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MacBook Pro: The biggest and baddest Mac laptops

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Apple's premium laptop comes in 13- and 16-inch screen sizes. Each model includes 2-4 USB-C ports for charging, accessories, and data transfer. Higher-end models also include the Touch Bar.

2021 MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro has been the product name for Apple’s high-end laptop since early 2006 when the transition to Intel processors began. Now, that Pro naming has carried forth as Apple has moved to its own silicon. The latest fourth and fifth-generation Pro Apple notebooks bring dramatically more power with lower heat generation and better battery life thanks to the ARM-based Apple silicon. Keep reading for a brief history of the line and a breakdown of the current lineup.

MacBook Pro history

The first generation MacBook Pro followed in the style of the PowerBook G4 that came before it, but used Intel processors rather than PowerPC chips.

The second generation of the MacBook Pro was the first to really separate itself from the products before, with a unibody enclosure. The third-generation MacBook Pro introduced the retina display as well as MagSafe 2.

Perhaps the most controversial version of the MacBook Pro is the fourth generation. While the third generation received some backlash for the removal of ethernet and the optical drive, the fourth generation was a complete rethinking of the device peripherals. No more MagSafe, no more USB-A ports, and only the 13-inch model kept the function keys. Instead, this redesigned MacBook Pro opted for all Thunderbolt 3 ports and headphone jack. In place of function keys, the MacBook Pro gained an OLED Touch Bar. In late-2020, Apple introduced the M1 chip and updated the 13-inch MacBook Pro. The ARM-based processor brought down power consumption and increased performance.

In October of 2021, Apple introduced the fifth-generation MacBook Pro with not one but two updated versions of the M1 chip, the M1 Pro and M1 Max. The move walked back some of the decisions from the previous generation, adding back an HDMI Port, MagSafe charger, and SD card reader while removing the Touch Bar.

The 2020 13-Inch MacBook Pro

In late 2020, Apple introduced the 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro as the latest update to the fourth-generation MacBook. The MacBook features the same look as previous MacBooks, but like the MacBook Air and Mac Mini, switched to Apple silicon.

Apple’s M1 chip brought ARM architecture to the MacBook line, and this was the first MacBook without an Intel processor.

The M1 chip is a unified design with an 8-core CPU and an 8-core CPU. The processor integrated memory on board, limiting the device to either 8GB or 16GB of unified memory. The 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro is configurable with between 256GB and 2TB of storage and features a Magic Keyboard, rather than the problematic butterfly keyboard.

13-inch MacBook Pro specs

Base Configuration$1,299.00

  • Apple M1 chip with 8‑core CPU, 8‑core GPU, and 16‑core Neural Engine
  • 8GB unified memory
  • 256GB SSD storage
  • 13-inch Retina display with True Tone
  • Backlit Magic Keyboard – US English
  • Touch Bar and Touch ID
  • Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports

Max Configuration$2,299.00

  • Apple M1 chip with 8‑core CPU, 8‑core GPU, and 16‑core Neural Engine
  • 16GB unified memory
  • 2TB SSD storage
  • 13-inch Retina display with True Tone
  • Backlit Magic Keyboard – US English
  • Touch Bar and Touch ID
  • Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports

13-inch MacBook Pro pricing

The price for the 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro starts at $1,299. Upgrading this base configuration to 16GB of memory adds $200 to the price. Likewise, each step above 256GB of storage – 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB – will add $200 to the price. A fully specced out 13-inch MacBook Pro will run you $2,299.

You can configure your own 13-inch MacBook Pro on Apple’s website.

Current 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro

In October 2021, Apple brought a brand new design to the MacBook Pro line. Apple increased the screen size on the 13-inch, making it a 14-inch, and shrunk the bezels on the 16-inch. This fifth-generation notebook addressed many complaints of the last generation. MagSafe returned, in the form of an improved MagSafe 3, while the MacBook also regained an HDMI port and an SD-card slot.

Also gone is the Touch Bar. Instead, the standard row of function keys return. The latest MacBooks also bring a ProMotion display that was first introduced on the iPad Pro, with a variable refresh rate and mini-LED backlight.

The 2021 MacBooks aren’t without a controversial feature, as while the display has been made larger there is now a large notch for the 1080P FaceTime camera. While FaceID would have been a nice addition in exchange for this small chunk of the screen, there are some reasons this is not totally practical.

14-inch MacBook Pro specs

Base Configuration$1,999.00

  • Apple M1 Pro with 8-core CPU, 14-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
  • 16GB unified memory
  • 512GB SSD storage
  • 67W USB-C Power Adapter
  • 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
  • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3 port
  • Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID – US English

Maximum Configuration$5,899.00

  • Apple M1 Max with 10-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
  • 64GB unified memory
  • 8TB SSD storage
  • 96W USB-C Power Adapter
  • 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
  • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3 port
  • Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID – US English

14-inch MacBook Pro pricing

The 14-inch MacBook Pro starts at $1,999. The base model includes 16GB of memory, 512GB of storage, and an M1 Pro processor with an 8-core CPU and 14-core GPU. There are multiple versions of the M1 Pro processor available, while jumping to an M1 Max processor will cost $500 more, and requires you to jump up to 32GB of memory – a $400 upgrade. Going with the M1 Max processor means you can configure up to the full 64GB of memory, an $800 upgrade.

