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A 13-inch MacBook Pro in packaging

MacBook is a type of Mac laptop computer that is developed and marketed by Apple that use Apple's macOS operating system since 2006. The MacBook brand replaced the PowerBook and iBook brands during the Mac transition to Intel processors, announced in 2005. The current lineup consists of the MacBook Air (2008–present) and the MacBook Pro (2006–present). Two different lines simply named "MacBook" existed from 2006 to 2012 and 2015 to 2019. The MacBook brand was the "world's top-selling line of premium laptops" as of 2015.[1]

Overview

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The MacBook family was initially housed in designs similar to the iBook and PowerBook lines which preceded them, which changed to a unibody aluminum construction similar to the one first introduced with the MacBook Air. The unibody construction also has a black plastic keyboard that was first used on the MacBook Air, which itself was inspired by the sunken keyboard of the original polycarbonate MacBooks. The now standardized keyboard brings congruity to the MacBook line, with black keys on a metallic aluminum body.

The lids of the MacBook family are held closed by a magnet with no mechanical latch, a design element first introduced with the polycarbonate MacBook. The memory, drives, and batteries were accessible in the old MacBook lineup, though the newest compact lineup solders or glues all such components in place. All of the current MacBooks feature backlit keyboards.

Models named "MacBook"

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MacBook (2006–2012)

[edit]
Main article: MacBook (2006–2012)

As part of the Mac transition to Intel processors, Apple released a 13-inch laptop simply named "MacBook", as a successor to the PowerPC-based iBook series of laptops. During its existence, it was the most affordable Mac, serving as the entry-level laptop that was less expensive than the rest of the Mac laptop lineup (the MacBook Pro portable workstation, and later the MacBook Air ultra-portable). It was aimed at the consumer and education markets. Successive revisions of the MacBook were sold to consumers between May 2006 and July 2011, by which time it been superseded by the MacBook Air which had a lower entry price.[2] Apple continued to sell the MacBook to educational institutions until February 2012.[3][4]

During its existence, it was the best-selling Mac in Apple's history. For five months in 2008, it was the best-selling laptop of any brand in US retail stores.[5] Collectively, the MacBook brand was the "world's top-selling line of premium laptops."[6]

There have been three separate designs of this MacBook. The original design used a combination of polycarbonate and fiberglass casing which was modeled after the iBook G4. The second design, introduced in October 2008 alongside the 15-inch MacBook Pro, shared the latter's unibody aluminium casing, but lacked a FireWire port. A third design, introduced in late 2009, retained a similar unibody construction but changed back to white polycarbonate. The aluminum unibody design continued in productions as the newly introduced 13-inch Macbook Pro.

12-inch MacBook (2015–2019)

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Main article: 12-inch MacBook

In 2015, Apple introduced the 12-inch MacBook (unofficially called the Retina MacBook, officially marketed as the new MacBook), which sat between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro in Apple's laptop lineup. It was more compact than any other notebook in the MacBook family at the time and included a Retina display, fanless design, a Butterfly keyboard with lower key travel. It only had one USB-C port, used for both power and data, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack. It was released in 2015, revised in 2017, and discontinued in July 2019, a year after the release of the MacBook Air with Retina display. It was also the thinnest MacBook ever, at a height of 0.14–0.52 inches (0.35–1.31 cm) [7]

MacBook family

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MacBook Air

[edit]
Main article: MacBook Air

The MacBook Air is Apple's least expensive notebook computer. While the 1st generation was released as a premium ultraportable positioned above the 2006–2012 MacBook, lowered prices on subsequent iterations and the discontinuation of that MacBook have made it serve as the entry-level Mac portable. The 2010–2017 base model came with a 13-inch screen and was Apple's thinnest notebook computer until the introduction of the MacBook in March 2015. This MacBook Air model features two USB Type-A 3.0 ports and a Thunderbolt 2 port, as well as an SDXC card slot (only on the 13-inch model). This model of MacBook Air did not have a Retina display. A MacBook Air model with an 11-inch screen was available from early October 2010 to late October 2016. In 2017, the MacBook Air received a small refresh, with the processor speed increasing to 1.8 GHz.

On October 30, 2018, the MacBook Air underwent a major design change, dropping the USB Type-A ports, MagSafe, and the SD card slot in favor of two USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports and a headphone jack. It was updated with a Retina display and Intel Y-series Amber Lake i5 CPUs, as well as a Force Touch trackpad, a third-generation butterfly mechanism keyboard, and the Touch ID sensor found in the fourth-generation MacBook Pro, but without the Touch Bar. The base price was also raised, although the base configuration of the 2017 model was retained until July 9, 2019, when it was discontinued along with the Retina MacBook.[8] The base price of this model was also dropped to $1099 ($999 for students) on the same day.[9]

On November 10, 2020, Apple announced that the MacBook Air would use the new Apple M1 system on a chip. The M1 Air does not have a fan, ensuring silent operation but limiting the M1 chip speed in sustained operations. Performance was claimed to be higher than most current Intel laptops.[10]

On June 6, 2022, at WWDC 2022, Apple announced a new MacBook Air based on the Apple M2 system on a chip.[11] It incorporates several design elements from the fifth-generation MacBook Pro models, such as a flat, slab-shaped design, full-sized function keys, and a Liquid Retina display with rounded corners and a notch for a 1080p webcam, but retains the previous generation's fanless design. It includes two combination Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports and adds MagSafe charging.[12]

On June 5, 2023, at WWDC 2023, Apple announced a larger 15-inch version of the M2 model.[13]

On March 4, 2024, Apple announced updated 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models based on the Apple M3 system on a chip.[14]

MacBook Pro

[edit]
Main article: MacBook Pro

The MacBook Pro is Apple's higher-end notebook available in 14-inch and 16-inch configurations. The most recent 13-inch MacBook Pro was introduced in October 2018. It features a touch-sensitive OLED display strip located in place of the function keys, a Touch ID sensor integrated with the power button, and four USB-C ports that also serve as Thunderbolt 3 ports. The 13-inch model was also available in a less expensive configuration with conventional function keys and only two USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports, but since July 2019, the base MacBook Pro model has the Touch Bar as well as quad-core processors, similar to the higher-end models, although it still has only two USB-C / Thunderbolt 3 ports.[15] The May 2020 refresh adopts many of the upgrades seen in the 16" 2019 MacBook Pro, including the scissor mechanism keyboard ("Magic Keyboard") and a physical Escape button.

