MacBook Pro (Apple silicon)
The MacBook Pro with Apple silicon is a line of Macintosh notebook computers introduced in November 2020 by Apple Inc. It is the higher-end model of the MacBook family, sitting above the consumer-focused MacBook Air, and is currently sold with 13-inch, 14-inch, and 16-inch screens. All models from the current lineup use variants of the Apple-designed M1 system on a chip.

The first machine that was part of this family was a revision to the fourth generation of MacBook Pros; it featured the Apple M1.

The fifth-generation MacBook Pro  MacBook Pro was released in October 2021 in 14- and 16-inch sizes. Powered by either M1 Pro or M1 Max chips, they are the first to be available only with an Apple silicon system on a chip. In addition to being Apple Silicon-only, this generation re-introduced elements from the previous models which were removed at some point, such as MagSafe and function-keys.

4th generation (Touch Bar, Apple silicon) 

On November 10, 2020, Apple introduced a new generation of two-port 13-inch MacBook Pro with a brand new Apple-designed Apple M1 processor, launched alongside an updated MacBook Air and Mac Mini as the first Macs with Apple's new line of custom ARM-based Apple silicon processors. The MacBook Pro with Apple silicon retains the same form factor/ design while adding support for Wi-Fi 6, USB4, and 6K output to run the Pro Display XDR. The number of supported external displays was reduced to one, as the previous generation Intel-based models supported two 4K displays. The FaceTime camera remains 720p but Apple advertises an improved image signal processor for higher quality video.

Technical specifications

5th generation (M1 Pro and M1 Max) 

Apple announced a new 14-inch MacBook Pro, replacing the high-end 13-inch Intel MacBook Pro, and a redesigned 16-inch MacBook Pro during an online event on October 18, 2021. They are equipped with the new Apple Silicon chips, M1 Pro and M1 Max, Apple's second ARM-based systems on a chip and their first professional-focused chips. This release addressed many criticisms of the previous generation by reintroducing hard function keys in place of the Touch Bar, an HDMI 2.0 port, a SDXC reader and MagSafe charging. Other additions include a Liquid Retina XDR display with thinner bezels and an iPhone-like notch, ProMotion supporting 120 Hz variable refresh rate, a 1080p webcam, Wi-Fi 6, 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a six-speaker sound system supporting Dolby Atmos. The M1 Pro chip supports up to two external displays, both at 6K resolution, while the M1 Max chip supports up to four displays: three at 6K resolution, and one at 4K resolution. The 16-inch version is bundled with a 140 W GaN power supply that supports USB-C Power Delivery 3.1, though only MagSafe supports full-speed charging as the machine's USB-C ports are limited to 100 W.

Design 
The M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBook Pro models feature a thicker and more-squared design than their immediate Intel-based predecessors. The keyboard features full-sized function keys, with the keyboard set in a "double anodized" black well. The MacBook Pro branding has been removed from the bottom of the display bezel and is engraved on the underside of the chassis instead. The models' appearance has been compared to the Titanium PowerBook G4 produced from 2001 to 2003. The choice between silver or space gray color introduced in the fourth generation continues in the fifth.

Reception 
Reception to the 2021 MacBook Pro was generally positive. Online personalities such Justine Ezarik (iJustine), Anthony Young of Linus Tech Tips and Marques Brownlee praised the new design, the larger function keys, the new screen and M1 Pro and M1 Max. The Verge gave the models a 9.5/10 score, praising the increased speed and battery life, improved displays and speakers, and the removal of the Touch Bar, but criticized memory upgrade costs as "absurd" and noted only Apple's own apps seemed optimized for the GPUs.

iFixit gave the models a repairability score of 4/10, saying battery replacements are likely easier as it is no longer glued in, and the display and most ports appear modular, though noted speakers are glued in and solid-state storage is permanently soldered.

Technical specifications

Software and operating systems 
The macOS operating system has been pre-installed on all Apple silicon MacBook Pro computers since release, starting with version macOS Big Sur.

See also 
 Comparison of current Macintosh models
 MacBook (12-inch)
 MacBook Air

Notes

References

External links 
  – official site

Computer-related introductions in 2020
MacBook
ARM Macintosh computers