You can configure up to 8TB of storage in the 2021 14-inch MacBook Pro. Upgrade costs are as follows:

  • 1TB SSD Storage – $200
  • 2TB SSD Storage – $600
  • 4TB SSD Storage – $1,200
  • 8TB SSD Storage – $2,400

You can configure your own 14-inch MacBook Pro on Apple’s website.

16-inch MacBook Pro specs

Base Configuration$2,499.00

  • Apple M1 Pro with 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
  • 16GB unified memory
  • 512GB SSD storage
  • 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
  • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3 port
  • 140W USB-C Power Adapter
  • Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID – US English

Maximum Configuration$6,099.00

  • Apple M1 Max with 10-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
  • 64GB unified memory
  • 8TB SSD storage
  • 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
  • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3 port
  • 140W USB-C Power Adapter
  • Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID – US English

16-inch MacBook Pro pricing

The 16-inch MacBook Pro starts at $2,499. There is only one M1 Pro processor available on the 16-inch MacBook, and that’s the highest version 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU version of the M1 Pro processor that is a $300 upgrade on the 14-inch MacBook Pro. Of course, you can also step up to the M1 Max processor with either a 24-core or 32-core GPU, a $200 and $400 upgrade respectively (which also requires the $400 upgrade to 32GB of memory). The memory and storage options are all the same as the 14-inch MacBook Pro.

You can configure your own 16-inch MacBook Pro on Apple’s website.

Differences between 13-inch,14-inch, and 16-inch models

The 2021 MacBook Pro lineup is a refreshing change. The return of ports and physical keys make the laptops more versatile, while additions like an XDR display and hardware acceleration for ProRes improves the experience but is harder to quantify for the average user.

13-inch14-inch16-inch
ProcessorM1M1 Pro / M1 MaxM1 Pro / M1 Max
Memory8GB / 16GB16GB / 32GB / 64GB16GB / 32GB / 64GB
Storage512GB, 1TB, 2TB512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB
Screen2560×1600 pixels 3024×1964 pixels; ProMotion3456×2234 pixels; ProMotion
Weight3.0 pounds (1.4 kg)3.5 pounds (1.6 kg)M1 Pro: 4.7 pounds (2.1 kg)
M1 Max: 4.8 pounds (2.2 kg)
Size (Width x Depth)11.97 x 8.36 inches (30.41 x 21.24 cm)12.31 x 8.71 inches (31.26 x 22.12 cm)14.01 x 9.77 inches (35.57 x 24.81 cm)
Height0.61 inch (1.56 cm)0.61 inch (1.55 cm)0.66 inch (1.68 cm)
Base Price$1,299.00$1,999.00$2,499.00

The $1,999 starting price for Apple latest computer is a harder pill to swallow than the $1,300 13-inch Pro from last year. For an average user, the superb M1 MacBook Air will likely suffice (and that sub-$1,000 price is hard to pass up).

But the 2021 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro are exactly what they need to be, a return to function-over-form that will truly meet the needs of professional users.

Best USB-C and Thunderbolt displays for Mac [March]

Best USB-C/Thunderbolt displays Mac Samsung 5K

USB-C/Thunderbolt display options have really expanded over the last couple of years. While Apple’s Pro Display XDR isn’t the best fit for most Mac users at $5,000+, it also offers the more affordable Studio Display. But there are also lots of solid choices from LG, Samsung, BenQ, and more. Let’s look at the best USB-C/Thunderbolt displays with many available in the $400-$1,600 range.

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What can we expect from a folding MacBook? (Aside from a less awkward label)

Folding MacBook would be along the lines of the Lenovo Yogabook (shown)

It was claimed earlier this week that Apple is actively working on a folding MacBook, and that plans for this are further advanced than those for a folding iPhone or iPad.

The term ‘folding MacBook’ is a rather awkward one given that the description could be applied to any of the existing models, but what’s meant by it is of course something very different …

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M3 MacBook Pro will gain multi-display support in software update

New MacBook Pro

Apple introduced the M3 MacBook Air with a headlining new feature. For the first time, the Apple silicon MacBook Air will be able to simultaneously drive two external monitors. The only compromise is that the MacBook Air lid must be closed. Still, that’s a big win for users who appreciate portability on-the-go and large displays at the office.

The new feature also raises an interesting question: will the M3 MacBook Pro that was introduced in October also gain multi-display support in the same way? It shares the same version of Apple silicon and has Pro in the name, after all.

