The MacBook Pro is Apple’s high-end laptop. The latest MacBook Pro design features Apple’s best and brightest Mac displays, powerful Apple silicon chips, and a plethora of ports to plug in peripherals. It runs macOS, Apple’s desktop computer operating system.
The latest model is the 2024 M4 model. The 2025 M5-based models are likely going to be announced this November.
It originally launched in 2006 when it replaced the PowerBook G4. It also marked the transition from PowerPC to Intel processors. Now, it runs on Apple silicon chips, giving it industry-leading performance and battery life.
The MacBook Pro runs macOS, Apple’s desktop operating system. It integrates well with other Apple devices and services, like syncing data over iCloud; running all the same apps like Safari, Mail, Messages, Calendar and Reminders; and Continuity features that talk to your iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.
What sets the Pro above the MacBook Air is its advanced display, higher specs, extra ports and connectivity.
The Liquid Retina XDR display can run up to 1000 nits of sustained brightness — double the MacBook Air — with HDR content at a peak of 1600 nits.
The Pro uses Thunderbolt 5, the latest standard for super fast peripherals and high-resolution displays.
It can be ordered with a Max chip and up to 128 GB of unified memory, far more power and memory than the Air.
The MacBook Pro is the choice for those who want Apple’s greatest amount of power features in a portable form factor.
Function Keys on MacBook Pro
The function keys on an early 2008 model.
The Mac has had function keys since the mid-90s to match PCs. With the PowerBook G4, Apple started using the function keys for special controls like brightness and volume, and later, the backlit keyboard. In early 2008, they added buttons for controlling media playback, evoking Exposé and Dashboard (later changed in 2011 to Launchpad).
Closeup photo of a modern keyboard from an M4 model.
When the function keys returned after the Touch Bar, the functions were tweaked once again. Not only are the keys full-size, but they were changed to reflect modern macOS features. Launchpad was changed to Spotlight, and the keyboard backlight controls were replaced with Siri and Do Not Disturb; the keyboard backlight is accessible through Control Center.
MacBook Pro Touch Bar
The Touch Bar.
The MacBook Pro Touch Bar was introduced on the 2016 models. It was a thin display above the alphanumeric keys on the keyboard, replacing the function keys. It could play and pause media, adjust brightness and volume, and more. In third-party apps, it could take on special controls: switching tabs in Safari, picking emoji, scrub through a video and more.
The Touch Bar was met with a somewhat mild reaction. It removed the muscle memory of hitting keys for specific functions. Apple eventually added a physical Escape key back to the left of the Touch Bar to alleviate some of the criticism.
The redesigned M1 Pro and Max models in 2021 removed the Touch Bar in place of larger function keys. It was retained on the entry-level M1 and M2 laptops, which continued the same design as the models from 2016, until the M3 model was updated to match the higher-end configurations.
MacBook Pro Models
MacBook Pro M5 (2025)
The M5 MacBook Pro is expected to be announced this fall, in either October or November. This has been the pattern for the last few years (with the exception of the M2 models, which were delayed).
MacBook Pro M4 (2024)
The new MacBook Pro with M4 is a huge leap forward.
The M4 MacBook Pro from 2024 is the latest model. It features numerous significant upgrades over the previous version.
On the M4 Pro and M4 Max models, the ports on the side are Thunderbolt 5 instead of Thunderbolt 4. This latest-generation port is twice as fast at data transfer and supports higher-resolution (and higher-frame rate) displays.
It also upgrades the front-facing camera to a 12MP Center Stage camera. That means that on a video call, it can dynamically zoom in and out to make sure everyone is perfectly framed.
It can also be ordered with a nano texture display. This adds a matte finish to the screen to prevent screen glare and reflections, without compromising the color and contrast.
MacBook Pro M3 (October 2023)
Now in Space Black.
The M3 MacBook Pro from 2023 was a smaller update. The M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max chips inside moved to a three-nanometer process. The Pro and Max models were the first to come in the new Space Black aluminum finish.
It also brought the entry-level M3 model in line with the higher-end models, so all three share the same display and design.
MacBook Pro M2 Pro and M2 Max (January 2023)
Delayed from fall 2022 to January 2023, the updated models with M2 Pro and M2 Max brought more power and once again raised the maximum amount of built-in memory to 96 GB.
MacBook Pro M2 (2022)
Introduced alongside the M2 MacBook Air at WWDC22, this model was a simple spec bump of the prior M1 model. It was the last model with a Touch Bar. It raised the maximum amount of unified memory from 16 GB to 24 GB.
MacBook Pro M1 Pro and M1 Max (2021)
A return to form.