On November 13, 2019, Apple released the 16-inch MacBook Pro, replacing the 15-inch model of the previous generation, and replacing the butterfly keyboard with a scissor mechanism keyboard (dubbed the Magic Keyboard by Apple), reverting to the old "inverted-T" arrow key layout, replacing the virtual Escape key on the Touch Bar with a physical key, and replacing the AMD Polaris and Vega graphics from the 15-inch model with options from AMD's Navi graphics architecture, as well as reengineering the speakers, microphone array, and the thermal system compared to the 15-inch; the latter had thermal limitations in the 15-inch model due to its design. In addition, the 16-inch is available with up to 64GB of DDR4 2667  MHz RAM and up to 8 TB of SSD storage. It also has a 100 Wh battery; this is the largest battery that can be easily carried onto a commercial airliner under U.S. Transportation Security Administration rules.[16][17][18]

On November 10, 2020, Apple announced a new model of the MacBook Pro incorporating the new Apple M1 system on a chip.[19] It has a fan, allowing sustained operation of the M1 chip at its full performance level, which is claimed to match or exceed that of Intel versions. Unlike Intel Pro models, the M1 version only comes with a 13-inch screen, has only two Thunderbolt ports, and has a maximum of 16 GB random access memory (RAM).[10]

On October 18, 2021, Apple announced new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models during an online event.[20] They are based on the M1 Pro and M1 Max, Apple's first professional-focused ARM-based systems on a chip. This release addressed many criticisms of the previous generation[21] by reintroducing hard function keys in place of the Touch Bar, an HDMI 2.0 port,[22] an SDXC reader and MagSafe charging. Other additions include a Liquid Retina XDR display with thinner bezels and an iPhone-like notch, ProMotion supporting a 120Hz variable refresh rate, a 1080p webcam, Wi-Fi 6, 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports, a six-speaker sound system supporting Dolby Atmos, and support for a third 6K display on M1 Max models.[23] The 16-inch version is bundled with a 140W GaN power supply that supports USB-C Power Delivery 3.1, though only MagSafe supports full-speed charging as the machine's USB-C ports are limited to 100W.[24]

On June 6, 2022, Apple announced an updated 13-inch MacBook Pro based on the Apple M2 system on a chip. It is housed in the same chassis as the previous M1 MacBook Pro.[25]

On January 17, 2023, Apple announced updated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models based on the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips. The updated models also include Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, HDMI 2.1, longer battery life, and up to 96 GB of memory with M2 Max models.[26]

On October 30, 2023, Apple announced updated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models based on the M3 series of chips.[27]

On October 30, 2024, Apple announced updated 14-inch and 16-inch Macbook Pro models based on the M4 series of the chips.

Comparisons

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Model Processor (Apple silicon) Memory Storage Graphics Display resolution (IPS Retina) Peripheral connections Battery (lithium polymer, non-removable) List price (in US)
MacBook Air (13-inch, M4) 4.4 GHz 10-core Apple M4 system-on-chip with 4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores 16 GB or 24 GB of unified in-package 128-bit 7500 MHz LPDDR5X SDRAM with up to 120 GB/s of memory bandwidth

Optional 32 GB at the time of purchase only.

256 GB or 512 GB PCIe-based SSD

Optional 1 TB or 2 TB at the time of purchase, not upgradable after.

8-core or 10-core Apple-designed integrated GPU with shared memory 13.6", 2560  ×  1664, 224 px/in with wide color gamut (P3), 500 cd/m2, True Tone display, 1 billion colors 53.8 Wh $999, $899 for students
MacBook Air (15-inch, M4) 10-core Apple-designed integrated GPU with shared memory 15.3", 2880 × 1864, 224 px/in with wide color gamut (P3), 500 cd/m2, True Tone display, 1 billion colors 66.5 Wh $1,199, $1,099 for students
MacBook Pro (14-inch, M5) 4.4 GHz 10-core Apple M5 system-on-chip with 4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores 16 GB or 24 GB of unified in-package 128-bit 9600 MHz LPDDR5X SDRAM with up to 153 GB/s of memory bandwidth

Optional 32 GB at the time of purchase only.

512 GB or 1 TB PCIe-based SSD

Optional 2 TB or 4 TB at the time of purchase, not upgradable after.

14.2", 3024 × 1964, 254 px/in with wide color gamut (P3), SDR: 600 cd/m2, XDR: 1000 cd/m2 sustained full-screen, 1600 cd/m2 peak (HDR content only), True Tone display, 1 billion colors, 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate with ProMotion technology 72.4 Wh $1,599, $1,499 for students
MacBook Pro (14-inch, M4 Pro or M4 Max)
  • 4.4 GHz up to 14-core Apple M4 Pro system-on-chip with 10 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores
  • 4.4 GHz 14-core Apple M4 Max system-on-chip with 10 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores
  • 24 GB of unified in-package 256-bit 8533 MHz LPDDR5X SDRAM with up to 273 GB/s of memory bandwidth (M4 Pro)
  • 36 GB of unified in-package 384-bit 8533 MHz LPDDR5X SDRAM with up to 410 GB/s of memory bandwidth (M4 Max)

Optional 48 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB RAM configuration available at time of purchase only

512 GB or 1 TB PCIe-based SSD

Optional 2 TB, 4 TB or 8 TB (M4 Max only) at the time of purchase, not upgradable after.

  • 16-core or 20-core Apple-designed integrated GPU with shared memory (M4 Pro)
  • 32-core Apple-designed integrated GPU with shared memory (M4 Max)
  • 3× Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C 4) ports supporting charging and DisplayPort
  • 3.5 mm headphone jack
  • HDMI 2.1 port supporting up to two displays (M4 Pro) or four displays (M4 Max)
  • SDXC memory card slot (UHS-II)
  • MagSafe 3 charging port
 $1,999, $1,849 for students
MacBook Pro (16-inch, M4 Pro or M4 Max)
  • 4.4 GHz 14-core Apple M4 Pro system-on-chip with 10 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores
  • 4.4 GHz up to 16-core Apple M4 Max system-on-chip with 12 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores
  • 24 GB of unified in-package 256-bit 8533 MHz LPDDR5 SDRAM with up to 273 GB/s of memory bandwidth (M4 Pro)
  • 36 GB of unified in-package 384-bit 8533 MHz LPDDR5 SDRAM with up to 410 GB/s of memory bandwidth (M4 Max)
  • 48 GB of unified in-package 512-bit 8533 MHz LPDDR5 SDRAM with up to 546 GB/s of memory bandwidth (M4 Max with 16-core CPU)

Optional 64 GB or 128 GB RAM configuration available at time of purchase only

  • 20-core Apple-designed integrated GPU with shared memory (M4 Pro)
  • 32-core or 40-core Apple-designed integrated GPU with shared memory (M4 Max)
 16.2", 3456 × 2234, 254 px/in with wide color gamut (P3), SDR: 600 cd/m2, XDR: 1000 cd/m2 sustained full-screen, 1600 cd/m2 peak (HDR content only), True Tone display, 1 billion colors, 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate with ProMotion technology 99.6 Wh $2,499, $2,299 with a student discount.

