MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro

Developer	Apple Inc.
Manufacturer	Apple Inc.
Product family	MacBook
Type	Laptop
CPU	Apple M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, M2 Pro, M2 Max, M3, M3 Pro, M3 Max, M4 Pro, M4 Max
Memory	Up to 128 GB unified memory
Storage	512 GB to 8 TB SSD
Display	14‑inch or 16‑inch Liquid Retina XDR display
Predecessor	PowerBook G4

The MacBook Pro is a line of laptop computers made by Apple Inc.. It replaced the PowerBook G4 and was the second Mac to use an Intel processor when first released. It runs macOS and now uses Apple’s own Apple silicon chips.

Each MacBook Pro includes a built-in webcam, microphone, and a power adapter that connects magnetically using MagSafe. The computer’s case is made from recycled aluminum and is currently sold in 14‑inch and 16‑inch sizes.

History

Intel era

The first MacBook Pro was introduced in January 2006 at the Macworld Expo. It was the first professional-grade laptop from Apple to use an Intel processor, replacing the PowerBook G4.

Apple released many updates between 2006 and 2012. In June 2012, Apple introduced the first model with a Retina Display, which had a much higher screen resolution. The 17‑inch version was discontinued that same year.

In 2016, Apple added the Touch Bar, a thin touchscreen strip that replaced the top row of function keys. This feature was later removed in 2021.

Transition to Apple silicon

At WWDC 2020, Apple announced that it would move the Mac lineup from Intel processors to its own chips. The first Apple silicon model, the 13‑inch MacBook Pro (M1), was released in November 2020, featuring an 8‑core CPU, 8‑core GPU, and a 16‑core Neural Engine.

In October 2021, Apple launched redesigned 14‑inch and 16‑inch models powered by M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. These brought back ports such as HDMI, SD card reader, and MagSafe charging.

Apple later released models with M2 Pro and M2 Max (2023), followed by M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips in late 2023. In 2025, Apple introduced the M4 Pro and M4 Max versions, which are faster, more efficient, and use less power.

Models

Year	Model(s)	Processor	Notes
2006	15", later 17"	Intel Core Duo	First MacBook Pro
2009	13", 15", 17"	Intel Core 2 Duo	Unibody aluminum design
2012	13", 15"	Intel Core i5/i7	Retina Display introduced
2016	13", 15"	Intel Core i5/i7	Touch Bar added
2019	16"	Intel Core i7/i9	Larger screen replaces 15"
2020	13"	Apple M1	First Apple Silicon Mac
2021	14", 16"	M1 Pro / M1 Max	Major redesign
2023	14", 16"	M2 Pro / M2 Max / M3 series	Faster chips, better display
2025	14", 16"	M4 Pro / M4 Max	Latest models with improved AI and longer battery life

Features

Battery

• Apple silicon models might have up to 22 hours of battery life.
• Batteries are designed for about 1,000 charge cycles.
• Fast charging allows up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with a 96 W or 140 W adapter.

Display

• Uses Liquid Retina XDR with Mini LED technology.
• Supports ProMotion (up to 120 Hz refresh rate).
• Reaches ~1,600 nits peak brightness for HDR and ~1,000 nits sustained.

Keyboard

• Features the Magic Keyboard with a physical Escape key and Touch ID.
• Backlit keys adjust brightness automatically.

Trackpad

• The Force Touch trackpad supports pressure‑sensitive input and gestures.

Common gestures include:

• • Two‑finger scrolling
  • Pinch to zoom
  • Rotate images
  • Four-finger swipe to switch apps or open Mission Control

Storage and memory

• SSD storage from 512 GB to 8 TB.
• Unified memory (RAM) up to 128 GB on M4 Max models.

Processors and graphics

• Uses Apple M‑series chips with integrated CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine.
• M4 Max supports high‑end tasks like 8K video editing and AI processing.

Ports

• 3 × Thunderbolt 4 (USB‑C) ports
• 1 × HDMI 2.1 port
• 1 × SDXC card reader
• 1 × MagSafe 3 charging port
• 1 × 3.5 mm headphone jack
• Support for up to two external displays (up to 8K resolution).

Environmental impact

MacBook Pros include several features to reduce environmental impact:

• Arsenic‑free display glass
• BFR‑free and PVC‑free internal components
• Mercury‑free LED display
• 100% recycled aluminum enclosure