The History of MacBook Pro, 2006–2016 (First Generation to Retina Display)

Introduction

Apple’s MacBook Pro series has undergone significant evolution from the debut of the first model in 2006 through 2015. This article presents a chronological account of the MacBook Pro’s history from the first generation (2006) to the final generation that adopted the Retina display (2015). It explains the development background, the characteristics of each product generation, user reception, and a list of the main models, providing a logical and clear overview of the MacBook Pro from 2006–2015.

Background and the First Generation

In 2005, Apple announced a transition from the long‑used PowerPC processors to Intel processors. As part of this strategic shift, the MacBook Pro was born. The first‑generation MacBook Pro was announced by Steve Jobs at the Macworld Expo keynote in San Francisco on January 10, 2006 (15‑inch model). A 17‑inch model followed on April 24. As the successor to the PowerBook series, it was Apple’s first Intel‑based notebook, and the product name was refreshed from “PowerBook” to “MacBook Pro.”

The first‑generation MacBook Pro (15‑inch) inherited an aluminum enclosure reminiscent of the PowerBook G4 while dramatically improving performance with an Intel Core Duo (32‑bit) processor. It enabled speed gains not possible with the previous PowerPC G4, and Apple touted it as “desktop‑class dual‑processor performance in a thin notebook.” It was also the first Apple notebook to feature a built‑in web camera (iSight) and supported the Front Row media center function and an infrared remote. In addition, the newly developed MagSafe power connector was adopted so that if the cable was snagged, the magnetically attached connector would detach to prevent the computer from being pulled off a surface. The first‑generation model’s key characteristics at launch were as follows.

Enclosure – Silver aluminum enclosure. The design followed the PowerBook G4, measuring about 1 inch (2.6 cm) thick and weighing about 5.6 pounds (approx. 2.54 kg), roughly on par with its predecessor. It used a mechanical latch mechanism to secure the display (later models switched to magnetic), and the keyboard featured silver backlit keys (not the later island‑style). ※ A sleep indicator light was provided on the front edge.
Display – 15.4‑inch (1440×900) TFT LCD. A matte finish was standard, keeping with professional use (a glossy panel was optionally available). A 17‑inch model (1680×1050) was added in April 2006 for users who wanted a larger screen and greater expandability. Brightness was improved by 67% compared with the PowerBook G4, and in 2007 the 15‑inch model switched to an LED backlight (improving efficiency and brightness).
Interfaces – Rich connectivity. Video output was a full‑size DVI port (dual‑link capable), allowing direct connection to high‑resolution external displays such as the 30‑inch Cinema Display. The expansion slot switched from the legacy PC Card (Type II) to a new ExpressCard/34 slot. The 15‑inch had two USB 2.0 ports (the 17‑inch had three), and FireWire included one 400 Mbps port (the 17‑inch had both 400 and 800). It also offered Gigabit Ethernet, combined analog/optical digital audio I/O, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, and 802.11a/b/g Wi‑Fi (AirPort Extreme).
Other – The standard iSight camera in the top bezel enabled video conferencing and snapshots. An infrared receiver on the front allowed control of music and video playback with the Apple Remote, supporting media‑center‑style use. A built‑in Sudden Motion Sensor helped protect the hard drive in the event of a fall. The battery was user‑replaceable, with a rated runtime of about 4–5 hours (actual runtime could be shorter). The aforementioned MagSafe connector reduced the risk of the computer being pulled down when the power cord was accidentally yanked.

After the initial release, several minor updates were made from late 2006 through 2008. In October 2006, processors were upgraded to Intel Core 2 Duo (64‑bit), and memory and HDD capacities increased. In June 2007, the 15‑inch model adopted an LED‑backlit display, improving efficiency and color, and graphics changed from ATI to the faster NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT. Early 2008 brought faster CPUs (up to 2.5 GHz), an 800 MHz frontside bus, and a new large multi‑touch trackpad. Although the exterior design remained largely the same, models of this era had a latent defect with the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT GPU, where heat could cause the GPU‑to‑board connection to fail, leading to display issues. Apple was initially reluctant to acknowledge the issue but later instituted a formal free repair program (logic board replacement).

Lineup Expansion and Model‑by‑Model History

Aluminum Enclosure (First‑Generation) Models (2006–2008)

Update Overview – As noted, the first MacBook Pro launched with Intel Core Duo and quickly transitioned to Core 2 Duo. It came in two sizes, 15‑inch (1440×900) and 17‑inch (1680×1050). It overhauled the CPU architecture from the PowerBook while refining design and functionality. Innovations such as the backlit keyboard, ExpressCard slot, and MagSafe connector attracted not only professionals but also tech‑forward users. From 2007–2008, all models standardized on 64‑bit Core 2 Duo, and the 15‑inch adopted an energy‑saving LED‑backlit display. Graphics were strengthened, and maximum memory expanded from the initial 2 GB to later 6–8 GB. Meanwhile, exterior design and basic I/O remained largely unchanged, focusing on steady refinement. This aluminum‑enclosure line ended when the new unibody design appeared in fall 2008; 15‑inch production ceased then, and the 17‑inch ended in early 2009.