Timeline

[edit]
Timeline of portable Macintoshes
Mac transition to Apple siliconiMac ProApple WatchiPadiPhoneMac ProPower Mac G5Power Mac G4Power Macintosh G3Power MacintoshCompact MacintoshMacBook Pro (Apple silicon)MacBook Pro (Apple silicon)MacBook Air (Apple silicon)MacBook Air (Apple silicon)MacBook Pro (Apple silicon)MacBook Pro (Apple silicon)MacBook Pro (Apple silicon)MacBook Air (Apple silicon)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Air (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)12-inch MacBookMacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Air (Intel-based)MacBook Air (Intel-based)MacBook (2006–2012)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook (2006–2012)MacBook Air (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook (2006–2012)PowerBook G4PowerBook G4PowerBook G4iBook G4iBook G4PowerBook G4iBook (white)iBook (white)iBook ClamshelliBook ClamshellPowerBook G3PowerBook G3PowerBook G3PowerBook 3400cPowerBook 1400PowerBook 2400cPowerBook 500 seriesPowerBook 5300PowerBook 190PowerBook DuoPowerBook 500 seriesPowerBook 500 seriesPowerBook 500 seriesPowerBook 500 seriesPowerBook 150PowerBook DuoPowerBook DuoPowerBook 180PowerBook 160PowerBook 140PowerBook DuoPowerBook DuoPowerBook 180PowerBook 160PowerBook 160PowerBook 140PowerBook Duo 230PowerBook Duo 210PowerBook 170PowerBook 140PowerBook 100Macintosh Portable
See also: List of Mac models

See also

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References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

MacBook

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The MacBook is a line of portable laptop computers developed, manufactured, and sold by Apple Inc., renowned for their sleek aluminum unibody construction, high-resolution Retina displays, long battery life, and seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem including macOS, iCloud, and Apple Intelligence features. Introduced in 2006, the MacBook family initially encompassed consumer-oriented models alongside the professional-focused MacBook Pro, which debuted the same year as Apple's first Intel-based laptop to succeed the PowerBook G4 series. The lineup expanded with the MacBook Air in January 2008, marketed as the world's thinnest notebook at the time, emphasizing portability and premium design over raw power. Over nearly two decades, MacBooks have evolved through multiple generations, transitioning from processors to Apple's custom silicon starting in late 2020 with the M1 chip, which delivered significant improvements in performance, energy efficiency, and capabilities. Key milestones include the adoption of displays in 2012 for sharper visuals and reduced bezels, the introduction of the Touch Bar in 2016 for contextual controls on select models, and the shift to ports beginning in 2015, aligning with standards for faster data transfer and charging. By 2025, the current offerings feature advanced M4 and M5 chips and battery life extending up to 24 hours, catering to both everyday users and demanding professionals in creative, engineering, and AI-driven workflows. The , positioned as the accessible entry point, prioritizes thinness (under half an inch) and lightness while supporting up to 18 hours of battery life on its 13- or 15-inch models with the M4 chip, making it ideal for students, travelers, and general productivity. In contrast, the targets power users with 14- and 16-inch variants powered by M4 Pro, M4 Max, or M5 chips, offering up to 3.5 times faster AI processing than the M4 chip, 5 connectivity at 120Gb/s, a Liquid XDR display with up to 1,600 nits HDR brightness, and pro-grade audio with a 12MP Center Stage camera. Throughout its history, the MacBook line has consistently ranked among the top-selling premium laptops globally, influencing industry standards for design, build quality, and .

Overview

Brand Positioning and Evolution

The MacBook was introduced by Apple on , , as a consumer-oriented with a durable polycarbonate chassis in white and black finishes, directly replacing the G4 series and the consumer-focused 12-inch models in Apple's portable lineup. This debut marked the unification of Apple's consumer notebooks under the processor architecture, emphasizing a sleek, lightweight design with a 13.3-inch widescreen display and integrated features like a built-in camera for enhanced portability. Under ' leadership, the 2006 launch highlighted the MacBook's positioning as an affordable yet high-performance option for everyday users, starting at $1,099, which undercut many competitors while delivering up to five hours of battery life and robust build quality for on-the-go computing. Jobs described it as setting a new standard for consumer notebooks, targeting students, educators, and casual professionals who valued seamless integration within Apple's ecosystem over the power of pro desktops like the or the later tablet form factor of the . The brand evolved significantly after the original MacBook production ended in 2012 and a brief revival as the 12-inch Retina model from 2015 to 2019, shifting from a singular product to an umbrella term for Apple's entire portable Mac family. In July 2019, Apple discontinued the standalone 12-inch MacBook, streamlining the lineup to focus on the MacBook Air as the ultraportable consumer option and the MacBook Pro as the professional-grade alternative, with "MacBook" now collectively denoting these portables. A pivotal occurred in March 2020, when Apple lowered the MacBook Air's starting price to $999 and equipped it with the new Magic Keyboard, reinforcing its role as the accessible entry point for general users and creators while distinguishing it from the more powerful . This adjustment, amid the transition to later that year with the M1 chip, further entrenched the MacBook's market positioning toward portability and ecosystem synergy for students and everyday tasks, separate from stationary or touch-centric Apple devices. In 2025, the lineup advanced with M4 and M5 chips, integrating Apple Intelligence for enhanced AI-driven workflows.

