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Apple A-Z » Mac

MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro
 

Apple's MacBook Pro has become a staple among professional users who need power, efficiency, and portability in one computer. The M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max processors make these the most powerful MacBooks, with the longest battery life to date. They are the go-to machine for app developers and video creators.

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The MacBook Pro debuted on the cusp of Apple's transition to Intel-based processors in 2006 and has been the flagship laptop for the company since. It has flourished as the laptop of choice for Apple developers and continues to be one of Apple's most important products even after its transition to custom Apple Silicon.

The introduction of the M1 processor to the 13-inch MacBook Pro revitalized the product after it languished under Intel's slow product updates and poor optimization. Apple chose not to change the external appearance of its MacBook Pro lineup when it debuted the M1 in 2020. Then later, the 24-inch iMac was exemplary of what Apple can achieve when using its custom processors.

The M1 Pro and M1 Max processors were revealed alongside a redesigned 16-inch MacBook Pro and 14-inch MacBook Pro in late 2021. They abandoned the Touch Bar in favor of full-sized function keys and added several ports.

The M2 processor was revealed during WWDC in 2022 and added to the existing 13-inch MacBook Pro. Unlike the M2 MacBook Air, the 13-inch MacBook Pro received no other notable changes to its design or functionality.

In January 2023, Apple unveiled the M2 Pro and M2 Max processors for the updated MacBook Pro lineup. Apple followed up with M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max in October 2023, a release that saw the end of the 13-inch MacBook Pro.

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The MacBook Pro runs macOS and uses proprietary Apple Silicon. The latest models have a unibody aluminum design, displays with a notch cutout, and a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID.

MacBook Pro — Design

Apple introduced the aluminum unibody design in the second-generation MacBook Pro, and that overall design has stuck around since. The chassis became thinner with each iteration of the MacBook Pro until Apple removed all legacy ports in favor of four USB Type-C Thunderbolt ports. However, Apple's 2021 models brought back the HDMI port and SD card slot in a slightly thicker case design.

The design has changed but remains instantly familiarThe design has changed but remains instantly familiar

All modern versions of the laptop have a large glass trackpad, an updated Magic Keyboard with scissor switches, and an Apple logo on the display case. The Touch Bar still existed on the 13-inch MacBook Pro until its demise in 2023.

Apple's approach to case design hasn't changed much, even with a slight redesign to accommodate the extra ports and increased cooling needs in the 2021 models. Notably, Apple increased the foot size under the laptops so more air could flow underneath during regular use.

The M3 Pro and M3 Max models released in late 2023 are available in a new space black color option.

MacBook Pro — Processors and Configurations

There are three sizes of MacBook Pro and nine different processors available across three generations. The M3 processor family took over, but M2 and M1 models can still be found at third-party retailers.

Apple's M3 family of chipsApple's M3 family of chips

Customers can choose between the M3 Pro and M3 Max in either the 16-inch MacBook Pro or 14-inch MacBook Pro during purchase. Both models have identical port configurations, display specs, and designs — only the display size and battery life differ. The M1 Pro, M1 Max, M2 Pro, and M2 Max configurations can still be purchased at select retailers, but Apple no longer offers them new.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro didn't get an M3 option, instead Apple included the M3 in the 14-inch MacBook Pro. This machine replaces the low-end of the MacBook Pro line.

The base M3 model has only two Thunderbolt ports, and can connect to only one external display with the lid open. Closing the lid allows it to connect to two external displays.

M3 has an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU that can be configured with up to 24GB of RAM. Dynamic Caching enables more impressive graphical processing like hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh mapping.

The M3 Pro has two configuration options. The base chip has an 11-core CPU and 14-core GPU while the upgraded version has a 12-core CPU and an 18-core GPU. It supports up to 36GB of RAM and 8TB SSD.

M3 Max takes things even further with a 14-core CPU and 30-core GPU. It can be upgraded with a 16-core CPU, a 40-core GPU, and up to 128GB of RAM.

I/O

Apple moved away from the scissor-switch mechanism in favor of a thinner "butterfly" mechanism in 2015 in the MacBook Pro, which led to several issues. The MacBook keyboards have been under heavy scrutiny since.

Full-sized function keys replaced the Touch BarFull-sized function keys replaced the Touch Bar

The first version of the butterfly keyboard launched with the tiny 12-inch MacBook. That now-retired laptop sacrificed processing power for an ultra-thin and lightweight design, including a keyboard mechanism prioritizing thinness over travel distance and reliability. The controversial butterfly switch led to numerous issues, including stuck or unresponsive keys. The company eventually started a warranty program to service MacBooks with noticeable keyboard problems.

In late 2019, Apple debuted an updated 16-inch MacBook Pro with a return to the scissor-switch mechanism. Apple called it the Magic Keyboard, with scissor switches resembling those on Apple's desktop keyboard of the same name.

Apple never quite solved the butterfly issue, no matter the design revisions and fixes it provided. The butterfly keyboard was replaced with the new Magic Keyboard across the MacBook lineup. The last one to receive the new keyboard was the 13-inch MacBook Pro, released in early 2020.