Aluminum Unibody Models (2008–2012)

On October 14, 2008, Apple unveiled a major refresh with a unibody 15‑inch MacBook Pro. “Unibody” refers to a chassis milled from a single block of aluminum, delivering both rigidity and thinness. The exterior was completely redesigned, featuring a sleek rounded profile and a black keyboard and display bezel. A 17‑inch unibody model followed a few months later in January 2009, bringing further improvements such as a new battery design. Key features of the unibody generation:

Enclosure – The milled aluminum unibody improved torsional rigidity and perceived quality. Thickness was about 0.95 inch (approx. 2.41 cm), slightly thinner than the first generation. The keyboard changed to black island‑style keys, with full backlighting. The mechanical latch used in older models was replaced with a magnetic catch. The initial 15‑inch unibody (Late 2008) allowed user access to the battery and HDD by removing a bottom latch, but from 2009 onward the battery became integrated, no longer intended for user replacement. The larger integrated battery enabled long runtimes; Apple claimed 80% capacity retention after 1,000 cycles.
Display – LED‑backlit high‑brightness displays became standard across models, eliminating environmentally problematic CCFL tubes. The 15‑inch adopted a glossy glass‑covered screen with edge‑to‑edge black glass styling (an anti‑glare option without the glass was offered for pro users). Resolution on the 15‑inch remained 1440×900, while the 17‑inch unibody moved to a standard 1920×1200 high‑resolution panel. In 2010, a 1680×1050 high‑resolution option was added for the 15‑inch.
Interfaces – Port layout changed significantly, with all ports moved to the left side (the optical drive remained as a right‑side slot). Video output switched from DVI to Mini DisplayPort, enabling DisplayPort displays and adapters. Early 15/17‑inch models kept ExpressCard/34, but with a mid‑2009 refresh the 13/15‑inch dropped ExpressCard in favor of an SD card slot (the 17‑inch retained ExpressCard to the end). USB 2.0 ports remained two (three on the 17‑inch). FireWire 400 was removed, replaced by a single FireWire 800 port. Another hallmark was NVIDIA dual‑graphics. The 15/17‑inch unibody (Late 2008) paired integrated GeForce 9400M with discrete GeForce 9600M GT (256/512 MB VRAM), letting users switch for power management. Networking and peripherals included Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire 800, and combo analog/optical audio I/O; the 13‑inch regained a FireWire port upon its promotion from the aluminum MacBook to Pro.
Other – A much larger glass multi‑touch trackpad debuted. Its surface area increased by roughly 40%, with a glass finish for smooth operation. The physical button was eliminated; the entire pad depressed to click. It supported two‑finger scrolling, pinch, swipe, and more; inertial scrolling was added in 2010. The keyboard followed the MacBook Air with black island‑style keys, improving visibility and feel. From 2009 onward, batteries were integrated; rated runtimes rose to about 7 hours for 13/15‑inch and about 8 hours for 17‑inch. Reviews reported 6–8 hours on the 13‑inch in real use, excellent for the time. In 2010, the MagSafe connector changed from a T‑shape to an L‑shape (barrel) to reduce interference with neighboring ports.

The unibody MacBook Pro lineup also received annual internal improvements. In January 2009, the 17‑inch joined the unibody family and introduced a non‑user‑replaceable high‑capacity battery and an anti‑glare screen option. At WWDC in June 2009, the 13‑inch aluminum MacBook was brought into the Pro family, reorganizing the lineup (leaving the white polycarbonate MacBook as the only non‑Pro MacBook). This 13‑inch MacBook Pro (Mid 2009) gained FireWire 800, an SD card slot, and a 7‑hour battery, while being priced more affordably—earning strong popularity. In April 2010, the CPU architecture was refreshed: the 15/17‑inch models adopted Intel Core i5/i7 (Arrandale generation) for the first time, while the 13‑inch used a faster Core 2 Duo. This brought the first quad‑core CPU to the high end, and a high‑resolution display option to the 15‑inch. In February 2011, the long‑awaited Thunderbolt (Thunderbolt 1) port arrived across the line. Sharing the Mini DisplayPort form factor, Thunderbolt provided bidirectional 10 Gbps data transfer, enabling fast external displays and storage. CPUs moved to 2nd‑gen Core i (Sandy Bridge); the 15/17‑inch models standardized on quad‑core CPUs, graphics shifted to AMD Radeon HD 6000M series, and the camera became 720p FaceTime HD. The Mid 2012 non‑Retina refresh adopted 3rd‑gen Core i (Ivy Bridge) and USB 3.0; memory capacities increased. At this time the 17‑inch model was dropped, ending the long lineage of 17‑inch PowerBooks/MacBook Pros (it was discontinued due to declining demand, despite regret from pro users). In October 2013, the non‑Retina 15‑inch also ended; thereafter, the non‑Retina 13‑inch (with optical drive) remained as the entry model until 2016.