Significance in Apple's Laptop Lineup

The MacBook line plays a pivotal role in Apple's laptop portfolio, representing the majority of Mac shipments and driving overall growth in the category. The MacBook Air's popularity surged following the transition to the M1 chip in 2020, which enhanced performance and battery life while maintaining portability. This shift positioned the MacBook as the accessible for consumers and professionals alike, contributing significantly to Apple's from the Mac segment, which reached $8.73 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025 alone. In terms of industry influence, the MacBook pioneered several design innovations that have shaped modern laptops. The introduction of the unibody aluminum chassis in 2008, first seen in the , revolutionized build quality by machining the entire body from a single block of aluminum, offering superior durability and aesthetics that competitors later emulated across premium devices. Similarly, the trackpad, debuted on the 2008 , established a new standard for gesture-based navigation, enabling intuitive interactions like pinching to zoom and three-finger swipes, which have become ubiquitous in the laptop market. The fanless architecture in models further set a benchmark for silent, efficient , leveraging efficient processors to eliminate and moving parts while maintaining thermal performance for everyday tasks. Culturally, the MacBook symbolizes premium, reliable computing and has permeated education and creative sectors. Apple has forged partnerships with universities such as Duke University and the University of Kentucky, deploying MacBooks and related tools to enhance learning experiences and provide equal access to technology for students. In creative industries, MacBooks are the preferred choice for designers and media professionals due to their seamless integration with software like Adobe Creative Suite and stable Unix-based macOS, fostering workflows that prioritize creativity and efficiency. This adoption has bolstered macOS's user base to approximately 100 million active Mac users worldwide as of 2024. Economically, the MacBook bolsters Apple's services ecosystem by enabling deep integration with features like for seamless data syncing, the for , and Continuity for cross-device functionality. These integrations encourage Mac users to engage more with Apple's subscription-based services, contributing to the services division's record revenue of $28.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, a 15% year-over-year increase driven in part by the ecosystem's stickiness among laptop owners.

History

Origins and Launch (2006–2012)

The MacBook was developed by Apple as an affordable and portable consumer laptop, succeeding the iBook G4 line and completing the company's transition to Intel processors following the earlier launch of the professional-oriented MacBook Pro. Announced via press release on May 16, 2006, it was positioned to offer mainstream users a balance of performance, battery life, and price under the direction of CEO Steve Jobs, emphasizing everyday portability over high-end features. The initial model featured a 13.3-inch glossy widescreen display with 1280x800 resolution, a 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo processor (with a higher-end 2.0 GHz option), up to 2 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 RAM, and storage options starting at 60 GB, all housed in a durable available in white or black. Priced starting at $1,099 for the base configuration, it included built-in , , an camera, and a Combo or optical drive for CD/DVD handling, marking a shift from PowerPC architecture to Intel's efficiency-focused chips. Later that year, in November 2006, Apple updated the lineup to Intel Core 2 Duo processors at similar speeds, improving power efficiency and performance while maintaining the $1,099 entry price. In May 2007, further refinements brought faster Core 2 Duo processors (up to 2.16 GHz), standard 1 GB RAM, larger hard drives, and a glossy display option, enhancing capabilities without altering the core design. A significant redesign arrived in October 2008 with the introduction of the unibody aluminum chassis, machined from a single block of recyclable aluminum for greater durability and a premium aesthetic, paired with a 2.0 or 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo processor, 9400M integrated graphics, and a trackpad. This model supported up to 4 GB RAM initially and included the same optical drive, starting at $1,099. By late 2009 and into 2010, Apple shifted the entry-level offering back to a white unibody variant with a 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo, up to 8 GB RAM support via upgrades, and the graphics, retaining the optical drive while prioritizing cost-effectiveness at $999. These models from 2010 to 2012 featured improved battery life up to 10 hours and remained the budget option amid growing demand for thinner alternatives. Unique to this era, the MacBook line emphasized practical features like the integrated for media playback and burning, a full-size keyboard without backlighting in early models, and robust port selection including USB 2.0, FireWire 400, and Ethernet, catering to students and general users before the rise of and . The unibody construction pioneered in set a precedent for Apple's future designs, influencing the and Pro lines with its seamless integration and reduced part count. Sales during this period exceeded expectations, with the MacBook becoming Apple's best-selling series and a staple in and consumer markets for its reliability and accessibility. Apple began phasing out the MacBook in favor of the lighter and more powerful , discontinuing the aluminum unibody model in mid-2010 and the final white polycarbonate version on July 20, 2011, after over five years of production that solidified the MacBook's role as a mainstream entry point into Apple's .

Revival and Discontinuation (2015–2019)

In March 2015, Apple reintroduced the MacBook branding with a 12-inch model aimed at providing an ultra-portable laptop option positioned between tablets like the and more traditional notebooks such as the , starting at a price of $1,299. This fanless design utilized low-power M processors to prioritize thinness and battery efficiency over high performance, marking the first MacBook to exclusively use charging and data transfer. The initial Early 2015 model featured a base 1.1 GHz dual-core M processor (with Turbo Boost up to 2.2 GHz), configurable up to 1.3 GHz, paired with 8 GB of LPDDR3 RAM and storage options from 256 GB to 512 GB SSD. Subsequent updates included the Early version, which switched to newer Core m3, m5, and m7 processors starting at 1.1 GHz (Turbo up to 3.0 GHz) and adopted all-USB-C connectivity with a single 3 port. The Late 2017 refresh upgraded to architecture with a base 1.2 GHz m3 (Turbo up to 3.4 GHz), configurable to 1.3 GHz Core i5 or 1.4 GHz i7, while introducing the second-generation butterfly keyboard mechanism for a slimmer profile—though this design later faced reliability issues leading to widespread recalls and repairs. No further hardware updates occurred after 2017, as the Y-series chips reached their performance limits. Key innovations included an anodized aluminum unibody chassis measuring just 0.14 to 0.52 inches thick and weighing 2.03 pounds, a 12-inch with 2304-by-1440 resolution at 226 pixels per inch, and a Force Touch trackpad supporting pressure-sensitive inputs and haptic feedback. The single-port design streamlined the aesthetics but required adapters for broader compatibility, and battery life reached up to 10 hours for video playback or 9 hours for wireless web, enabled by the efficient, system. Apple discontinued the on July 9, 2019, after four years without a major refresh, citing the thermal and performance constraints of the low-TDP Y-series processors that hindered competitiveness against updated models offering better specs at similar or lower prices. The decision shifted focus to the refreshed lineup, which adopted similar ultra-portable traits while incorporating more powerful hardware.