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M3 MacBook Pro vs M2: Everything that’s different and buyer’s guide

M3 MacBook Pro vs M2 MacBook Pro

The latest MacBook Pro laptops are powered by the new M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max Apple Silicon. In addition to more powerful and efficient CPUs and GPUs, these MacBook Pro machines support up to 128GB of memory, have brighter screens, improved battery life, and a new Space Black finish. Follow along for an in-depth look at what’s different and new with the M3 MacBook Pro vs M2 MacBook Pro lineup plus buying advice.

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Dough launches Spectrum One 4K monitor with MacBook Pro ProMotion support, USB-C, more

Dough Spectrum One 4K 144Hz

We’ve seen some impressive new Thunderbolt and USB-C monitors launch over the last year to compete with Apple’s Studio Display and Pro Display XDR. However, most monitors aimed at Mac users don’t support the MacBook Pro’s 120Hz ProMotion refresh rates, even Apple’s displays. Now the Spectrum One arrived from Dough that offers an enticing 27-inch, 4K monitor with 144Hz refresh, USB-C with 100W power, an allegedly advanced glossy finish, and more.

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AirJet cooling system could make a MacBook Air perform like a MacBook Pro

AirJet cooling system running in a MacBook Air

A solid-state cooling system called AirJet was able to cool an M2 MacBook Air enough to keep with the M2 MacBook Pro when running a demanding benchmark test over a sustained period.

The bad news is that the system isn’t available for sale to consumers to retrofit, and it’s hardly likely that Apple will use it to remove a key differentiator between the two models – but the company behind the tech does think it could help Apple reduce the size of cooling fans in future MacBook Pro models …

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M3 MacBook Pro vs M1: Worth upgrading?

M3 MacBook Pro vs M1 MacBook Pro

The new M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max Apple Silicon power the latest MacBook Pro laptops. Along with more powerful and efficient CPUs and GPUs, these MacBook Pros enable up to 128GB of memory, have brighter screens, improved battery life, and a new space black finish. Join along for a detailed comparison of what’s different and new with the M3 MacBook Pro vs M1 MacBook Pro lineup and some help answering the question, is it worth upgrading?

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How Apple made the new space black MacBook Pro and its anti-fingerprint seal

Other than the new M3 chip, the most significant change on the latest MacBook Pro is the new space black colorway. This new color replaces space gray and features what Apple describes as a special anodization seal to reduce fingerprints.

How exactly does this work? The folks at iFixit have published a new in-depth look with all the details.

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How to reset your MacBook or Mac desktop before selling or giving it away

How to reset MacBooks

If you’re ready to sell, trade in, or give away your Mac or wipe it for another reason, there are different steps to the process depending on what Mac you have and what version of macOS you’re on. Notably, recent macOS releases include a handy modern erase option like iOS. Read on for how to reset MacBooks and Mac desktops.

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M3 MacBook Pro reignites debate over 8GB RAM, and Apple memory pricing

M3 MacBook Pro

The launch of the M3 MacBook Pro has reignited a long-standing debate over Apple’s memory tiers and pricing.

A new piece describes 8GB as an insulting starting point in a 2023 professional machine, and calls Apple’s upgrade pricing “pure corporate greed” – while Apple claims that its base model is equivalent to 16GB in PC terms …

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Hands-on: Apple’s new 14-inch MacBook Pro in space ‘black’ (and why I bought it)

I made the trek to the Apple Store in Austin today to pick up a new 14-inch MacBook Pro in space black. I wasn’t necessarily planning on buying it, but the reviews and hands-on videos we saw earlier this week did pique my interest. I’ll have more longer-term thoughts to share in the future, but here are some very quick hands-on pictures and thoughts.

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M3 MacBook Pro reviews: From 8GB RAM and space black fingerprints to M3 Max performance [Video]

For the second time this year, Apple has a new round of MacBook Pros to evaluate with the upgraded M3 lineup. This time around, Apple is releasing the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max at the same time. Apple is also bringing the 14-inch MacBook Pro price down with the M3 version, although only M3 Pro and M3 Max versions have 16-inch options and the new space black color.

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Does Apple’s ‘anodization seal’ on the space black MacBook Pro actually reduce fingerprints?

While the new MacBook Pro in space black is getting a lot of attention, Apple actually started its march toward darker-shaded laptops with the MacBook Air in midnight. One key difference, however, is that Apple claims the space black color on the MacBook Pro solves the fingerprint and durability problems that have plagued the MacBook Air in midnight…

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A closer look at how the new M3 chip line-up compares

M3 chip line-up | Apple graphic

Apple of course used all the words and phrases you’d expect for the new M3 chip line-up: groundbreaking, dramatically increased performance, unleash new capabilities, the biggest leap forward, and so on.

The company also shared some graphs pointing to the improved performance of the 3nm based M3 chips compared to their predecessors …

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