Retina Display Models (2012–2015)

On June 11, 2012, at WWDC 2012, Apple announced the next‑generation MacBook Pro with Retina Display, starting with a 15‑inch model. A further refinement of the unibody design, the new chassis measured just 0.71 inch (about 1.8 cm) thick and weighed about 4.46 pounds (about 2.02 kg), extraordinarily thin and light for a 15‑inch notebook. Key features:

Enclosure – Continued the aluminum unibody while thinning by roughly 25% versus its predecessor. To achieve thinness, the optical drive was eliminated and I/O was pared back to essentials. The model name text disappeared from the lid (display back) and moved to an engraving on the bottom. The thermal system was redesigned for improved fan efficiency and quieter operation. The MagSafe connector slimmed down to MagSafe 2, with compatibility via an adapter. The integrated lithium‑polymer battery supported a rated 7 hours of wireless use (later models extended this to as much as 9–10 hours). Internal expandability was sacrificed: RAM was soldered to the logic board and not user‑upgradable; storage used a proprietary SSD (replacements required special tools and non‑Apple upgrade parts), reflecting deep integration.
Display – The signature feature was the Retina display. The 15.4‑inch panel offered 2880×1800 pixels (220 ppi), with such high pixel density that individual pixels were imperceptible at normal viewing distances. The IPS panel delivered excellent color and viewing angles, with a dramatically improved contrast ratio and reduced glare thanks to anti‑reflection treatments. The screen was available only in glossy, but reflections were less obtrusive than on previous generations. At launch, reviewers praised its ultra‑sharp rendering as making “photos and text look as smooth as print,” winning ardent support especially from creators and developers.
Interfaces – To accommodate the thin body, the port layout was overhauled. The left side housed MagSafe 2 power, two Thunderbolt (Thunderbolt 1) ports, a USB 3.0 port, and a headphone jack. The right side had a USB 3.0 port, HDMI, and an SDXC card slot. Ethernet and FireWire were removed to prioritize thinness; when needed, they were provided via Thunderbolt adapters. There was no optical drive; CD/DVD required an external USB drive. While aggressively pared down, multiple high‑speed ports such as Thunderbolt and USB 3.0 supported pro‑level expansion needs.
Other – SSD storage became standard across the lineup, dramatically improving performance and reliability versus HDDs. Apple claimed performance sufficient to play four full‑HD video streams simultaneously from internal storage. The initial models included 8 GB RAM (16 GB optional), quad‑core Intel Core i7 (Ivy Bridge), and NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M (Kepler) graphics, delivering high‑end performance. Audio quality of the stereo speakers and dual microphones was improved; the keyboard and glass multi‑touch trackpad continued with backlighting and familiar ergonomics. The bottom case used special pentalobe screws, making user disassembly and repair difficult (addressed further in “User Reception” below).

The Retina lineup was refined over the next several years. In October 2012, a 13‑inch MacBook Pro (Retina) was added. It featured a 13.3‑inch 2560×1600 Retina display, a smaller, lighter body (approx. 1.62 kg), and a lower starting price than the 15‑inch, becoming very popular. Early 2013 brought a minor refresh with slight CPU clock increases and price adjustments. In October 2013, a major update arrived with Intel 4th‑gen Core (Haswell), 802.11ac Wi‑Fi, and Thunderbolt 2. Battery life jumped to about 10 hours for the 13‑inch and about 8 hours for the 15‑inch, greatly improving mobility. The July 2014 refresh mainly raised base specs (higher CPU clocks, more standard RAM) and slightly reduced prices.

In 2015, Retina models saw major improvements. In March, the 13‑inch Retina moved to Intel 5th‑gen Core (Broadwell‑U) and adopted the new Force Touch trackpad. Force Touch integrated pressure sensors and haptic feedback to provide a consistent “click” feel anywhere on the pad. It also introduced Force Click, which assigns functions based on press depth, opening new interaction possibilities. In May, the 15‑inch Retina followed with Force Touch, upgraded to ultra‑fast PCIe 3.0 SSDs, and strengthened graphics with AMD Radeon R9 M370X (2 GB VRAM), marking its final update. This 2015 15‑inch model achieved up to 9 hours of battery life, among the best for its time. From 2012 through 2015, the Retina‑era MacBook Pro steadily evolved, especially setting new standards in display quality, portability, and battery life.