The M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBook Pro from October 2021 introduced a new design that brought back many favorite features from the past. It reintroduced function keys, removed the Touch Bar, introduced MagSafe 3 and brought back the dedicated HDMI port and SD card slot.
It also came with a larger, edge-to-edge display with a notch for the camera. It’s also significantly brighter, and brought ProMotion technology for higher refresh rates.
Before the introduction of the Mac Studio, these MacBook Pros were briefly the most powerful Mac sold by Apple. This is thanks to the speed of Apple silicon, and the 64 GB of unified memory available to order.
MacBook Pro M1 (2020)
The first three Macs with Apple silicon from 2020.
The M1 MacBook Pro from 2020 was one of the first three Macs to transition to Apple silicon, alongside the M1 MacBook Air and M1 Mac mini.
This model predated the M1 Pro chip, so its performance was very similar to the lower-end M1 MacBook Air. However, both brought a dramatic speed boost compared to the outgoing Intel models with unbelievable battery life. It also had a larger and brighter screen, a Touch Bar and an internal fan for prolonged performance.
MacBook Pro sizes
The new M4 MacBook Pro models lined up in an Apple Store.
The MacBook Pro is currently available in two display sizes, 14.2 inches and 16.2 inches. These screen sizes replaced the long-standard 13.3-inch and 15.4-inch displays that had been used since 2009.
From 2004 to 2012, Apple produced a model with a 17-inch display. Originally sold as a PowerBook, this biggest model had an expansive display bigger than any other Apple laptop since. It was affectionately called the “lunch tray.”
MacBook Pro 14
The model with a 14.2-inch display is the entry-level model. It’s a little cheaper. The smaller laptop used to have worse specs than the larger one in the Intel era, but that is no longer true — both can be configured with the same level of power and will perform pretty similarly.
The 14-inch model is smaller and lighter, which is handy for travel.
It has a display resolution of 3024 × 1964. Being a Retina display, it has the effective screen space of 1512 × 982. The display goes to the edge of the lid with a very slim bezel and has a notch on the top for the camera.
It has a ProMotion display, which can run at refresh rates up to 120 Hz. It can also match the frame rate of content you’re watching at 48, 50 and 60 Hz, or lower the frame rate to save battery power.
MacBook Pro 16
The model with a 16.2-inch display costs an extra $500. The larger laptop used to be the only one with a dedicated GPU, but now both sizes have similar specs and performance.
The 16-inch model is larger and heavier, but the extra screen real estate can be handy for getting serious work done on the go.
It has a display resolution of 3456 × 2234. Being a Retina display, it has the effective screen space of 1728 × 1117. The display goes to the edge of the lid with a very slim bezel and has a notch on the top for the camera.
It also has a ProMotion display, which can run at refresh rates up to 120 Hz. It can also match the frame rate of content you’re watching at 48, 50 and 60 Hz, or lower the frame rate to save battery power.
This is a compact, 3-port GaN fast PPS wall charger for MacBook Pro/Air, Pixelbook, Dell XPS, iPad Pro, iPhone 15 Pro/14, Galaxy S23/Note20, Pixel 8, Steam Deck and more.
The MacBook Pro can be charged in two different ways. Models from 2016 onwards can be plugged in via any USB-C port to a charger. The 14- and 16-inch models from 2021 onwards can also be charged with MagSafe 3 to a charger. Every MacBook comes with a color-matched MagSafe cable in the box, and replacements can be ordered online from Amazon.
Ugreen produces a line of USB-C wall chargers. These come in different power levels to keep it charged up whether you have the entry-level model or a powerful Mac with a Max chip.
This display matches the 27-inch size and 5K resolution of the Apple Studio Display for much less. It also features bright P3 color that’s been tested for accuracy.
It also features a built-in Thunderbolt 4 dock, for adding a plethora of ports to your setup within easy reach, and better build quality than other displays we’ve tested.
Our top pick for a third-party monitor is the ViewSonic VP2788. It matches the size and resolution of the Apple Studio Display, but at under $1,000 instead of $1,600. Its body is plastic, but has good build quality. It surpasses Apple’s offering with a 75 Hz refresh rate and a greater selection of ports with its built-in Thunderbolt 4 dock.
Another monitor we’ve tested includes the Asus ProArt PA27JCV, which is cheaper still, but has a creaky and wobbly plastic case and fewer ports. The BenQ DesignVue PD2730S is another option in this price range, but is much chunkier and heavier with fewer benefits.
And of course, there’s also the Apple Studio Display itself. It has a premium aluminum and glass enclosure. It also plays nicely with a Mac, automatically turning on and off, and adjusting brightness from the keyboard. However, it comes at a premium cost — and lacks USB-A ports on the back for plugging in older peripherals.
