Framework Finally Goes Pro: The Laptop 13 Pro Arrives

Framework computers have been very popular with techies since they arrived on the scene a few years ago. Unlike many hardware manufacturers, the company strongly supports consumers’ right to repair. And they do much more than give lip service to the cause — their machines are built from the ground up to be highly modular. All it takes is a screwdriver and a few minutes to customize, upgrade, or repair a Framework computer.

But while Framework makes some pretty nice computers, people haven’t found them to be comparable to those produced by premium competitors. The build quality, for instance, has been criticized, with issues like chassis flex and hinge quality frequently being mentioned. Users also take issue with the battery life of Framework laptops, which does not stack up well against the competition.

Fortunately, Framework has addressed these issues, and more, in their latest release: the Laptop 13 Pro. It has a decidedly premium-feeling build that is reminiscent of an Apple MacBook Pro, and it has a number of internal hardware upgrades to go along with that. And, of course, the Laptop 13 Pro still makes upgrades and repairs incredibly simple. In many ways, it’s like a MacBook Pro that you can run Linux on.

The most immediately noticeable change is the redesigned chassis. Framework has moved to a CNC-machined 6000-series aluminum body, significantly improving rigidity while maintaining a slim 15.86 mm thickness. This directly targets past complaints about flex and overall durability. The company has also refined smaller details, such as a simpler Expansion Card latch and a new graphite color option, giving the device a more polished, high-end appearance.

Battery life, another long-standing concern, has seen a major upgrade. The Laptop 13 Pro now includes a 74 WHr battery — about 22% larger than its predecessor. Combined with the efficiency improvements of Intel’s latest Core Ultra Series 3 processors, Framework claims users can expect up to 20 hours of usage on a single charge. A 100W GaN charger is also included, enabling faster charging to match the increased capacity.

The laptop supports up to Intel Core Ultra X9 processors, along with integrated graphics up to Intel B390. It’s also the first Framework system to include PCIe 5.0 and Wi-Fi 7, bringing it in line with the latest hardware standards. Memory has been upgraded to LPCAMM2 modules, offering configurations up to 64GB at speeds reaching 7,467 MT/s.

The 13.5-inch display features a sharp 2880 x 1920 resolution, a smooth 30 to 120 Hz refresh rate, and, for the first time on a 13-inch Framework laptop, touch support. Paired with a new haptic touchpad, the user experience feels much closer to what you’d expect from top-tier laptops.

Set to release in June 2026 with a starting price of $1,199 for the DIY edition, the Framework Laptop 13 Pro offers a premium design without sacrificing the company’s core philosophy. For more details, check out the official product page.