User Reception

The MacBook Pro series has consistently been highly regarded. The first generation’s performance leap from PowerPC to Intel was welcomed by experts, and existing Mac software generally ran well via Rosetta emulation, minimizing transitional disruption. The refined aluminum design, MagSafe safety, and backlit keyboard were seen as compelling advantages over competing Windows notebooks, cementing the “MacBook Pro as a trustworthy mobile workstation for professionals.” Apple positioned the MacBook Pro as “the world’s most advanced notebook,” and, true to that claim, it balanced desktop‑class performance with elegant design.

The 2008 unibody models were also well received for their chassis rigidity, stylish appearance, and comfortable large glass trackpad. In particular, the monolithic aluminum build quality was praised as offering “a premium feel and durability unmatched by other notebooks,” spurring many PC makers to adopt metal unibody designs thereafter. The long runtimes from high‑capacity batteries improved work flexibility, leading many to say, “MacBook Pro is reliable enough to last an entire day on the go.” On the other hand, some pro users were unhappy that the FireWire 400 port disappeared from early unibody 15‑inch models (as they still used FW400 gear like camcorders). And starting in 2009, the move to non‑user‑replaceable batteries drew criticism from some who preferred swapping packs in the field. Apple emphasized the benefits—longer life and higher capacity than removable packs—and most users ultimately accepted the change.

The 2012 Retina models garnered even more acclaim. Early reviews described them as “an astonishing machine, packing every technology you could want and a jaw‑dropping display (though at a choke‑inducing price)”. Professionals in photography and video editing especially lauded the productivity gains from the high‑density display. Indeed, after the Retina debut, high‑resolution screens proliferated among Windows laptops as well, showing its broad market impact. There were debates, however. To achieve a thinner body, Apple boldly removed previously standard features like Ethernet and the optical drive, prompting conservative users to complain, “A pro machine without wired LAN is inconvenient,” and “You end up carrying a pile of adapters.” The soldered RAM, proprietary storage, and special screws that impeded user upgrades drew criticism from repair shops and power users. The teardown site iFixit gave the 2012 Retina a lowest repairability score, calling the trend toward sealed designs “worrying”. Apple did not comment officially, but its design philosophy suggested a willingness to trade user‑serviceability for optimal performance and portability.

Overall, from 2006–2015 the MacBook Pro line commanded overwhelming presence in the premium notebook market. By 2015, the “MacBook” brand (including MacBook Pro) was reportedly the world’s best‑selling premium notebook line. With refined design, the usability of OS X (now macOS), and reliable hardware, it won support from creatives, developers, and business users alike. While some models experienced hardware issues (e.g., a 2011 GPU problem addressed with a free repair program), Apple’s prompt support maintained trust. The prevailing view was that these models set “the benchmark for high performance and quality” in notebooks, marking a golden era for Apple laptops.