MacBook Pro Comparison
MacBook Pro versus MacBook Air
While the entry-level has the same chip as the MacBook Air, the Pro has a number of other advantages. The Pro features a bigger, brighter display. It has many more ports; it adds an extra Thunderbolt port, an HDMI port and SDXC card slot.
It can be upgraded with much higher specs than the MacBook Air as well. The M4 Pro and M4 Max chips aren’t available on the MacBook Air. These chips have more CPU and GPU cores for faster performance in intense tasks like video editing, gaming, compiling code, 3D modeling and more.
It can also be configured with more memory and storage space than the MacBook Air and supports more external displays.
However, the MacBook Air is noticeably lighter. The smaller MacBook Air is 2.7 lbs. compared to 3.5 lbs. The larger MacBook Air is 3.3 lbs. compared to 4.7 lbs.
MacBook Pro versus iPad Pro
Which is the better choice these days?
The iPad Pro and MacBook Pro run similar apps made by Apple, like Safari, Messages, Mail, Photos and more. A lot of third-party apps run on both, like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Notion, Slack. Even advanced apps like Photoshop, Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro have iPad versions, although they aren’t as advanced as their MacBook counterparts.
While the iPad Pro can handle the basics in much the same way, like web browsing and working on documents and files, a Mac can do more advanced tasks. While iPadOS 26 brings some power features like app windowing, local audio and video recording and the Preview app, there will still be some features only possible on a MacBook.
An iPad Pro is still a single-user device, while every Mac supports multiple users. Only a Mac can write code with Xcode or the Terminal.
The iPad Pro supports touch input with your fingers and pen input with the Apple Pencil, where the MacBook Pro does not support either. However, the MacBook Pro supports more external displays and third-party accessories.
The MacBook Pro is often on sale with good deals on Amazon. You can find bigger deals on the more expensive configurations. However, Amazon has a limited number of premade configurations, and does not allow you to fully build-to-order a Mac.
MacBook Pro battery replacement
Replacing the battery on a MacBook Pro can give it a new lease on life.
You can get your battery replaced at an Apple Store, but it may cost a pretty penny. Apple also only works on MacBooks that are under seven years old.
Replacing it on your own is certainly manageable, but is not an operation for the faint of heart. The bottom case easily unscrews, and the battery is mostly unobstructed. You will, however, need to remove the trackpad from the inside to get full access to the battery. The battery is also held in with a lot of glue that can be tricky to remove.
MacBook Pro reset
You need to properly reset your MacBook Pro before you trade, sell or pass it down. That way, the new owner will be able to set it up as brand new, with none of your data left on it.
First, make sure that a recent Time Machine backup is in place. You can check this in System Settings > Time Machine. Make sure that “Backups” shows a recent date and time. Otherwise, right-click on your Time Machine and click Back Up Now.
After setting up your new device, go to System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset, click Erase All Content and Settings and follow the instructions.
Don’t worry about packaging — put your device in the box you’ll get in the mail and use the included return label to send it back for free. You don’t have to send back your charger, either; keep it for yourself.
You can get your money back by a printable e-check, ACH deposit or even a check through the mail.
So ... crippled by envy much? This one has a high-end M2 Ultra Mac Pro, a Mac Studio, a Pro Display XDR and two Studio Displays. Photo: [email protected]
For years I’ve showcased cool Apple-centric computer setups for Cult of Mac. I never seem to get tired of drooling over the sweetest of the bunch. Sometimes that’s about the most awesome possible computers and monitors — Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR, anyone? — and sometimes it’s about a whole package, including fabulous audio gear and more. I selected a bunch of drool-worthy setups with stratospheric price tags for you below.
Here are the key differences between Apple's latest chip and its predecessor. AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
With Apple’s M5 chip appearing in more devices, it’s time for an M5 vs. M4 chip smackdown. Apple unveiled its new M5 chip in October, marking a significant leap forward in on-device artificial intelligence performance over its predecessor. So let’s compare the M5 chip to the M4 chip.
While maintaining the same core architecture as the M4 chip, the M5 delivers dramatic improvements in AI processing, graphics capabilities and memory bandwidth that position it as Apple’s most AI-focused silicon to date. But it enough to temp would-be upgraders?
macOS Tahoe’s next update will put an end to bad video-call lighting Photo: Apple
macOS 26.2 beta 2 adds a new Edge Light feature to improve the look of your video calls. As the name indicates, it will add a white light to the edges of your Mac’s display while you’re on a video call.
