What Macbook



Your Mac provides several tools to help you identify it. The simplest is About This Mac, available by choosing About This Mac from the Apple menu  in the upper-left corner of your screen. The other is the System Information app. Learn how to use these tools to identify your Mac.

Jul 28, 2020. The MacBook Pro is Apple’s top-of-the-line laptop. If you want a laptop that can handle any task you throw at it—and you don’t have a constraining budget—the MacBook Pro is the laptop you.

If you don’t have your Mac or it doesn’t start up, use one of these solutions instead:

  • Find the serial number printed on the underside of your Mac, near the regulatory markings. It’s also on the original packaging, next to a barcode label. You can then enter that serial number on the Check Coverage page to find your model.
  • The original packaging might also show an Apple part number, such as MLH12xx/A (“xx” is a variable that differs by country or region). You can match the Apple part number to one in the list below to find your model.

List of MacBook Pro models

MacBook Pro models are organized by the year they were introduced, starting with the most recent. Click the model name for detailed technical specifications.

MacBook Pro models from 2012 and newer can run the latest version of macOS. For models from before 2012, the latest compatible operating system is noted.

2020

MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
Colors: Silver, space gray
Model Identifier: MacBookPro16,3
Part Numbers: MXK32xx/A, MXK52xx/A, MXK62xx/A, MXK72xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)

MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
Colors: Silver, space gray
Model Identifier: MacBookPro16,2
Part Numbers: MWP42xx/A, MWP52xx/A, MWP62xx/A, MWP72xx/A, MWP82xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)

2019

MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
Colors: Silver, space gray
Model Identifier: MacBookPro16,1
Part Numbers: MVVJ2xx/A, MVVK2xx/A, MVVL2xx/A, MVVM2xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)

MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
Colors: Silver, space gray
Model Identifier: MacBookPro15,4
Part Numbers: MUHN2xx/A, MUHP2xx/a, MUHQ2xx/A, MUHR2xx/A, MUHR2xx/B
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)

MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
Colors: Silver, space gray
Model Identifier: MacBookPro15,1, MacBookPro15,3
Part Numbers: MV902xx/A, MV912xx/A, MV922xx/A, MV932xx/A, MV942xx/A, MV952xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)

MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
Colors: Silver, space gray
Model Identifier: MacBookPro15,2
Part Numbers: MV962xx/A, MV972xx/A, MV982xx/A, MV992xx/A, MV9A2xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)

2018

MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)
Colors: Silver, space gray
Model Identifier: MacBookPro15,1
Part Numbers: MR932xx/A, MR942xx/A, MR952xx/A, MR962xx/A, MR972xx/A, MUQH2xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)

MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
Colors: Silver, space gray
Model Identifier: MacBookPro15,2
Part Numbers: MR9Q2xx/A, MR9R2xx/A, MR9T2xx/A, MR9U2xx/A, MR9V2xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)

2017

MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)
Colors: Silver, space gray
Model Identifier: MacBookPro14,3
Part Numbers: MPTR2xx/A, MPTT2xx/A, MPTU2xx/A, MPTV2xx/A, MPTW2xx/A, MPTX2xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)

MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
Colors: Silver, space gray
Model Identifier: MacBookPro14,2
Part Numbers: MPXV2xx/A, MPXW2xx/A, MPXX2xx/A, MPXY2xx/A, MQ002xx/A, MQ012xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)

MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
Colors: Silver, space gray
Model Identifier: MacBookPro14,1
Part Numbers: MPXQ2xx/A, MPXR2xx/A, MPXT2xx/A, MPXU2xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)

2016

MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
Colors: Silver, space gray
Model Identifier: MacBookPro13,3
Part Numbers: MLH32xx/A, MLH42xx/A, MLH52xx/A, MLW72xx/A, MLW82xx/A, MLW92xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)

MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
Colors: Silver, space gray
Model Identifier: MacBookPro13,2
Part Numbers: MLH12xx/A, MLVP2xx/A, MNQF2xx/A, MNQG2xx/A, MPDK2xx/A, MPDL2xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)

MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
Colors: Silver, space gray
Model Identifier: MacBookPro13,1
Part Numbers: MLL42xx/A, MLUQ2xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)

2015

What Macbook

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro11,4
Part Number: MJLQ2xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro11,5
Part Numbers: MJLT2xx/A, MJLU2xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro12,1
Part Numbers: MF839xx/A, MF840xx/A, MF841xx/A, MF843xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015)

2014

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2014)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro11,2
Part Number: MGXA2xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2014)

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2014)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro11,3
Part Number: MGXC2xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2014)

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro11,1
Part Numbers: MGX72xx/A, MGX82xx/A, MGX92xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014)