List of Major Models, Release Years, and Key Features

MacBook Pro 15‑inch (January 2006) – First‑generation model with Intel Core Duo (2 cores). 15.4‑inch display, aluminum enclosure. First to adopt built‑in iSight camera and MagSafe connector. Announced as up to 4× faster than the PowerBook G4.
MacBook Pro 17‑inch (April 2006) – First‑gen 17‑inch large‑screen model. 1680×1050 resolution, three USB ports, added FireWire 800. Weighed about 3.1 kg, aimed at semi‑desktop use.
MacBook Pro (Late 2006) – Minor refresh. All models moved to Intel Core 2 Duo (64‑bit Merom). Larger HDDs. No major exterior changes.
MacBook Pro (Mid 2007) – LED‑backlit display adopted on the 15‑inch, improving color and efficiency. GPU changed from ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 to NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT, boosting 3D performance. Draft 802.11n support.
MacBook Pro (Early 2008) – Intel Core 2 Duo (Penryn, up to 2.5 GHz). First to adopt the large multi‑touch trackpad. Standard VRAM on the 15‑inch increased to 256 MB. Note: The 8600M GPU in this model was later reported to have defects.
MacBook Pro 15‑inch Unibody (Late 2008) – Major redesign with unibody enclosure. Dual‑GPU with NVIDIA GeForce 9400M + 9600M GT, LED‑backlit glossy display, DisplayPort. About 0.95 inch thick, approx. 2.5 kg. First to feature black keyboard and glass trackpad.
MacBook Pro 17‑inch Unibody (Early 2009) – 17‑inch unibody. Retained ExpressCard/34 slot; standard display 1920×1200 with optional anti‑glare. Large non‑user‑replaceable battery rated for about 8 hours.
MacBook Pro 13‑inch (Mid 2009) – The aluminum 13‑inch MacBook improved and promoted to the Pro series. Added FireWire 800 and SD card slot. Core 2 Duo 2.26/2.53 GHz, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M. Integrated battery (7 hours).
MacBook Pro (Mid 2010) – 15/17‑inch refreshed with Intel Core i5/i7 (Arrandale). 15‑inch gained a high‑resolution (1680×1050) display option. MagSafe connector changed to L‑shape. The 13‑inch remained on Core 2 Duo (final such model) with GeForce 320M graphics.
MacBook Pro (Early 2011) – Thunderbolt 1 across all models (Mini DisplayPort‑compatible). 15/17‑inch moved to quad‑core Intel (2nd‑gen Core i7), graphics changed to AMD Radeon HD 6000M series. 13‑inch adopted dual‑core Core i5/i7. FaceTime HD camera added.
MacBook Pro (Mid 2012) – Final non‑Retina. Intel 3rd‑gen Core (Ivy Bridge), USB 3.0 ports. The 17‑inch was discontinued with this release. Last MacBook Pro with an internal optical drive.
MacBook Pro with Retina Display 15‑inch (Mid 2012) – First Retina display model. Quad‑core Core i7, 8 GB RAM, SSD standard. NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M GPU. 1.8‑cm thick, about 2.0 kg. MagSafe 2, two Thunderbolt ports, two USB 3.0 ports, and HDMI. No optical drive or Ethernet. Shipped with OS X Lion (free Mountain Lion upgrade).
MacBook Pro with Retina Display 13‑inch (Late 2012) – 13‑inch Retina. Dual‑core Core i5/i7, 8 GB RAM, 128/256 GB SSD. About 1.62 kg. Intel HD Graphics 4000 integrated graphics only (power‑efficient). Other ports and design followed the 15‑inch Retina.
MacBook Pro with Retina (Late 2013) – Haswell CPUs greatly extended battery life (13″: 9 → 10 hours). 802.11ac Wi‑Fi. Thunderbolt 2. On the 15″, only the higher trim had GeForce GT 750M; the lower trim used Intel Iris Pro only.
MacBook Pro with Retina 13‑inch (Early 2015) – Broadwell Core i5/i7, Intel Iris 6100 GPU. Debut of the Force Touch trackpad. SSD speeds doubled; battery life extended up to 10 hours. Exterior design carried over from prior Retina models.
MacBook Pro with Retina 15‑inch (Mid 2015) – Added Force Touch. CPU unchanged (final Haswell) but storage moved to PCIe 3.0 up to 2 GB/s. Discrete GPU upgraded to AMD Radeon R9 M370X (2 GB) with about 80% higher performance. Up to 9 hours of battery life.

(Note: Release years are primarily based on U.S. announcement timing. The (year) in each model name reflects Apple’s common release label.)

Conclusion

This report traced the technological evolution and model rollout over roughly a decade, from the first Intel‑based MacBook Pro to the final Retina updates in 2015. From 2006 to 2015, MacBook Pro served as Apple’s core notebook product, continually adopting cutting‑edge technologies and setting trends in the notebook market. Innovations such as the aluminum unibody construction and high‑resolution Retina display had a substantial impact on competitors. While pursuing the performance and quality demanded by professionals, Apple also made dramatic gains in portability and power efficiency.

By 2015, the Retina generation had reached a form of culmination, and in the following year (2016) Apple transitioned to a new generation with the Touch Bar and further thinning. The MacBook Pro series continued to evolve thereafter, with the 2020s seeing another major shift to Apple silicon (M1/M2). Still, the 2006–2015 models reviewed here laid the foundation of the Intel era and remain, for many users, the beloved “classic” MacBook Pro period. Looking back at these products highlights Apple’s design and engineering innovations in notebooks and its dedication to continual improvement in response to user expectations. The MacBook Pro’s decade‑long journey forms an important chapter in the history of mobile computing and offers many insights for thinking about the future of notebooks.

The History of the MacBook Pro from 2016 to the Present (USB‑C/Touch Bar Era to the Apple Silicon Era)

Introduction

As its name suggests, Apple’s MacBook Pro series has long served professionals with high performance and cutting‑edge features, earning the loyalty of many creators and developers. This report traces the history of the MacBook Pro from 2016 to the present (from the USB‑C/Touch Bar era to the Apple silicon era). We begin with the bold redesign and the new “Touch Bar” introduced in late 2016, look at the culmination of the Intel era, and then examine the transition to Apple silicon (the M‑series chips) starting in 2020—reviewing each model’s characteristics and technical advances along the way. We also consider how user sentiment and feedback evolved over this period and, finally, summarize the main models with their launch years and highlights. We hope this article helps you gain a deep understanding of how the MacBook Pro has changed and what it has become today.