It’s like a built-in ring light that should improve your appearance when hopping on FaceTime to chat with friends or colleagues.
Most times, Apple nails it. But not always. AI image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac
Apple makes some of the best tech products in the world — beautifully designed, powerful and reliable. But even the best stumble sometimes.
Over the years, I’ve used plenty of Apple devices that looked great on paper but turned out to be frustrating in practice. Here are the ones that made me question Apple’s “it just works” mantra.
★★★★☆
It's a lot like M4 MacBook Pro -- but under-the-hood upgrades make it much better. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
After spending some time with Apple’s new base-model 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro, I’ve come to a clear conclusion: It’s an excellent laptop that represents the absolute best iteration of a formula Apple perfected years ago. But whether you should buy one depends entirely on what you’re upgrading from and what you actually do with your computer.
The new MacBook Pro and iPad Pro look the same as before but are faster. Photo: Apple/Rajesh Pandey/CultOfMac
Apple’s new M5-powered MacBook Pro, iPad Pro and Vision Pro hit store shelves Wednesday, and shoppers who preordered the devices began receiving them as well.
Subscribing to the latest, greatest MacBook has never been so easy.
Image: Upgraded
The new MacBook Pro M5 is here, and it might be Apple’s most powerful laptop ever.
But with prices starting at $1,599, getting the device you want can feel like a serious investment.
That’s where Upgraded comes in. It’s a new way to get the tech you need without paying thousands upfront. Instead, you pay monthly with the option to upgrade every two years.
An M5 MacBook Air, Mac mini and Mac Studio are all on the way. Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
The Apple M5 chip jumped from rumor to reality Wednesday with the launch of MacBook Pro and iPad Pro models running the new cutting-edge processor. But so far, there’s been no official mention of an M5 Mac mini, M5 MacBook Air, M5 Studio or M5 iMac.
Here’s when the next generations of these Macs are rumored to reach customers, along with the probable launch dates of the M5 Pro and M5 Max versions of the MacBook Pro.
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: With the M5 chip, Apple silicon blows our minds once again with its insane combination of performance and efficiency. How does Apple keep pulling this off?
We discuss all the lustworthy new hardware that the M5 powers: MacBook Pro, iPad Pro and Vision Pro.
Also on The CultCast:
What’s the new Vision Pro headset’s biggest upgrade? Hint: It’s not the chip.
If you’re picking up a new iPad Pro, you really should go big on storage.
How did the upcoming Steve Jobs commemorative $1 coin go so hilariously wrong?
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
It's easy to fall in love with Apple products. Here are my all-time favorites. AI image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac
Over the years, Apple has launched hundreds of products — some iconic, others forgettable. I’ve used a fair share of them, with some earning a permanent spot on my “all-time favorites” Apple devices list.
Each of these devices represented Apple at its best, with a sleek design, impressive performance and an experience that few other brands can match. So, here’s my list of Apple devices that have truly stood the test of time.
The new Apple M5 processor is wicked fast. Image: Google Gemini
Anyone feeling underwhelmed by Apple’s promise that its new M5 CPU runs up to 15% faster than its predecessor needs to check out the first benchmark score for the M5-powered MacBook Pro. The upcoming notebook CPU’s multithreaded performance actually comes in more than 20% faster than last year’s model. And it blows older models away.
That said, the improvement in single-core CPU performance isn’t as strong, but still respectable.
It could be here in late 2026 or early 2027. AI image: Grok/Cult of Mac
Apple is finally bringing touchscreens to the Mac, marking a major reversal from the company’s longstanding position against the feature in anything but iPads, according to a Thursday report with tantalizing new details. The first touchscreen MacBook Pro reportedly will arrive in late 2026 or early 2027.
The M5 chip beefs up AI and graphics processing substantially. Photo: Apple
Apple’s new M5 chip packs more power than predecessors, with advanced performance for Apple Intelligence and pumped up GPU performance boosting graphics processing, among other incremental improvements across the chip.
“M5 ushers in the next big leap in AI performance for Apple silicon,” said Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Technologies. “With the introduction of Neural Accelerators in the GPU, M5 delivers a huge boost to AI workloads.”
“Combined with a big increase in graphics performance, the world’s fastest CPU core, a faster Neural Engine, and even higher unified memory bandwidth,” he added, “M5 brings far more performance and capabilities to MacBook Pro, iPad Pro and Apple Vision Pro.”
14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 chip goes official. Photo: Apple
Apple unveiled an upgraded 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by the new M5 chip on Wednesday. While the laptop looks the same as its predecessor, it sports a faster new Apple silicon processor to deliver even better performance.