Transition to Apple Silicon (2020–2025)

In June 2020, Apple announced at its (WWDC) its plan to transition all Mac computers from processors to its own custom chips, aiming to deliver superior performance and efficiency. The first product in this shift was the with the M1 chip, released in November 2020, featuring an 8-core CPU and up to 8-core GPU, starting at $999, and offering up to 18 hours of battery life for video playback. The transition included significant design updates, particularly with the 2021 MacBook Pro redesign, which removed the Touch Bar in favor of full-size physical function keys. This redesign also reintroduced the magnetic charging connector and introduced a notched display for the 14-inch and 16-inch models to accommodate a higher-resolution . By June 2023, Apple had completed the full transition to across its entire Mac lineup with the announcement of the featuring the Ultra chip, with no new Intel-based models produced thereafter. Subsequent milestones advanced the MacBook lineup with newer chips: the M2-powered MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro arrived in 2022, introducing a redesigned for the Air. The M3 series debuted in late 2023 for MacBook Pro models and expanded to MacBook Air in 2024, adding hardware-accelerated ray tracing for improved graphics rendering in games and creative applications. In early 2025, the MacBook Air received the M4 chip with up to a 10-core CPU, enhancing everyday performance and AI capabilities. Later that year, in October 2025, the 14-inch MacBook Pro launched with the M5 Pro chip, featuring an enhanced 16-core Neural Engine optimized for on-device AI tasks. The Apple silicon shift yielded substantial performance gains, with the M1 chip providing up to 3.5 times faster CPU performance compared to the previous Intel-based . By the M5 era, efficiency improvements reached up to 20 percent over the M4 in multi-core tasks, enabling longer battery life and reduced power consumption for demanding workloads. These advancements integrated seamlessly with macOS updates, such as Sequoia, to optimize Apple Intelligence features on M-series chips.

Design and Hardware

Chassis and Build Materials

The MacBook's chassis has evolved significantly since its introduction, transitioning from construction in the early models to a premium aluminum unibody design that emphasizes durability and portability. The original MacBook, launched in 2006, featured a white or black body reinforced with , measuring 1.08 inches thick and weighing approximately 5.2 pounds, which provided a lightweight yet robust enclosure modeled after the series. In late 2008, Apple introduced the aluminum unibody MacBook, machined from a single block of anodized aluminum, which replaced the shell and resulted in a sleeker profile approximately 0.95 inches thick—about 12% thinner than the prior model—while reducing weight to around 4.5 pounds and enhancing . This unibody approach, first popularized in the lineup earlier that year, became standard across MacBooks, allowing for thinner walls and improved heat dissipation without compromising strength. Since 2020, Apple has incorporated 100% recycled aluminum in the enclosures of both and Pro models, sourced from certified post-consumer scrap to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the unibody's premium finish and durability. This material choice contributes to the chassis's resistance to dents and scratches, with the 2025 models featuring a custom alloy that Apple describes as "incredibly durable." Current form factors reflect ongoing thinning trends: the 13-inch with M4 chip measures just 0.44 inches thick and weighs 2.7 pounds, while the 14-inch with M5 reaches 0.61 inches thick at 3.4 pounds, prioritizing portability across the lineup. Durability enhancements post-2019 include the shift from the problematic butterfly keyboard mechanism—subject to a multi-year repair program due to repeated key failures—to a more reliable scissor-switch design, which improves typing stability and reduces failure rates without introducing official water resistance. The aluminum chassis itself undergoes rigorous internal testing for longevity, supporting Apple's claim that MacBooks are built to withstand daily use over extended periods. Color options have expanded with the aluminum era, offering anodized finishes such as Silver for a classic look, Space Gray for a professional matte tone, and —a deep blue-black introduced in 2022 that uses a textured coating to minimize fingerprints. These finishes are applied through a multi-stage , enhancing resistance and aesthetic appeal while aligning with the chassis's lightweight, unibody construction.

Input Devices and Displays

The MacBook's input devices have evolved significantly to enhance user interaction and comfort. Early models prior to 2015 featured scissor-switch keyboards, which provided reliable key travel and stability using an X-shaped mechanism beneath each key. In 2015, Apple introduced the butterfly mechanism across MacBook and lines, aiming for a slimmer profile with a V-shaped design that offered shallower key travel for a more responsive feel. However, this design proved problematic, as it was susceptible to failures from dust and debris accumulation, leading to stuck or repeating keys; widespread issues prompted Apple to launch a free repair program and, in 2022, agree to a $50 million class-action settlement for affected 2015–2019 models. By 2020, Apple reverted to an improved scissor-switch design in the Magic Keyboard, restoring greater key travel (1mm) and durability while maintaining a low-profile aesthetic. Trackpad advancements have paralleled this focus on intuitive input. The trackpad debuted in 2008 with the original , enabling gestures such as pinching to zoom and two-finger scrolling on a larger surface that eliminated the need for a separate button. This evolved in 2015 with the Force Touch trackpad on the and , incorporating four force sensors and a Taptic Engine for haptic feedback that simulates clicks at varying pressure levels, supporting features like Force Click for contextual menus. Subsequent redesigns, including the 2023 models, featured the largest trackpad to date—up to 20% larger than prior generations—providing expansive space for multi-finger gestures and precise cursor control. MacBook displays have advanced from standard LCD panels to high-resolution, adaptive screens that prioritize clarity and color accuracy. The first appeared in the 2012 MacBook Pro, delivering a 15.4-inch panel with 2880-by-1800 resolution at 220 pixels per inch (ppi), enabling sharp text and images without visible pixels from typical viewing distances. In 2021, the MacBook Pro introduced the using mini-LED backlighting for superior contrast (1,000,000:1 ratio) and peak brightness up to 1600 nits for HDR content, alongside ProMotion technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and video playback on Pro models. By 2025, display sizes range from the 13.6-inch on MacBook Air models to the 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR on larger MacBook Pro variants, supporting wide color (P3) and 1 billion colors across the lineup. These efficient displays contribute to extended battery life, with Pro models achieving up to 22 hours of video playback. Distinctive features further refine the viewing experience. True Tone, introduced on 2018 MacBook Pro models, uses ambient light sensors to automatically adjust the display's white balance and to match surrounding lighting, reducing in varied environments. Starting with 2024 MacBook Pro models (building on 2023 designs), an optional nano-texture glass finish etches the surface at a nanometer scale to minimize glare and reflections by up to 97% in bright settings, ideal for professional workflows without compromising image sharpness.