Development Background and the First of a New Generation

In 2016, after several years without major design changes, Apple carried out a sweeping overhaul of the MacBook Pro. The previous generation (the Retina display models from 2012 to 2015) delivered strong performance and still included many traditional ports, but it was becoming an era that demanded a unified move to USB‑C (Thunderbolt 3) as a new standard for mobile devices along with further thinning and weight reduction. In 2015, the 12‑inch MacBook had already introduced USB‑C and a new thin “butterfly” keyboard, laying the groundwork to bring these ideas to the Pro line.

Against this backdrop, the new MacBook Pro (13‑inch and 15‑inch) announced in October 2016 arrived as a milestone befitting the 25th anniversary of Apple notebooks, and was billed as “the most daring evolution ever.” It replaced the traditional function key row with a touch panel called the Touch Bar, radically rethought the I/O by going all‑USB‑C, and decisively shifted the product’s design direction. With the first‑ever Touch ID fingerprint sensor on a Mac, a dramatically thinner and lighter aluminum unibody, a brighter wide‑gamut Retina display, and other innovations across hardware and software, the MacBook Pro moved into a new generation.

Lineup and Model‑by‑Model History

2016 Models (Introduction of the Touch Bar)

On October 28, 2016, Apple released the first MacBook Pro models with the Touch Bar. Highlights included:

Chassis design – A redesigned aluminum unibody made the machines thinner and lighter than their predecessors. The 13‑inch model measured 14.9 mm thick and weighed about 1.37 kg; the 15‑inch model was 15.5 mm and about 1.83 kg—roughly 15–20% thinner with around 0.2 kg shaved off. The Apple logo on the lid no longer lit up, and the startup chime was disabled by default. Space Gray joined Silver as a new color option.
Keyboard & trackpad – The keyboard adopted a second‑generation butterfly mechanism with a shallow key travel for faster typing (its feel differed markedly from scissor switches and split opinion). The “Force Touch” trackpad grew dramatically in size. On higher‑end configurations, the physical function keys were replaced by the Touch Bar, a Retina‑resolution touch display along the top of the keyboard that showed context‑aware buttons and sliders for apps. The power button integrated Touch ID for fingerprint authentication to log in or use Apple Pay (secured by an Apple T1 chip).
Display – The 13.3‑inch (2560×1600) and 15.4‑inch (2880×1800) Retina displays added DCI‑P3 wide color for the first time and reached up to 500 nits of brightness—about 67% brighter than the previous generation—with improved contrast. Power‑saving technologies reduced energy consumption by about 30%, balancing image quality and efficiency.
Interfaces – I/O was overhauled, removing the MagSafe power connector, USB‑A ports, HDMI, and the SD card slot. In their place were Thunderbolt 3 (USB‑C) ports only. The 13‑inch Touch Bar model and the 15‑inch model had four Thunderbolt 3 ports (two per side), while the lower‑tier 13‑inch without a Touch Bar had two. Thunderbolt 3 supported charging, USB data, and video out (DisplayPort Alt Mode) with up to 40 Gbps bandwidth, but users now needed adapters or docks to connect legacy USB and video devices. The lone legacy port that remained was the 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Internal specs and performance – CPUs were Intel 6th‑gen Core (Skylake): dual‑core i5/i7 on 13‑inch, quad‑core i7 on 15‑inch. The 15‑inch included discrete AMD Radeon Pro 450/455/460 GPUs, delivering up to more than twice the graphics performance of the prior generation. Memory used LPDDR3 and topped out at 16 GB (a limit at the time due to power and thermal considerations). Storage was fast PCIe SSD, with capacities up to 2 TB. Battery life was rated around 10 hours (wireless web).

A minor refresh arrived in June 2017, updating CPUs to Intel 7th‑gen (Kaby Lake) with slightly higher clocks and better 4K video decode, along with SSD speed gains and some pricing adjustments. There were no major changes to the external design, I/O, or key features (including the Touch Bar).

2018 Models (8th‑Gen CPUs and the T2 Chip)

In July 2018, the MacBook Pro received further internal upgrades—especially more CPU cores and Apple’s own coprocessor—improving performance and reliability as a pro notebook.

