Framework has officially launched its most ambitious laptop yet—the Laptop 13 Pro, designed to bridge the gap between high-end build quality and the modular, repairable ethos that defines the brand. Dubbed "the MacBook Pro for Linux users" by CEO Nirav Patel, this new model aims to address longstanding critiques of previous Framework devices while retaining their upgrade-friendly DNA.
At a hands-on event in San Francisco, the Laptop 13 Pro showcased a dramatic leap in construction. It's the company's first laptop fully machined from 6000-series aluminum blocks, featuring a haptic trackpad and a custom 13.5-inch, 3:2 aspect ratio display with a 2.8K resolution and variable refresh rate (30-120Hz). The screen arrives factory-calibrated, and the anodized black or silver finish gives it a sleek, premium aesthetic that rivals Apple's offerings.
Performance and battery life have also seen significant upgrades. Framework claims the Laptop 13 Pro can edge out the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro in endurance, thanks to a 22% larger 74Wh battery, an Intel Core Ultra Series 3 "Panther Lake" processor, and LPCAMM2 compression-mounted memory. While independent testing is pending, early impressions note the hinge allows one-finger lid opening—a subtle but appreciated touch of refinement.
"With the option to order it preloaded with Ubuntu instead of only Windows, our goal for this computer is to be 'the MacBook Pro for Linux users,'" Patel stated, emphasizing its appeal to open-source advocates.
Notable firsts for Framework include a touchscreen (though no stylus support), PCIe 5.0 for up to 8TB of ultra-fast SSD storage, and Dolby Atmos-certified side-firing speakers—a hopeful improvement over earlier models criticized for mediocre audio.
Crucially, the Laptop 13 Pro maintains backward compatibility with existing Framework Laptop 13 units. Owners can upgrade individual components like the new Intel chip, display, keyboard, trackpad, or chassis without buying a full system. The modular approach extends to the battery, with a larger capacity option available as a standalone part. Framework also plans to stock LPCAMM2 memory modules (16GB, 32GB, 64GB) in its marketplace, addressing ongoing RAM supply challenges.
Pricing starts at $1,499 for a prebuilt configuration with an Intel Core Ultra 5 325, 16GB of LPCAMM2 RAM, and 512GB storage, or $1,199 for a DIY kit. For those wary of Intel or LPCAMM2, AMD Ryzen AI 300 boards from last year remain configurable. This launch positions Framework not just as a niche player for tinkerers, but as a serious contender in the premium laptop market, blending repairability with high-end polish.