Processors and Performance Upgrades

The MacBook's initial processors, from its launch in 2006 through discontinuation in 2012, were Core 2 Duo chips clocked between 1.83 GHz and 2.66 GHz, paired with integrated graphics for basic computing tasks. These dual-core processors provided reliable performance for the era's and needs but were limited by power compared to later designs. Upon the MacBook's revival as a 12-inch ultraportable in 2015, Apple adopted 's Core i5 and i7 processors, remaining dual-core throughout with base clock speeds up to 1.4 GHz in the final 2017 models and integrated Intel HD Graphics 615 for visual rendering. The era for the MacBook culminated in these 2017 models that supported up to 16 GB of LPDDR3 , emphasizing portability over raw power. Apple's transition to its custom in 2020 revolutionized MacBook performance, beginning with the M1 chip fabricated on TSMC's node and containing 16 billion transistors. The M1 featured an 8-core CPU with four high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores, alongside an up to 8-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine, all integrated on a unified that shared up to 16 GB of high-bandwidth memory. This design delivered substantial gains; for example, the M1 MacBook Air scored around 1,700 in single-core 5 benchmarks, surpassing the prior i7 model's ~1,100 by approximately 55%, while multi-core scores improved by over 150% to ~7,500. These advancements stemmed from tight hardware-software integration with macOS, optimizing for efficiency without active cooling in the Air lineup. Subsequent generations built on this foundation with iterative enhancements. The 2022 M2 chip, on a refined second-generation with 20 billion transistors, retained the 8-core CPU layout but boosted GPU performance to up to 10 cores and increased to 100 GB/s, supporting up to 24 GB of unified memory. In 2023, the M3 series adopted TSMC's with 25 billion transistors, introducing hardware-accelerated ray tracing in the GPU for more realistic graphics rendering and expanding unified memory to 128 GB in Pro configurations, which accelerated tasks like by up to 65% over M1. The 2024 M4 further refined the (second generation, 28 billion transistors), shifting to a 10-core CPU (four performance and six efficiency cores) with a matching 10-core GPU, enhancing Neural Engine performance to 38 for AI workloads. By 2025, the M5 chip, on TSMC's third-generation , focuses on AI capabilities with an upgraded 16-core Neural Processing Unit and unified memory up to 128 GB in Pro variants for seamless data sharing between CPU, GPU, and NPU. The M5 features up to a 10-core CPU (four performance and six efficiency cores), a 10-core GPU, and unified of 153 GB/s, supporting up to 32 GB of unified memory in base configurations and higher in Pro variants. The M5 Pro configuration delivered up to 15% faster multi-core CPU performance than the M4 in benchmarks like Cinebench, with GPU improvements reaching 35% for ray-traced rendering, enabling more efficient handling of complex simulations and tasks. This progression underscores Apple Silicon's emphasis on balanced power efficiency, with Pro models sustaining high loads while drawing under 30W, far below comparable systems.

Battery Management and Efficiency

Apple's MacBooks incorporate advanced battery management features to optimize lithium-ion battery health, particularly through Optimized Battery Charging, which learns user charging patterns and holds the battery at 80% charge until needed to reach 100%, thereby reducing wear from prolonged full charges. This system also enables bypass charging, allowing the device to power directly from the AC adapter without routing energy through the battery, which minimizes stress and heat exposure during extended plugged-in use. Full charge cycles can accelerate battery degradation over time, as lithium-ion batteries experience chemical changes that reduce capacity; Apple recommends limiting charges to around 80-90% when possible to extend longevity, especially for users who keep their devices plugged in for long periods.

Current Models

MacBook Air Lineup

The MacBook Air lineup, as of 2025, centers on two models powered by Apple's M4 chip: the 13-inch and 15-inch variants, both introduced on March 5, 2025. These represent the current entry point into Apple's , emphasizing portability, , and integration with Apple Intelligence features. The 13-inch model starts at $999, featuring a 10-core CPU (4 performance cores and 6 cores), an 8-core GPU (configurable to 10-core), 16GB of unified memory as standard, and up to 18 hours of battery life for video playback. The M4 chip's efficient power management, including its balance of performance and efficiency cores, contributes to this extended battery life. These models also feature Optimized Battery Charging as standard, which learns user habits to hold the charge at 80% and only completes to 100% when needed, thereby maintaining long-term battery health. The 15-inch model, priced from $1,199, shares the same core processor options but offers a larger 15.3-inch Liquid for enhanced multitasking and media consumption. Both models maintain the fanless design that defines the Air series, relying on the efficient M4 architecture for silent operation during everyday tasks. Key shared features include a HD camera with Center Stage, a three-mic array for clear audio, dual ports supporting charging and data transfer, MagSafe 3 charging, and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. The M4 chip delivers up to twice the performance of the last Intel-based models in CPU-intensive workflows, such as photo editing or code compilation, while enabling hardware-accelerated ray tracing for graphics tasks. Configuration variants allow customization for varying needs, with the base 13-inch model equipped with an 8-core GPU and 256GB SSD, upgradable to a 10-core GPU, 32GB unified memory, and up to 2TB storage. The internal SSD is soldered to the logic board and cannot be user-upgraded post-purchase, consistent with other Apple Silicon MacBooks. Color options across both sizes include Silver, , the new , and , providing aesthetic flexibility without compromising the anodized aluminum enclosure's premium build.
ModelStarting PriceDisplay SizeCPU/GPU (Base/Config)Base Storage/RAMBattery Life (Video)
13-inch (M4)$99913.6-inch Liquid 10-core CPU / 8-core GPU (up to 10-core)256GB / 16GBUp to 18 hours
15-inch (M4)$1,19915.3-inch Liquid 10-core CPU / 10-core GPU256GB / 16GBUp to 18 hours
Targeted at students, professionals handling everyday computing, and light content creators, the MacBook Air excels in scenarios like web browsing, document editing, streaming, and basic photo/video work, where its balance of power and portability shines. Pricing includes education discounts—$899 for the 13-inch and $1,099 for the 15-inch—making it accessible through the , authorized resellers, and online configurators. This lineup traces its conceptual roots to the original 2008 , which pioneered ultrathin laptops, but has evolved significantly with for modern AI-driven tasks.