2013

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Late 2013)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro11,2
Part Number: ME293xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Late 2013)

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Late 2013)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro11,3
Part Number: ME294xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Late 2013)


MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Early 2013)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro10,1
Part Numbers: ME664xx/A, ME665xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Early 2013)

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro11,1
Part Numbers: ME864xx/A, ME865xx/A, ME866xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013)

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2013)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro10,2
Part Numbers: MD212xx/A, ME662xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2013)

2012

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2012)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro10,1
Part Numbers: MC975xx/A, MC976xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2012)

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro9,1
Part Numbers: MD103xx/A, MD104xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012)

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2012)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro10,2
Part Numbers: MD212xx/A, MD213xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2012)

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro9,2
Part Numbers: MD101xx/A, MD102xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012)

2011

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2011)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro8,3
Part Number: MD311xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2011)

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro8,3
Part Number: MC725xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011)

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro8,2
Part Numbers: MD322xx/A, MD318xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011)


MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro8,2
Part Numbers: MC723xx/A, MC721xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011)


MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2011)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro8,1
Part Numbers: MD314xx/A, MD313xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2011)


MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro8,1
Part Numbers: MC724xx/A, MC700xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011)

2010

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro6,1
Part Number: MC024xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010)

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro6,2
Part Numbers: MC373xx/A, MC372xx/A, MC371xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010)

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro7,1
Part Numbers: MC375xx/A, MC374xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010)

2009

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro5,2
Part Number: MC226xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: OS X El Capitan 10.11.6
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009)

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro5,2
Part Number: MB604xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: OS X El Capitan 10.11.6
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009)

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro5,3
Part Numbers: MB985xx/A, MB986xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: OS X El Capitan 10.11.6
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009)

MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53GHz, Mid 2009)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro5,3
Part Number: MC118xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: OS X El Capitan 10.11.6
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53GHz, Mid 2009)


MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro5,5
Part Numbers: MB991xx/A, MB990xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: OS X El Capitan 10.11.6
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009)

2008

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro5,1
Part Number: MB470xx/A, MB471xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: OS X El Capitan 10.11.6
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2008)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro4,1
Part Number: MB166xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: OS X El Capitan 10.11.6
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2008)

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008)
Model Identifier: MacBookPro4,1
Part Number: MB133xx/A, MB134xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: OS X El Capitan 10.11.6
Tech Specs: MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008)

Learn more

Apple has three choices when it comes to MacBooks:

  • MacBook Air 13-inch
  • MacBook Pro 13-inch
  • MacBook Pro 16-inch

But when I consider a variety of options for CPU, RAM, and disk storage, the number of choices increases exponentially.

So, how do you choose?

How do you make sure that you will not regret your decision in a month or two?

Today I will help you to make the best decision you can do based on your unique needs and resources. In case if you don’t want to read all this stuff, feel free to scroll all the way down to the quiz section.

We will consider three approaches to MacBook selection:

  • Functional
  • Budget driven
  • Want based

But let’s first familiarize ourselves with the differences between Apple laptops.

If you prefer video check out my YouTube channel on the same topic:

MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro 13-inch

Here is a table of differences between all MacBooks:

CharacteristicMacBook AirMacBook Pro 13-inchMacBook Pro 16-inch
Starting Price$999$1299$2399
Display13.3 in13.3in16in
Mac Storage2TB SSD4TB SSD8TB SSD
CPU choice343
Max RAM16GB32GB64GB
Weight, lb2.83.14.3
Size, inches11.97 x 8.36 x 0.16-0.6311.97 x 8.36 x 0.6114.09 x 9.68 x 0.64
Battery time12 hours10 hours11 hours
Touch IDYesYesYes
Touch BarNoYesYes

As you can see from the table, the main differences between MacBook Air (MBA) and MacBook Pro (MBP) are:

  • Choice of processors. MBA has only three CPU options, while MBP offers four to choose from.
  • Starting Price. Entry-level MBA is $300 less than entry-level MBP.
  • Storage options. With MBP, you can get up to 4TB.
  • Battery time. MBA lasts for 2 hours longer under the same load as MBP.
  • Touch Bar. MBA does not have a Touch Bar, only Touch ID.
  • Weight. MBA is slightly lighter than MBP.

MBP 13-inch vs. MBP 16-inch

MacBook Pro 16-inch is bigger than 13-inch cousin in all regards: weight, size, storage, RAM, CPU, and of course, price.

There is no point in comparing them. The question is rather – do you need such a best or not? In some cases, you do.

Functional Approach

With this approach you need to answer the following questions:

  • Why do you need a MacBook?
  • Will you use MacBook for work, school, or home?
  • Why MacBook and not a PC laptop, such as Surface?

