History of MacBook Pro in Timeline
The MacBook Pro is Apple's high-end line of Mac laptops, debuting in 2006. Initially using Intel chips (the first Apple laptop to do so), it now exclusively features Apple's M-series silicon. Available in 14-inch and 16-inch screen sizes, the MacBook Pro sits above the MacBook Air in Apple's laptop lineup, offering higher performance and features. It replaced the PowerBook and was the first to carry the MacBook moniker.
2001: Design Compared to Titanium PowerBook G4
In 2001, the design of the new MacBook Pro models was compared to the Titanium PowerBook G4 produced from 2001 to 2003.
2003: Design Compared to Titanium PowerBook G4
In 2003, the design of the new MacBook Pro models was compared to the Titanium PowerBook G4 produced from 2001 to 2003.
January 2006: 15-inch MacBook Pro Announcement
In January 2006, Apple announced the 15-inch model of the MacBook Pro. It used the design of the PowerBook G4, but replaced the PowerPC G4 chips with Intel Core Duo processors, added a built-in iSight camera, and introduced the MagSafe power connector.
2006: MacBook Pro Introduction
In 2006, the MacBook Pro was introduced as the high-end sibling of the MacBook family, positioned above the MacBook Air and the low-end MacBook line. It marked Apple's transition to Intel chips in laptops, replacing the PowerBook. It also was the first Apple laptop with the MacBook moniker.
2007: GeForce 8600M GT GPU Failures in 15" MacBook Pro Models
From 2007 to early 2008, 15-inch MacBook Pro models using the GeForce 8600M GT GPU reportedly exhibited failures, where the GPU die would detach from the chip carrier or the chip would detach from the logic board. Apple eventually admitted to the fault and replaced logic boards free of charge for up to 4 years after the purchase date. Nvidia also confirmed the issue.
2007: 15-inch MacBook Pro Updates
In 2007, the 15-inch MacBook Pro model was updated with Core 2 Duo "Merom" processors and LED-backlit displays. The revision also received new Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT video cards.
October 14, 2008: Discontinuation of Original Case Design for 15-inch MacBook Pro
On October 14, 2008, Apple discontinued the original case design for the 15-inch MacBook Pro.
October 2008: Unibody 15-inch MacBook Pro Debuts
In October 2008, Apple debuted the unibody 15-inch MacBook Pro model. The case was machined from a single piece of aluminum. It featured a thinner display, redesigned trackpad, and keyboard.
2008: GeForce 8600M GT GPU Failures in 17" MacBook Pro Models
From 2007 to late 2008, 17-inch MacBook Pro models using the GeForce 8600M GT GPU reportedly exhibited failures, where the GPU die would detach from the chip carrier or the chip would detach from the logic board. Apple eventually admitted to the fault and replaced logic boards free of charge for up to 4 years after the purchase date. Nvidia also confirmed the issue.
2008: 17-inch MacBook Pro Updates and Processor Upgrade
In 2008, the 17-inch MacBook Pro was updated with LED-backlit displays. Additionally, the 2008 revision upgraded the processors to "Penryn" cores while adding multi-touch capabilities to the trackpad.
January 6, 2009: Discontinuation of Original Case Design for 17-inch MacBook Pro
On January 6, 2009, Apple discontinued the original case design for the 17-inch MacBook Pro.
January 2009: Unibody 17-inch MacBook Pro Variant Added
In January 2009, a 17-inch variant was added to the unibody MacBook Pro lineup.
June 8, 2009: 13-inch Unibody MacBook Re-branded as MacBook Pro
On June 8, 2009, at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), the 13-inch unibody MacBook was upgraded and re-branded as a MacBook Pro. The entire MacBook Pro line would now use a non-user-removable battery.
June 2009: 13-inch MacBook Pro Added, Replacing Aluminum Unibody MacBook
In June 2009, Apple added a 13-inch variant to the MacBook Pro lineup, effectively replacing the aluminum unibody MacBook. These "unibody" MacBook Pros featured cases machined from a single piece of aluminum.