Performance gains – Intel’s 8th‑gen Core (Coffee Lake) brought 6‑core CPUs (up to Core i9) to the 15‑inch and quad‑core CPUs to the 13‑inch, yielding a big jump in multi‑threaded performance for tasks like video encoding and large builds. In May 2019, Apple added Intel 9th‑gen Core options to the 15‑inch (including the 8‑core Core i9‑9980HK) and increased CPU speeds on the 13‑inch.
Apple T2 chip – The T2 debuted in the MacBook Pro, with a Secure Enclave for Touch ID and Apple Pay, full‑disk encryption, and a more secure boot process. T2 also enabled always‑on “Hey Siri,” managed camera/mic, and accelerated image signal processing, enhancing the system as a whole.
Keyboard refinements – The keyboard moved to a third‑generation butterfly design, with a thin silicone membrane under the keys to quiet typing and reduce dust ingress‑related failures (officially pitched as noise reduction, it also served as a mitigation for reliability issues). Even so, problems were not eliminated entirely and keyboard reliability remained a point of concern.
Display and graphics – While core display specs (Retina resolution, wide color) carried over, True Tone was added to adjust color temperature based on ambient light, reducing eye strain and making on‑screen colors appear more natural. From November 2018, 15‑inch buyers could also opt for Radeon Pro Vega 16/20 GPUs, boosting performance in graphics‑heavy workflows.
Memory and storage – The 15‑inch finally offered up to 32 GB of memory (DDR4), with a slightly larger battery to compensate. SSD capacity doubled to a maximum of 4 TB. DDR4’s higher power draw slightly reduced battery life compared to prior models, but the difference was modest in practice.

A May 2019 refresh brought the aforementioned CPU upgrades and a quiet update to a fourth‑generation butterfly keyboard with material changes to improve reliability. Nevertheless, the keyboard’s reputation never fully recovered, and Apple later offered a no‑charge keyboard replacement program covering 2016–2019 models.

2019 Models (16‑inch MacBook Pro)

In November 2019, the MacBook Pro line underwent a significant shift: the 15‑inch model was replaced by a 16‑inch MacBook Pro. This model revisited everything from the chassis and keyboard to cooling, and is often regarded as the Intel‑era MacBook Pro’s most complete refinement.

Display and chassis – The new 16.0‑inch Retina display (effective resolution 3072×1920) expanded screen size over the 15‑inch, with thinner bezels allowing only a slightly larger and thicker body. Brightness remained 500 nits with P3 wide color. The chassis grew just enough to improve cooling and house a larger 100 Wh battery (the maximum allowed for airline carry‑on).
Adoption of the Magic Keyboard – Replacing the much‑criticized butterfly design, the 16‑inch introduced the Magic Keyboard, a revamped scissor mechanism with about 1 mm of key travel, greatly improving feel and reliability without changing layout. The Touch Bar remained, but the Esc key returned as a separate physical key, and the arrow keys reverted to the inverted‑T layout—changes welcomed by pro users.
Performance and expandability – CPUs were Intel 9th‑gen 6‑core/8‑core parts (e.g., Core i7‑9750H, Core i9‑9980HK) with turbo speeds approaching 5.0 GHz. Enhanced thermals curbed throttling under sustained loads, delivering more consistent performance than the prior 15‑inch. GPUs jumped to AMD Radeon Pro 5000M (RDNA) options, up to a Radeon Pro 5500M with 8 GB of GDDR6, giving a big lift to video and 3D workloads. Memory scaled to 64 GB, and SSDs up to 8 TB.
Other highlights – Audio was overhauled with a six‑speaker system using back‑to‑back force‑cancelling woofers for lower distortion and Dolby Atmos playback. A triple‑mic array delivered what Apple called “studio‑quality” capture—good enough for scratch recording and on‑device monitoring during production work.

The 13‑inch MacBook Pro (Touch Bar) in 2019 did not change as dramatically; it continued with the established design and 8th‑/10th‑gen Intel CPUs, with the Magic Keyboard arriving the following year.

2020 Models (From Intel to Apple Silicon)

The year 2020 marked a generational handoff. Early in the year, Apple shipped the final Intel‑based 13‑inch update, and later it launched the first MacBook Pro with Apple silicon.

Early 2020: Final Intel model – In May 2020, the 13‑inch MacBook Pro was refreshed. It retained the Touch Bar‑era exterior, but adopted the Magic Keyboard (scissor switch), eliminating butterfly keyboards from the entire MacBook Pro lineup. Higher‑end configurations moved to 10th‑gen Intel (Ice Lake) quad‑core i5/i7 CPUs and, for the first time, supported up to 32 GB of LPDDR4X memory (lower‑tier models kept 8th‑gen CPUs and a 16 GB cap). All models doubled base SSD capacity starting at 256 GB. Thunderbolt 3 port counts remained two on the lower tier and four on the higher tier. At WWDC in June, Apple announced that the Mac would transition to Apple silicon (ARM‑based SoCs).
Late 2020: First Apple silicon model – In November 2020, Apple released the first Apple silicon MacBook Pro: MacBook Pro (13‑inch, M1, 2020). The exterior and core specs closely mirrored the Intel 13‑inch—Touch Bar included—with two Thunderbolt ports (now USB4 compatible). Swapping Intel CPUs for Apple’s M1 (8‑core CPU/8‑core GPU) brought dramatic performance and efficiency gains. Built on a 5 nm process, M1 outpaced the prior Intel 13‑inch Pro while using far less power, enabling up to 20 hours of video playback. Unlike the fanless MacBook Air, the Pro kept active cooling, sustaining performance better under load. Early M1 limits included a 16 GB memory ceiling and support for only one external display, but the model still signaled a very bright future for the MacBook Pro (it was striking that even the fanless M1 MacBook Air could rival older 15‑inch Intel Pros).