To help you answer these questions, let’s consider several use cases.

MacBook for data science student

Yap X. reached out to me with the following question:

“Hi, I’m a data scientist and freelance web developer. For data science stuff i can use google colab in a browser. For develop a web, i just need a text editor. Currently, I’m considering picking a MBA or MBP.”

First, I steered him to my article on choosing a MacBook for a college student, which covers this topic in-depth.

Then, the question was whether he needs more space or RAM. I know that data science projects need a lot of memory, but web developers benefit from more storage (for code, assets).

In the end, he went with MBP, 128GB with 2TB external drive.

MacBook for a law student

Hassan H. asked me “I am a law student in UK. I have come across your article of macbook storage size. I want to buy macbook (latest) but i am not sure which one would be better for me..! Either macbook air or macbook pro.”

Hassan didn’t need a lot of power. He needed a light laptop that can hold as much battery as possible. So, he chose the MacBook Air.

MacBook for a programmer

I had the same approach for the last two MacBooks I ordered at work. They both 15-inch (now it would be 16-inch) MacBook Pro with 16GB RAM and at least 512GB storage.

I opted for the least powerful processor available because, for coding, it is more important to have more on-board storage and RAM than CPU. Besides, even the least powerful CPU in the big MBP is way better than the one in 13-inch Pro.

Also, I wanted to have a bigger display so I could work at home without an external monitor.

So, what does it mean for you?

If you know exactly how are you planning to use the laptop, then the decision is simple.

Go for MacBook Pro 16-inch if you need a bigger display and for more CPU, RAM, and disk.

Go for MacBook Air if you value battery time, and you travel a lot. Also, the MBA makes sense if you don’t expect to do anything other than working with documents, send emails, and browse the internet.

When in doubt, go for MacBook 13-inch. It’s a perfect balance of power and usability.

Budget Driven Approach

In the perfect world, we would just buy the biggest, the baddest and not worry. However, all of us have budgets. And often, our budgets don’t align with our needs and wants.

If you are short on money, here are my observations and/or suggestions.

MacBook Air is a good laptop

In most cases, the MBA would be enough for most people. Even for web developers. If you are just starting studying web design or software development, it will take a while until you outgrow MBA resources.

Macbooks

When you become a professional, you most likely be able to afford a more powerful machine.

Consider used or refurbished

If you really need a 15″ or 16″ inch MBP, but can’t afford it, then consider used or refurbished options.

I wrote a whole article on how to choose a used MacBook and which Apple laptop is the best in terms of price to performance ratio.

Don’t pay retail

I never buy Apple products in the Apple store. I always shop online, and I always save at least $100. You can do it too with some tips from me.

Also, don’t forget that you can get credit to pay for the device, which makes it easier.

Want Based Approach

What Macbooks Have Hdmi

Three months ago, Daniel S. sent me the email:

“I can’t decide what to buy for my girlfriend as a gift. MBP 128 gb or MBA 256 gb. They come at the same price. MBP wins on all parameters except memory. Although my girlfriend needs nothing but a browser, easy photo editing, office work and movie watching. I want my computer to last longer and given the trends in application development, it may be more profitable to take on more power, as the power consumption of applications increases every year.”

After some back and forth, we finally figured that his girlfriend already made up her mind. She liked the TouchBar option, and she was Ok with smaller disk as she didn’t plan to store a lot of photos, documents, or videos.

Bottom line: if you can’t choose between the two, go with what you like. Whether it’s a look, a color, or TouchBar.

New MacBook Pro 13″

If you already decided to go with a MacBook Pro 13″ check my post about selecting right options for a new laptop:

It’s a super detailed post where I tried to go over all options, including CPU, RAM and storage.

Apple Computers Macbook

Final Tips

Now, when you decide on a type of MacBook, the next step is to know whether it is worth to spend on additional storage and memory, or faster CPU. Over time, I’ve built a bunch of resources to help you with upgrade questions.

Is extra storage worth it? My post “Is 128GB Enough for MacBook Pro/Air? Storage Guide” will help you to understand your options when it comes to disk space.

Similarly, this link will guide you through RAM questions.

This post will help to decide which CPU do you need for MacBook Pro. If you remember, Apple has 8 CPUs to choose from for MBPs.

What Macbook Air Do I Have

Since Apple introduced 3 CPU choices (i3, i5, i7 ) choosing the right one got tougher. I touched on this topic here.

And finally, you will have to make a decision on the warranty. My post about AppleCare+ for Mac lists the pros and cons of AppleCare.

What Macbook Air Should I Buy

Quiz

What Macbook Is Best For Me

As promised, here is a short quiz which can help you decide which MacBook should you buy.