MacBook Pro Lineup

The MacBook Pro lineup in 2025 features high-performance models designed for professional workflows, including the newly released 14-inch model powered by the base M5 chip and the higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch variants equipped with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. These laptops emphasize advanced processing for demanding tasks such as and , with configurable options for and storage to support intensive applications in media production and . The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5, launched on October 22, 2025, starts at $1,599 and includes a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, delivering up to 24 hours of battery life for video playback. The M5 chip's efficient power management contributes to this extended battery life. These models also feature Optimized Battery Charging as standard, which learns user habits to hold the charge at 80% and only completes to 100% when needed, thereby maintaining long-term battery health. It supports up to 32GB of unified and 4TB of SSD storage in configurable variants, with ports including three 4 (USB-C) connections, an port, and an SDXC card slot for seamless connectivity in professional environments. Key pro features include a Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 1,000 nits sustained brightness for HDR content, a 12MP Center Stage camera for high-quality video calls, and a six-speaker sound system with spatial audio support, making it optimized for creative professionals handling 4K and real-time rendering. A nano-texture display option is available for an additional $150 to reduce glare in bright settings. Higher-end configurations in the 14-inch size use the M4 Pro chip (starting at $1,999), offering up to a 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU, while the M4 Max variant (starting at $3,199) provides up to a 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU, with support for up to 128GB unified memory and 8TB storage. The 16-inch , updated with M4 Pro and M4 Max in late and carrying over into 2025 without major changes, starts at $2,499 for the M4 Pro model (12-core CPU, 16-core GPU base) and $3,499 for M4 Max, also supporting up to 128GB RAM and 8TB storage, with battery life reaching up to 24 hours. The M4 Pro and M4 Max chips' efficient power management contributes to this extended battery life. These models also feature Optimized Battery Charging as standard, which learns user habits to hold the charge at 80% and only completes to 100% when needed, thereby maintaining long-term battery health. These models feature three 5 ports, , and SDXC for expanded I/O, alongside the same pro-grade Liquid Retina XDR display, 12MP camera, and six-speaker system, targeting developers and media experts requiring sustained . Like other current MacBooks, they share a slim aluminum focused on portability and durability.

Comparisons and Variants

Air vs. Pro Differences

The and lines cater to distinct user needs within Apple's , with the Air emphasizing ultraportable design for everyday and the Pro prioritizing raw power for professional workflows. Both models utilize Apple's efficient M-series silicon for core processing, share features such as MagSafe charging and a headphone jack, but diverge significantly in thermal design, expandability, displays, and overall capability to handle demanding tasks. These differences enable users to select based on whether mobility or takes precedence in their routine. A primary distinction is in performance capabilities, driven by cooling architecture. The MacBook Air adopts a fanless, system that operates completely silently to maintain its slim profile, which excels in short bursts but throttles under prolonged heavy loads to prevent overheating. In contrast, the MacBook Pro incorporates with dual fans, allowing sustained high performance; for instance, in Cinebench 2024 multi-core benchmarks, Pro models achieve approximately 80–100% higher scores during extended runs compared to Air variants with base M4 chips, making the Pro better suited for consistent intensive use. Display technologies further highlight these priorities, with the Air featuring a Liquid Retina display at 60Hz refresh rate, while the Pro employs a Liquid Retina XDR display with 120Hz ProMotion, higher peak brightness, and superior contrast for enhanced visual fidelity in professional applications. In terms of portability versus power, the Air prioritizes travel-friendly dimensions as the thinner and lighter option, with the 13-inch model weighing just 2.7 pounds and 0.44 inches thick, ideal for commuters or students, and offering two Thunderbolt ports. The Pro, however, trades some mobility for enhanced functionality: the 14-inch version tips the scales at about 3.4 pounds and includes three Thunderbolt ports, an output, and SDXC card slot absent on the Air, supporting direct connections to external displays and peripherals without adapters. Larger 16-inch Pro models reach up to 4.7 pounds, further emphasizing their workstation-like role. The price differential underscores these trade-offs, with the starting at $999 for the base 13-inch M4 configuration, approximately $600 less than the Pro's $1,599 entry point for the 14-inch M5 model as of November 2025. This gap reflects the Pro's greater expandability, including up to 128GB of unified memory and additional ports, which extend device longevity for evolving professional demands. Ultimately, use cases guide the choice: the Air handles routine activities like web browsing, office work, streaming, light editing, and coding efficiently without excess power. For more rigorous applications, such as heavy video editing, 3D rendering, machine learning, professional photography, or music production, the Pro's superior sustained performance, screen quality, audio, ports, and connectivity provide a clear advantage, justifying the investment for creators and developers.

MacBook vs. Competitor Laptops

MacBooks distinguish themselves through their tight integration within the , enabling features like Handoff for seamless task switching between MacBooks, iPhones, and iPads, and for instant across devices, which provide a more polished experience compared to Windows laptops from competitors like , , and HP Spectre that offer broader cross-brand compatibility but often with less fluid execution. Online discussions among developers highlight a preference for MacBooks over Windows laptops, such as those from HP, due to factors including superior build quality, extended battery life, the Unix-based macOS that facilitates command-line tools and server-side development, and seamless integration for users familiar with iPhone development. These preferences are often noted in comparisons where users upgrade from budget Windows devices to premium MacBooks, potentially amplifying perceived performance gains; however, some developers favor the Windows user interface or opt for Linux for greater customization flexibility. In performance, Apple's M4 Pro chip in MacBook Pro models delivers superior efficiency over Intel's Core Ultra 9 in Windows ultrabooks, achieving up to 30% higher multi-threaded scores in benchmarks while consuming less power, which contributes to competitive battery life in tasks like video playback—18 hours on a M4 versus up to 23 hours on a 13 with Core Ultra Series 2 as of 2025. The integrated GPU in M-series chips also outperforms NVIDIA options in NVIDIA-equipped competitors for Apple-optimized creative applications like , handling 4K editing and effects rendering faster due to unified memory architecture, though holds an edge in cross-platform GPU-intensive workloads. MacBooks employ a premium unibody aluminum for exceptional durability and minimal flex, contrasting with the mixed aluminum-magnesium or plastic composites in , , and HP Spectre models that prioritize lightness but may show more wear over time. Pricing positions the base MacBook Air M4 at $999, competitive with the 13 at $999, HP Spectre x360 at $1,000, but undercutting the X1 Carbon at around $1,400, while MacBooks provide longer software support—typically 7 years of macOS updates—exceeding the 5-6 years common for many Windows devices on aging hardware. Despite these strengths, MacBooks face drawbacks in limited port selection—relying on / without native or slots, unlike the more versatile I/O on ThinkPads and Spectres—and non-upgradeable components such as RAM and storage, which contrasts with modular PCs allowing post-purchase expansions. However, they counter with robust privacy features like biometric authentication and end-to-end encryption, alongside strong resale value retention—often holding 60-70% of original price after three years, compared to 40-50% for equivalent Windows ultrabooks—due to sustained performance and demand in the .
AspectMacBook (e.g., Air M4)Dell XPS 13 (Core Ultra Series 2) X1 CarbonHP Spectre x360
Starting Price$999$999$1,400$1,000
Battery Life (Video Playback)18 hoursup to 23 hoursup to 15 hoursup to 16 hours
Software Support7 years5 years5-6 years5 years
Resale Retention (After 3 Years)60-70%40-50%45%40%