Trackpad

In 2008, Apple debuted a new trackpad that users could click anywhere on the surface. Before that, trackpads had included left-click and right-click buttons underneath the touch-cursor portion.

The third-generation MacBook Pro included an updated trackpad with a larger surface and pressure-sensitive haptics. Called the Force Touch trackpad, it replaced the mechanical clicking hinge with a haptic motor that approximates a click-through vibration. The trackpad doesn't click or operate without power since it has no moving parts.

3D Touch was an iPhone feature that popped up extra software options when applying pressure with a click. While Apple removed this from the iPhone, the MacBook trackpad still uses the Mac's equivalent Force Touch system. Apple still ships trackpads with Force Touch built-in, but it isn't emphasized in macOS.

Touch Bar

The controversial fourth-generation MacBook Pro did more to change the keyboard than the butterfly switch — it also introduced the Touch Bar. The OLED strip replaced the function key row entirely, leading to many user complaints. The Touch Bar includes Touch ID and the T1/T2 coprocessor.

Apple finally discontinued the Touch Bar after ending production of the 13-inch MacBook Pro in 2023.

Apple's Touch Bar is on the way out in favor of physical function keysApple's Touch Bar is on the way out in favor of physical function keys

The Touch Bar showed shortcut buttons based on the MacBook Pro's open and active application. Text suggestions, emoji, photo tools, and video timelines pop up depending on what a user is doing.

An altered version of watchOS powered the Touch Bar, operating entirely on the T1/T2 chip. This coprocessor also handled full disk encryption and storing Touch ID data.

Ports

The Apple Silicon MacBook Pros have multiple types of ports, a change from Apple's previous move to remove everything other than USB-C and a headphone jack. Now, users will find three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an SD card slot, and an HDMI port on M3 Pro and M3 Max models. The M3 14-inch MacBook Pro only has two Thunderbolt ports.

The SD card slot doesn't offer the latest and greatest speeds, instead, it is limited to SDXC type cards. The HDMI port in 2023 models can output to a single 8K monitor at 60Hz or a 4K monitor at 240Hz.

Apple's return to various port types comes after years of customers complaining about needing adapters to make any connection that wasn't USB to USB.

Apple also brought back the MagSafe charging port in the MacBook Pro. This port is MagSafe 3 and can fast charge the 16-inch MacBook Pro at 140W for 50% battery in 30 minutes when an appropriate wall adapter is used.

Retina Display

Apple's Liquid Retina XDR Display is available in the 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro, while a standard Retina Display is in the 13-inch MacBook Pro. The term "Retina" is used for Apple displays with a high enough pixel density to prevent individual pixels from being perceived at an average viewing distance.

The Liquid Retina Display with 120Hz ProMotion and HDRThe Liquid Retina Display with 120Hz ProMotion and HDR

The Liquid Retina XDR Display uses mini-LED backlighting for a higher dynamic range and better blacks. It also has a 120Hz ProMotion display with a variable refresh rate that shows content in its native frame rate. Both of these technologies help improve overall battery life when viewing certain content.

The latest MacBook Pros have a 1000 nit average operating brightness for HDR content and a 1600 nit peak brightness. This means content will be easier to view in bright environments.

MacBook Pro History

The MacBook Pro has been a part of Apple since 2006. Here's how it has changed.

Fifth Generation MacBook Pro

Apple's MacBook Pro has seen many changes over the years, and one of the biggest arrived in late 2020. The fifth-generation MacBook Pro launched in November 2020 with custom Apple Silicon inside. The machine abandoned Intel processors in favor of the M1.

Apple controlling the entire hardware and software stack in the Mac line for the first time means big performance gains and improved battery life. Apple says the 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1 chip is up to 2.8x faster with up to 5x faster graphics compared to its early 2020 Intel predecessor.

Security is also much improved due to the nature of having new custom system architecture on the market – no malware or adware will have yet been spotted for the product.

As described before, Apple continued innovating with its Apple Silicon when it released the M1 Pro and M1 Max alongside the updated 16-inch MacBook Pro and 14-inch MacBook Pro. Thanks to integrated CPUs and GPUs sharing a unified memory stack, these computers operate as much as 3.7x faster than the Intel versions.

The fifth-generation of MacBook Pro changed a lot while keeping it familiarThe fifth-generation of MacBook Pro changed a lot while keeping it familiar

This generation also marks the end of the Touch Bar and the introduction of more ports, like HDMI and SD card slots. They use Thunderbolt 4 ports and MagSafe 3 with fast charging capabilities.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro was updated with an M2 processor in 2022, though no other changes were made. The 14-inch and 16-inch models were updated with the M2 Pro and M2 Max in January 2023 with a few minor alterations like Wi-Fi 6E and 8K HDMI output.

Apple discontinued the 13-inch MacBook Pro in favor of selling the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3. The M3 Pro and M3 Max chips were also launched in October 2023 and are included in MacBook Pros with a new space black color option.

