Framework postpones Laptop 13 Pro shipments by one month
The anticipated launch of the Framework Laptop 13 Pro, marketed as the “MacBook Pro for Linux users,” has been delayed, with shipments now expected to begin in July instead of the previously scheduled June release. This delay could extend further, with some orders potentially pushed back to early September. Customers who had preordered the laptop received notifications via email detailing the reasons behind this postponement, which primarily stems from technical difficulties with the device’s haptic trackpad and its custom display.
The haptic trackpad has been a focal point of development, undergoing numerous internal firmware releases. However, an electrical grounding issue in its circuit board design necessitated additional modifications. The Framework team has collaborated with its suppliers, Lite-On and Boréas, to resolve these issues, resulting in a complete redesign of the trackpad’s circuit board to eliminate the resetting problem observed during testing.
Compounding the delay, a bug discovered during the production ramp of the laptop’s custom display has also contributed to the postponement. The display’s manufacturer, CSOT, is now working on a new firmware update to rectify these initialization issues. It is anticipated that the trackpad and display updates will arrive concurrently by mid-July.
For customers eager to receive their Framework Laptop 13 Pro, the company has offered full refunds for those no longer willing to wait. This delay also means that reviews of the laptop will be postponed until the updated models are shipped in July, posing a challenge for consumers seeking performance metrics prior to making a purchase decision.
Framework has not widely publicized this delay, with company representatives indicating that the notification primarily targets those who placed preorders. As a result, broader consumer awareness of the situation may be limited.
The framework of the Framework Laptop 13 Pro aims to elevate the performance, design, and durability compared to its predecessor, emphasizing the company’s commitment to delivering a robust final product. The organization has pledged to keep its customers informed as they navigate this revised production timeline.
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