Release Timeline

Key Milestones by Era

The MacBook line debuted in the mid-2000s as Apple's entry into consumer laptops, marking a pivotal shift from PowerPC to processors. On May 16, 2006, Apple unveiled the first MacBook, featuring Core Duo processors and polycarbonate construction, replacing the iBook G4 and positioning it as an affordable, portable alternative to the professional . This transition, announced earlier that year at Macworld Expo with the on January 10, enabled broader software compatibility and performance gains, setting the stage for unified Mac architectures. In 2008, Apple introduced significant design innovations that defined the unibody era. The launched on January 15 as the world's thinnest notebook at 0.16 inches, emphasizing portability with a 13.3-inch LED-backlit display and optional , unveiled dramatically from a manila envelope at Macworld. Later that year, on October 14, Apple debuted the unibody family, machined from a single aluminum block for enhanced durability and aesthetics, with updated models featuring graphics and trackpads. These changes, often previewed at WWDC keynotes, solidified MacBook's premium build quality. The 2010s brought display and connectivity advancements alongside challenges. On June 11, 2012, Apple released the first Retina MacBook Pro, a 15-inch model with a 2880x1800 resolution display packing 220 pixels per inch, integrated flash storage, and thinner design, revolutionizing visual clarity for creative workflows. In 2015, the arrived on March 9, introducing a fanless aluminum unibody, , and as the sole port for charging and data, prioritizing ultraportability at 2 pounds despite trade-offs in expandability. The Touch Bar debuted on October 27, 2016, in redesigned 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pros, replacing function keys with an adaptive strip for context-aware controls, integrated with for secure authentication. A notable setback occurred in 2019 with the butterfly keyboard mechanism, prone to failures from debris. Apple expanded its Keyboard Service Program on May 21, 2019, offering free top-case replacements for affected 2015-2019 , and Pro models within four years of purchase, covering issues like repeated characters and non-responsiveness. This recall, stemming from class-action lawsuits, affected millions and prompted a shift to scissor-switch keyboards in later models. The 2020s marked the transition to and AI-focused enhancements. At WWDC 2020 on June 22, Apple announced the shift from to custom silicon, culminating in the M1 chip's debut on November 10 in the and 13-inch Pro, delivering up to 3.5x CPU performance over predecessors with unified memory and Neural Engine for . The 2021 redesign of 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros, unveiled October 18, ditched the Touch Bar for a physical function row, introduced Liquid Retina XDR displays, and powered them with M1 Pro and Max chips for pro-level GPU acceleration. Supply chain disruptions influenced timelines, as the 2021 global semiconductor shortage delayed M1x production; Apple CEO noted in April 2021 earnings that shortages impacted and Mac assembly, leading to constrained supplies amid surging demand. On October 30, 2023, the M3 family launched in MacBook Pros at a "Scary Fast" event, introducing hardware-accelerated decoding in the media engine for efficient 8K video playback from streaming services. In 2025, Apple advanced with the M5 chip at an event, powering refreshed 14-inch MacBook Pro models with 5 support for up to 120 Gbps bidirectional bandwidth, enhancing data transfer and external display capabilities for AI-intensive tasks. This launch, previewed at WWDC 2025 on June 9, emphasized Apple Intelligence integration across the lineup.

Model Specifications Overview

The MacBook series has seen substantial advancements in hardware specifications since its debut, transitioning from processors to Apple's custom silicon, with progressive enhancements in , and storage options, battery efficiency, and overall portability. These changes reflect a focus on and user-centric design, enabling longer usage times and higher resolutions without compromising thin form factors. Key specifications for select major models are summarized in the table below, highlighting representative examples across the lineup's history. All data is drawn from official technical documentation and verified hardware listings. Post-2020 models exclusively use chips, marking a shift to integrated ARM-based architecture for improved efficiency.
Model/YearProcessorDisplay Size/ResolutionMax RAM/StorageBattery LifeStarting Price (USD)Status
MacBook (Late 2006)Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz13.3-inch / 1280x8002 GB / 120 GB HDDUp to 6 hours$1,099Discontinued (2012)
MacBook Air (Late 2008)Intel Core 2 Duo 1.6 GHz13.3-inch / 1280x8002 GB / 128 GB SSDUp to 5 hours$1,799Discontinued (2010 for this gen)
MacBook Pro (Early 2006)Intel Core Duo 2.0 GHz15.4-inch / 1440x9002 GB / 100 GB HDDUp to 6 hours$1,999Discontinued (2012 for non-Retina)
MacBook Air (2020, M1)Apple M1 (8-core CPU)13.3-inch / 2560x1600 Retina16 GB / 2 TB SSDUp to 15 hours$999Current lineage (earlier M1 variant)
MacBook Air (2025, M4)Apple M4 (10-core CPU)13.6-inch / 2560x1664 Liquid Retina32 GB / 2 TB SSDUp to 18 hours$999Current
MacBook Pro 14-inch (2025, M5)Apple M5 / M4 Pro / M4 Max14.2-inch / 3024x1964 Liquid Retina XDR128 GB / 8 TB SSDUp to 24 hours$1,599Current
MacBook Pro 16-inch (2025, M4 Pro)Apple M4 Pro / M4 Max16.2-inch / 3456x2234 Liquid Retina XDR128 GB / 8 TB SSDUp to 24 hours$2,499Current
Over the years, display resolutions have increased from standard 1280x800 in early models to high-density options like 3456x2234 in recent Pro variants, supporting sharper visuals and better color accuracy. Storage has evolved from mechanical HDDs to high-speed SSDs, with maximum capacities expanding from 120 GB to 8 TB, while battery life has more than quadrupled due to power-efficient designs. The (2015–2019) is also discontinued, having featured m processors and a single port.

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