Fourth Generation MacBook Pro

The fourth-generation MacBook Pro was released in October 2016, updating both the 15-inch and 13-inch models. The MacBook Pro hadn't been updated in years, and some pro users voiced their uneasiness about Apple's attention discrepancy between rapidly advancing mobile devices and the stagnating Mac. However, the machine's significant 2016 updates proved more controversial than widely embraced.

The 2016 model was smaller and faster than everThe 2016 model was smaller and faster than ever

The ultra-thin MacBook Pro needed the smallest ports available, so it came with USB-C Thunderbolt 3 ports. They were versatile but new to users who would need adapters or all new equipment to use the port. There was no more MagSafe, but all ports could power the laptop without the need for a proprietary cable.

However, all eyes were on the new generation's keyboard, which had carried over from the 12-inch MacBook. Thinner keys with a butterfly mechanism and less space between them, a touch screen panel instead of a function row, and a giant trackpad all made this design futuristic and new. Apple also added its Touch ID technology in a button next to the Touch Bar that acted as the sleep/wake switch.

Through the years, the ports change mattered less as more users got USB accessories to match, but the keyboard didn't live up to Apple's hopes. April of 2018 saw a report that said the butterfly keyboard was failing at up to twice the rate of the previous generations.

iFixit teardowns show that each update to the keyboard did little to help.iFixit teardowns show that each update to the keyboard did little to help.

Class-action lawsuits were filed, Apple updated the keyboard with membrane material to prevent foreign object ingress, and a final update to the keyboard in May 2019 changed out materials for stronger ones. Apple also announced a keyboard service program for all the affected MacBooks. These changes have seemed to reduce the need for repair of "sticky keys," but they still weren't enough for users expecting their devices to "just work."

The first revision to the fourth-generation MacBook Pro came in November 2019, and along with it, a newly dubbed "Magic Keyboard." Apple brought back the scissor mechanisms and even the physical escape key to finally and hopefully bring the years of keyboard issues to rest. This 16-inch model also included new spec updates to align it with the iMac Pro and increased the battery to the maximum allowed for plane travel, 100W.

In May 2020, Apple released a 13-inch update with a new Magic Keyboard, faster processors, and more storage.

Third Generation MacBook Pro

At WWDC 2012, Apple announced a third-generation "MacBook Pro with Retina display." As its name implies, it was the first Apple notebook with a high-resolution screen. It also added Core i7 processors, USB 3.0, a second Thunderbolt port, and HDMI. To further accommodate the thinning of the laptop, Apple added MagSafe 2, which had a thinner connector and port. FireWire 800 and Ethernet were dropped to allow for the new ports, but users could still connect them via thunderbolt adapters.

This laptop also lost some moving parts. Apple dropped the disk drive and switched the hard drive to a solid-state drive. The design further removed user upgradeability by soldering in the memory and gluing in the battery.

This generation saw more significant user-facing updates than the standard memory or screen changes. In 2013, the laptops gained Thunderbolt 2, Iris graphics, 802.11ac WiFi, and the higher-end 15-inch model got additional Nvidia graphics. 4K support was added via the HDMI as well.

The 2012 refresh was the first with a Retina displayThe 2012 refresh was the first with a Retina display

The 2015 update, the last before the current generation, included all of the usual speed updates and some hardware changes. That generation marked the Force Touch trackpad's debut, making for quieter and softer clicks and allowing for deep-press-triggered contextual menus.

Second Generation MacBook Pro

Apple announced the second-generation MacBook Pro during a press event in October 2008. A new design, dumping the old PowerBook chassis, sported a unibody aluminum enclosure with tapered edges, like the MacBook Air. The optical drive and ports were rearranged for the new body style: ports on the left and optical drive on the right.

The now well-known unibody design has seen some tweaks, but this 2008 model should look familiarThe now well-known unibody design has seen some tweaks, but this 2008 model should look familiar

Apple changed ports and dropped FireWire 400, but the FireWire 800 port remained. The update also changed the DVI port to a Mini DisplayPort.

Removable batteries used to exist in MacBooks, but design language prevents it today.Removable batteries used to exist in MacBooks, but design language prevents it today.

This generation allowed users to change their battery out, which is useful for travel or switching in a spare. The battery only lasted about five hours on one charge, so buying an extra allowed the device to last closer to a full day.

Apple added a glass surface trackpad with its new sleek aluminum case. Users could click the new trackpad anywhere, an upgrade over designated buttons below on the first-generation trackpad. Later updates added inertial scrolling, similar to what iOS offered.

First Generation MacBook Pro

Among the first Intel Macs, the first-generation MacBook Pro arrived in January 2006 with a 15-inch screen. Apple launched a larger 17-inch variant in April. These were the first MacBooks with webcams. They also introduced the MagSafe connector. 

The first model from 2006The first model from 2006

The move from PowerPC to Intel was much faster than anyone, even Apple had anticipated. The process went without too many hitches, and it proved to be up to three times as fast as the PowerBook G4 it replaced.

MacBook Pro — Pricing

Retail MacBook Pro price points start at $1,299, but discounts are readily available in our Mac Price Guide, knocking hundreds of dollars off nearly every configuration.