August 2009: "Matte" Anti-Glare Display Option Extended to 15-inch MacBook Pro
In August 2009, Apple extended the "matte" anti-glare display option to the 15-inch MacBook Pro.
April 13, 2010: Introduction of Intel Core i5 and i7 Processors
On April 13, 2010, Apple introduced Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors in the 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro models, while the 13-inch model retained the Core 2 Duo with a speed increase. The MagSafe connector was redesigned, and a high-resolution display was announced as an option for the 15-inch models.
April 2010: Inertial Scrolling Added to MacBook Pro Trackpad
In April 2010, an update to the unibody-construction MacBook Pro added inertial scrolling to the trackpad, making the scrolling experience similar to that of the iPhone and iPad.
2010: Engraving Differences on Chassis Bottoms
Later editions of the 2011 MacBook Pro models featured chassis bottoms engraved differently from the 2010 models.
February 24, 2011: MacBook Pro Updated with Thunderbolt Technology and Sandy Bridge Processors
On February 24, 2011, Apple updated the MacBook Pro line with Thunderbolt technology, Sandy Bridge dual-core Intel Core i5 and i7 (on the 13-inch model) or quad-core i7 (on the 15-inch and 17-inch models) processors, and a high-definition FaceTime camera. Intel HD Graphics 3000 was integrated with the CPU, while the 15-inch and 17-inch models also utilized AMD Radeon HD 6490M and Radeon HD 6750M graphics cards.
June 11, 2012: MacBook Pro Upgrade Announcement at WWDC
On June 11, 2012, at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in San Francisco, Apple announced upgraded Mac notebooks, which included Ivy Bridge processors, USB 3.0 ports, and increased default RAM on premium MacBook Pro models to 8 GB. The 17-inch model was discontinued.
June 2012: Retina MacBook Pro 15-inch released
In June 2012, Apple released the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro, marketed as the "MacBook Pro with Retina display". It featured solid-state storage (SSD) as standard, upgraded to USB 3.0, added an additional Thunderbolt port, HDMI, and a high-resolution Retina display.
2012: Retina MacBook Pro Release
In 2012, Apple released the Retina MacBook Pro, with the 15-inch model in June and the 13-inch model in October. The new model was thinner and included solid-state storage (SSD) as standard, added HDMI, and featured a high-resolution Retina display. It eliminated Ethernet, FireWire ports, and the optical drive.
February 2013: Apple improved the specs and lowered some models' prices
In February 2013, Apple improved the specs and lowered some of the Retina MacBook Pro models' prices.
October 22, 2013: Discontinuation of Non-Retina Unibody MacBook Pros
On October 22, 2013, Apple discontinued all non-retina unibody MacBook Pros except for the entry-level 2.5 GHz 13-inch model.
October 28, 2014: Class-action lawsuit filed against Apple over MacBook Pro GPU issues
On October 28, 2014, the law firm Whitfield Bryson & Mason LLP announced that it had filed a class-action lawsuit in a California federal court against Apple. The lawsuit covers residents residing in both California and Florida who purchased a 2011 MacBook Pro notebook with an AMD graphics card.
February 20, 2015: Apple instituted "MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues"
On February 20, 2015, Apple instituted the "MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues" for affected MacBook Pro systems, free of charge.
March 9, 2015: 13-inch MacBook Pro updated with Broadwell processors and Force Touch
On March 9, 2015, the 13-inch MacBook Pro was updated with Intel 5th generation Broadwell-U processors with Iris 6100 graphics, faster flash storage, LPDDR3 RAM, increased battery life, and a Force Touch trackpad.
March 16, 2015: "MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues" Archived
On March 16, 2015, Apple's "MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues" was archived from the original.
May 19, 2015: 15-inch MacBook Pro updated with Force Touch and AMD Radeon R9 M370X GPU
On May 19, 2015, the 15-inch MacBook Pro added Force Touch and changed the GPU to AMD Radeon R9 M370X, SSD based on PCIe 3.0 × 4 technology, and the battery life was extended to 9 hours.
