This limited port selection remains a significant drawback for those who prefer the convenience of built-in connectivity.

Battery Life Concerns

While the MacBook Pro 2018 offered decent battery life under normal usage conditions, it could suffer under heavy workloads. Tasks like video editing, gaming, or running multiple applications simultaneously could drain the battery quickly, requiring users to plug in more frequently than they might expect. This was particularly noticeable on the 15-inch model with its more power-hungry processor and discrete graphics card.

Some users also reported inconsistent battery life, with the MacBook Pro 2018 sometimes failing to live up to Apple's advertised estimates. Background processes, software bugs, or simply the age of the battery could all contribute to reduced battery performance. While the MacBook Pro 2018 wasn't necessarily terrible in terms of battery life, it wasn't exceptional either, and heavy users might find themselves needing to manage their power consumption carefully. If you prioritize long battery life, it's worth considering whether the MacBook Pro 2018 can meet your needs, especially if you plan to use it for demanding tasks on the go. Always consider that heavy use of the MacBook Pro 2018 will always lead to lower than expected battery performance.

Software Glitches and macOS Issues

Like any computer, the MacBook Pro 2018 was not immune to software glitches and issues with macOS. Some users reported encountering bugs, crashes, or compatibility problems with certain applications. While Apple generally provides regular software updates to address these issues, they could still be frustrating for users in the meantime. Additionally, some users simply preferred older versions of macOS and found the newer versions to be less stable or feature-rich.

Software issues can be unpredictable and can affect any computer, regardless of its hardware specifications. While the MacBook Pro 2018 was generally reliable, it wasn't immune to these types of problems. Keeping your macOS up to date and regularly backing up your data can help mitigate the impact of software glitches. However, it's important to be aware that software issues can occur and can sometimes be difficult to resolve. Also, consider some of the preinstalled software may be outdated or bloated, requiring a clean installation for optimal performance of the MacBook Pro 2018.

Conclusion

The MacBook Pro 2018 was a powerful and capable machine, but it wasn't without its flaws. The problematic butterfly keyboard, thermal throttling issues, limited port selection, and high price point were all significant downsides that potential buyers should be aware of. While the MacBook Pro 2018 had its strengths, these drawbacks made it a less appealing option for some users, especially when compared to newer models or competing laptops. If you're considering purchasing a MacBook Pro 2018, be sure to weigh these downsides carefully against its advantages to determine if it's the right choice for your needs.