The MacBook Air now comes with the M2 chip. The latest MacBook Pro comes in three sizes and several configurations. The 13-inch models run on either Apple’s original M1 chip or the M2 chip. The 14-inch models are equipped with the new M1 Pro chip, and the 16-inch model gives users a choice between the M1 Pro chip and the power-packed M1 Max chip.
MacBook Air With M2 Chip
The M2 MacBook Air packs a lot of power into a slim, lightweight laptop. In addition to a more powerful processor, the new M2 is even wider and thinner than the M1 version. It essentially looks like an iPad with a keyboard. At the same time, it manages to fit just as many Thunderbolt and USB ports as the 13-inch MacBook Pro. On the downside, there’s no HDMI port or SD card slot. The price may not be worth it if you already have a device with an M1 chip, but the M2 MacBook Air is a great deal if you’re in the market for a modern Apple laptop. These are the specs for the M2 MacBook Air:
Chip: Apple M2, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural EngineMemory: Up to 24 GB of unified memoryStorage: Up to 2 TB SSDBattery: Up to 18 hoursDisplay: 13.6-inch Retina display with True Tone technologyPorts and charging: Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports
MacBook Pro, 13-Inch With M2 Chip
The M2 MacBook Pro is identical to the 13-inch M1 model in every way except for the chip. It even includes a Touch Bar and a headphone jack. The M2 model can be upgraded with more memory and storage, but aside from faster processing, the M1 and M2 models are the same out of the box. If you already have a MacBook with the M1 chip, there’s no need to upgrade. That said, the M2 MacBook Pro is a budget-friendly alternative to the more expensive 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. Here’s an overview of the specs:
Chip: Apple M2, 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural EngineMemory: Up to 24 GB of unified memoryStorage: Up to 2 TB SSDBattery: Up to 20 hoursDisplay: 13.3-inch Retina display with True Tone technologyPorts and charging: Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 portsSensors: Touch ID and Touch Bar, Force Touch trackpad
MacBook Pro, 13-Inch With M1 Chip
Apple’s original M1 chip makes a return appearance in the 13-inch MacBook Pro. Unlike other processors that separate GPU and CPU, the M1 chip keeps everything together. This system on a chip (SoC), keeps RAM and graphics in one streamlined place. The M1 chip delivers lightning-fast performance across the board, from loading apps to processing images or playing video. This MacBook Pro supports one external display. If you are hooked on the Touch Bar, this MacBook Pro may be your last chance to enjoy one. Apple removed it from the larger models. However, Apple returned the 3.5 mm headphone jack to the laptop. Here are a few highlights and specs:
Chip: Apple M1, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural EngineMemory: Up to 16 GB of unified memoryStorage: Up to 512 GB SSDBattery: Up to 20 hoursDisplay: 13-inch Retina display with True Tone technologyPorts and charging: Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 portsSensors: Touch ID and Touch Bar, Force Touch trackpad
MacBook Pro 14-Inch and 16-Inch With M1 Pro Chip
The M1 Pro chip handles complex workflows and four streams of 8K video effortlessly. It can be configured with up to 32 GB of unified memory. It’s up to 70 percent faster than the original M1 chip and supports two external displays. These MacBook Pro models come with Apple’s Liquid Retina XDR display, which supports up to 1000 nits of brightness full-screen. This technology is perfect for viewing HDR video formats; it delivers bright highlights and details in the darkest areas. Missed having a headphone jack on your Mac? It’s back on the 14-inch and 16-inch laptops. Specifications for the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M1 Pro chip include:
Chip: Apple M1 Pro, up to 10-core CPU, up to 16-core GPU, 16-core Neural EngineMemory: Up to 32 GB unified memoryStorage: Up to 8 TB SSDBattery: Up to 21 hoursDisplay: Liquid Retina XDRPorts and charging: Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3 port, 3.5 mm headphone jackSensors: Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, Force Touch trackpad
MacBook Pro: 16-Inch With M1 Max Chip
When you need the most powerful Macbook Pro ever made, the 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M1 Max chip delivers. It handles massive files and seven streams of 8K video easily. This MacBook Pro has more of everything. It has twice the memory bandwidth of the M1 Pro and supports up to 64 GB of unified memory. If you’re counting, the M1 Max has 57 billion transistors, which is three times more than the original M1. It can deliver graphics four times faster than the M1, with graphics processing power that is unprecedented in a laptop. Other highlights include a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, a headphone jack, support for up to four external monitors, and spatial audio.
Chip: Apple M1 Max, 10-core CPU, up to 32-core GPU, 16-core Neural EngineMemory: Up to 64 GB Unified MemoryStorage: Up to 8 TB SSDBattery: Up to 21 hoursDisplay: Liquid Retina XDRPorts and charging: Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3 port, 3.5 mm headphone jackSensors: Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, Force Touch trackpad
Previous MacBook Models
The Apple MacBook has made its presence known since 2006. The earliest models include the original MacBook and the first versions of the MacBook Pro. You can find a comprehensive list of all MacBook Pro models and MacBook Air releases starting from 2006 and 2009, respectively, on Apple’s website. Here’s a quick overview of MacBook models as they’ve appeared over the years.
MacBook Pro 13-Inch, M1 (2021)MacBook Pro 14-Inch and 16-Inch, M1 Pro or M1 Max (2021)MacBook Pro 13-Inch Intel and M1 (2020)MacBook Air Retina, 13-Inch and M1 (2020)MacBook Pro 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 16-Inch (2019)MacBook Air Retina, 13-inch (2018-2019)MacBook Air 13-Inch (2017)MacBook Pro 13-Inch and 15-Inch (2016-2018)MacBook Pro Retina, 13-Inch and 15-Inch (2012-2015)MacBook Pro 13-Inch and 15-Inch (2012)MacBook Air 11-Inch and 13-Inch (2009-2015)MacBook Pro 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch (2009-2011)MacBook Pro 15-Inch and 17-inch (2006-2008)