October 2016: Touch Bar MacBook Pro Release
In October 2016, the Touch Bar MacBook Pro was released, adopting USB-C for all data ports and power and including a shallower "butterfly"-mechanism keyboard. The function keys were replaced with an OLED touchscreen strip called the Touch Bar with a Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button on all but the base model.
October 27, 2016: Discontinuation of the 13-inch Aluminum Non-Retina MacBook Pro
On October 27, 2016, Apple discontinued the 13-inch aluminum non-Retina MacBook Pro. It was Apple's only product still on sale that included an optical drive and a FireWire port and the only notebook sold that still had a spinning hard disk drive and an Ethernet port. It was also the only MacBook Pro to support nine versions of macOS, from Mac OS X Lion 10.7 through macOS Catalina 10.15.
June 5, 2017: MacBook Pro line updated with Kaby Lake processors
On June 5, 2017, Apple updated the MacBook Pro line with Intel 7th generation Kaby Lake processors and newer graphics cards.
May 2018: Class action lawsuits filed against Apple over butterfly keyboard issues
In May 2018, two class action lawsuits were filed against Apple regarding the MacBook Pro keyboard problem, alleging a "constant threat of nonresponsive keys and accompanying keyboard failure" and accusing Apple of not alerting consumers to the problem.
June 2018: Apple announces Service Program for MacBook and MacBook Pro keyboards
In June 2018, Apple announced a Service Program to "service eligible MacBook and MacBook Pro keyboards, free of charge".
July 12, 2018: MacBook Pro Touch Bar models updated with Coffee Lake processors and butterfly keyboards
On July 12, 2018, Apple updated the MacBook Pro Touch Bar models with Intel 8th generation Coffee Lake processors, updated graphics cards, third-generation butterfly keyboards that introduced new symbols for the control and option keys, Bluetooth 5, T2 security chip, True Tone display technology, and larger-capacity batteries.
May 2019: Apple modifies the keyboard for the fourth time and promised to repair or replace
In May 2019, Apple modified the MacBook Pro keyboard for the fourth time and promised that any MacBook keyboard with butterfly switches would be repaired or replaced free of charge for a period of four years after the date of sale.
May 21, 2019: Updated MacBook Pro Touch Bar models announced with newer processors and updated keyboard
On May 21, 2019, Apple announced updated MacBook Pro Touch Bar models with newer processors, with an eight-core 9th generation Core i9 standard for the higher-end 15-inch model, and an updated keyboard manufactured with "new materials" across the line.
June 2019: Apple announces worldwide recall for certain 2015 15-inch MacBook Pro computers
In June 2019, Apple announced a worldwide recall for certain 2015 15-inch MacBook Pro computers after receiving at least 26 reports of batteries becoming hot enough to produce smoke and inflict minor burns or property damage. The problem affected some 432,000 computers, mostly sold between September 2015 and February 2017.
July 9, 2019: 13-inch MacBook Pro updated with quad-core processors, Touch Bar, and True Tone display
On July 9, 2019, Apple updated the 13-inch MacBook Pro model with two Thunderbolt ports with newer quad-core eighth-generation processors with Iris Plus graphics, True Tone display technology, and replaced the function keys with the Touch Bar.
September 2019: Air India bans MacBook Pro on flights due to overheating concerns
In September 2019, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation said MacBook Pro computers could dangerously overheat, leading the national carrier Air India to ban the model on its flights.
November 2019: Touch Bar MacBook Pro Revision with Magic Keyboard
In November 2019, a revision to the Touch Bar MacBook Pro introduced the Magic Keyboard, which uses a scissor-switch mechanism. The initial 16-inch model featured a screen set in narrower bezels.
2019: macOS Tahoe Compatibility
In 2019, macOS Tahoe was compatible with some MacBook Pro models released in 2019 or later.