“MacBook Pro continues to be the world’s best pro laptop, and today, the 14-inch MacBook Pro gets even better with the arrival of the M5 chip,” said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, in a press release.
M5 MacBook Pro is almost here. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple’s SVP of Marketing, Greg Joswiak, teased the imminent launch of the M5 MacBook Pro on X today.
“Mmmmm… something powerful is coming,” Joswiak said on X, with his post accompanied by a short clip giving a quick glimpse at the upcoming MacBook Pro.
M5 MacBook Pro release date could come both sooner and later. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Some previous rumors point to an upgraded MacBook Pro with Apple’s M5 processor launching very soon, but other reports say it won’t be out until 2026. Turns out both might be correct.
A leak on Friday indicates the MacBook Pro running the base version M5 chip will debut quite soon. However, the variants with the M5 Pro and M5 Max supposedly won‘t launch before 2026.
The Anker Prime Docking Station is a formidable tool for your laptop charging and connectivity needs. Photo: Anker
Anker’s a top accessories maker for Apple users — maybe most of all for charging needs related to MacBooks and other devices. As usual, Anker Prime Day and Prime Big Deal Days sale items could fill a dense catalogue. So we thought we’d put together some top picks for MacBook users. Namely, a choice multiport charger with solid wattage, a great portable power bank with retractable cables and a highly functional docking station with fast transfer speeds and ample connectivity. Check them out below.
MacBook Pro deals abound on Amazon Prime Day. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
As with Amazon Prime Day in July, Amazon Prime Big Deal Days (Tuesday and Wednesday) bring excellent deals on Apple’s popular laptops, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. In fact, you can nab the very same M4 Pro MacBook Pro I have for $250 less than I paid — my exact model with 24GB RAM at $1,799. And you can get the base M4 MacBook Pro for an incredibly low starting price of $1,399. Plus some Prime Day MacBook Pro deals net you hundreds off higher-end models.
As for MacBook Air, the entry-level model now sells for a low $799. And you can add some bells and whistles for a bit more. Scroll down to see Prime Day MacBook Air deals.
MacBook Pro's M5 refresh might land this month. Photo: David Snow/Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac
Supplies of iPad Pros and 14-inch MacBook Pros powered by M4 chips are running low across Apple Stores. This indicates the imminent arrival of M5-powered models.
While reports of an M5 iPad Pro refresh surfaced before, this marks the first solid indication that Apple could launch an M5 MacBook Pro this year as well.
Apple CEO Tim Cook could soon be taking to the stage with more product announcements. Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple isn’t done lunching new products this year, even though the iPhone 17 family and Apple Watch Series 11 reached customers in September. There are so many new products coming out of Cupertino this fall that rumors point to an Apple October event.
For some Apple fans, the best is yet to come: the Apple M5 processor, a new iPad Pro and (hopefully) the next MacBook Pro. And there could be more.
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The Federal Communications Commission leaks secret Apple info and Russian YouTubers get their hands on unreleased iPad Pros.
What’s going on with these crazy Apple leaks? We have a theory about why at least some of them are happening.
Also on The CultCast:
Logitech updates a classic — the new MX Master 4 mouse adds haptics!
A cool new Mac app called Folder Quick Look fixes a longtime annoyance, and it’s totally free.
We take a good, hard look at the latest addition to our colleague’s setup.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
The same story now unfolds with the upcoming M5 iPad Pro. Wylsacom unboxed and showcased the device a few days ago, again weeks before launch. And another Russian YouTuber did the same the next day. So how do Russian YouTubers manage to grab unreleased Apple products so early?
FCC's wireless certification test result documents show a familiar-looking diagram. Photo: FCC
The Federal Communications Commission accidentally exposed Apple’s plans for several unreleased products, including an updated Vision Pro headset, new MacBook Pro models and refreshed iPad Pro tablets, on Tuesday. The FCC leaks of Apple products mark the latest in a series of premature disclosures from the regulatory agency that have frustrated Apple’s typically secretive product launch strategy.
Outfit your team with the latest MacBooks, without big upfront costs and other hassles. Photo: Upgraded
MacBooks make you faster, sharper and more productive. But they’ve always come with one big problem: price. Upgraded’s affordable MacBook financing program changes that.
Whether you’re buying a MacBook for yourself or outfitting an entire company, it usually means a huge upfront bill, a complicated reselling process, or headaches when managing devices for remote employees.
Upgraded solves this with simple monthly MacBook subscriptions, starting at just $33.28 per month. For businesses, Upgraded’s innovative MacBook financing also means turning big upfront capital expenses into smaller operating expenses you can write off, while handing off the hassle of device management.