2019: MacBook Pro Features Improved Battery and Specs
In 2019, the stated battery life of the MacBook Pro was 21 hours, a marked increase from the previous Intel version. The weight was 2.1 kg, slightly heavier than the previous model. The screen size increased to 16.2 inches with a resolution of 3456x2234 pixels and a 120 Hz refresh rate. The camera quality improved to 1080p, and the model featured WI-FI 6 and three Thunderbolt 4 ports.
May 4, 2020: Apple announced an updated 13-inch model with the Magic Keyboard
On May 4, 2020, Apple announced an updated 13-inch MacBook Pro model with the Magic Keyboard. The four Thunderbolt port version comes with 10th generation Ice Lake-U processors, updated graphics, up to 32 GB of memory and 4 TB of storage, and supports 6K output to run the Pro Display XDR.
May 2020: 13-inch Touch Bar MacBook Pro with Magic Keyboard
In May 2020, a 13-inch model of the Touch Bar MacBook Pro was released with the Magic Keyboard.
November 10, 2020: Apple introduces 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1 processor
On November 10, 2020, Apple introduced a new 13-inch MacBook Pro with two Thunderbolt ports and the Apple M1 processor, replacing the previous generation of Intel-based 2020 baseline 13-inch MacBook Pro with two Thunderbolt ports. The M1 13-inch MacBook Pro was released alongside an updated MacBook Air and Mac Mini as the first generation of Macs with Apple's new line of custom ARM-based Apple silicon processors.
November 2020: Touch Bar MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Chip Released
In November 2020, another revision to the Touch Bar MacBook Pro was released. It was the first MacBook Pro to feature an Apple-designed system on a chip, the Apple M1.
October 2021: 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros Released
In October 2021, the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros were released, powered by either M1 Pro or M1 Max chips. These models reintroduced MagSafe, function keys, HDMI, an SD card reader, and other elements that had been removed from the Touch Bar MacBook Pro.
October 18, 2021: Apple replaces Intel-based MacBook Pros with M1 Pro and M1 Max models
On October 18, 2021, Apple replaced the high-end 13-inch and 16-inch Intel-based MacBook Pros with 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, now equipped with the new Apple silicon chips, M1 Pro and M1 Max, Apple's second ARM-based chips and their first workstation-power chips.
2021: Previous MacBook Pro Model
In 2021, the prior MacBook Pro models supported HDMI 2.0.
June 2022: 13-inch MacBook Pro updated with the M2 chip
In June 2022, the 13-inch MacBook Pro was updated with the M2 chip.
2022: Touch Bar MacBook Pro Updated with Apple M2 Chip
In 2022, the Touch Bar MacBook Pro was updated to feature an Apple M2 chip.
January 2023: Refreshed 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with M2 Pro/Max Chips
In January 2023, Apple refreshed the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with the M2 Pro or M2 Max chip.
January 2023: MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch Models Updated
In January 2023, the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models were updated with the Apple M2 Pro and M2 Max chips. These models can be configured with up to 96 GB of RAM, support HDMI 2.1, and feature faster Wi-Fi 6E. The 16-inch model advertises up to 22 hours of battery life.
October 2023: MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch Models Updated with M3 Chips
In October 2023, the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models were updated with the Apple M3 family of chips, offering improved performance and new hardware capabilities. A new entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro replaced the discontinued 13-inch model with Touch Bar.
October 2023: 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar was discontinued
In October 2023, with the unveiling of the M3 family of chips, the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar was discontinued. Apple chose to use the newer 14-inch enclosure design for entry-level MacBook Pro internals.
November 2023: MacBook Pros Refreshed with M3 Pro and M3 Max Chips
In November 2023, Apple refreshed the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with the M3 Pro and M3 Max chips. A base model 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by the Apple M3 chip was released, replacing the discontinued base model 13-inch Touch Bar MacBook Pro.
October 2024: MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch Models Updated with M4 Chips
In October 2024, Apple announced updated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with the Apple M4 family of chips, along with increased RAM configurations.
October 2025: MacBook Pro 14-inch Updated with Apple M5 Chip
In October 2025, Apple announced the updated 14-inch MacBook Pro with the Apple M5 chip.
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