2021 Models (New 14‑inch/16‑inch Designs)

The move to Apple silicon accelerated in 2021. In October, the MacBook Pro range saw its first major redesign in years, with higher‑end Apple silicon chips and a new chassis, displays, and I/O tailored to pro users.

New chassis and sizes – The lineup shifted to 14‑inch and 16‑inch models (heirs to the Intel‑era 13‑inch high‑end and 16‑inch). The aluminum unibody remained but adopted squarer, more purposeful lines. Thickness and weight increased slightly (around 1.55 cm/1.6 kg for 14‑inch; around 1.68 cm/2.1 kg for 16‑inch), traded for better thermals and larger batteries. Displays grew to 14.2 inches (3024×1964) and 16.2 inches (3456×2234) with slimmer bezels. The top center gained a camera notch housing a 1080p FaceTime HD camera and sensors. While controversial, the notch splits the menu bar and actually increases effective vertical workspace below.
Liquid Retina XDR display – For the first time, the MacBook Pro adopted a mini‑LED‑backlit Liquid Retina XDR display with a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, up to 1600‑nit peak HDR brightness and 1000‑nit sustained brightness, delivering the best HDR image quality ever on a Mac. ProMotion brought adaptive refresh up to 120 Hz for smoother scrolling and animations. P3 color and True Tone remained.
M1 Pro / M1 Max chips – The Pro line moved to higher‑end Apple silicon. The 14‑/16‑inch models offered M1 Pro or M1 Max. M1 Pro featured up to a 10‑core CPU (8 performance + 2 efficiency) and up to a 16‑core GPU, with up to 32 GB of unified memory. M1 Max doubled GPU cores to 32, doubled memory bandwidth to 400 GB/s, and supported up to 64 GB of memory. Dedicated video engines (including ProRes acceleration) boosted 4K/8K editing, 3D rendering, and machine learning workloads—often surpassing comparable Intel + discrete GPU setups while using far less power.
Richer I/O – Several ports absent since 2016 returned. MagSafe 3 re‑introduced magnetic charging. Thunderbolt / USB4 ports (three total on both 14‑ and 16‑inch; Thunderbolt 4 support) handled high‑speed peripherals and displays. A full‑size HDMI (2.0) port and SDXC card slot came back, easing projector hookups and camera workflows. The Touch Bar was dropped in favor of full‑height physical function keys (with dedicated keys for Spotlight, dictation, etc.). Touch ID stayed at the upper‑right of the keyboard.
Other improvements – Audio stepped up to a six‑speaker system with Spatial Audio, and the three‑mic array gained AI beamforming. A 1080p camera, Wi‑Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and improved thermals rounded out a highly polished release. Reviewers and users hailed the late‑2021 14‑/16‑inch models as “the best Pro in years” and evidence that Apple had listened to professionals.

2022 Models (M2 Generation)

2022 introduced the second‑generation M2 chip. Timed with WWDC 2022, the entry‑level 13‑inch MacBook Pro received the M2.

13‑inch (M2, 2022) – The design carried over from the 13‑inch M1 model: still with a Touch Bar and only two Thunderbolt ports. The exterior and display (13.3‑inch Retina, 500 nits, P3) were unchanged. Inside, the 5 nm‑class M2 featured an 8‑core CPU with improved performance cores and a 10‑core GPU. Apple cited roughly 18% faster CPU, up to 35% faster GPU, and 40% faster ML processing versus M1. External display support remained limited to one, while maximum memory rose to 24 GB (from 16 GB on M1). The result was a solid performance bump but a muted update aesthetically—especially next to the redesigned M2 MacBook Air. It was also the last model to ship with a Touch Bar.
14‑/16‑inch models – The higher‑end 14‑ and 16‑inch (M1 Pro/Max) models did not receive a 2022 chip refresh; the move to M2 Pro/Max arrived in early 2023.

2023 Models (From M2 Pro/Max to M3)

In 2023, the high‑end MacBook Pro models moved to second‑generation Apple silicon, and later in the year to the third generation.

M2 Pro/Max models (early 2023) – In January 2023, Apple quietly updated the 14‑ and 16‑inch MacBook Pro with M2 Pro and M2 Max. M2 Pro scaled to a 12‑core CPU (8 performance + 4 efficiency), 19‑core GPU, and up to 32 GB memory; M2 Max offered a 12‑core CPU, up to a 38‑core GPU, and up to 96 GB memory. With improved 5 nm processes and architecture tweaks, CPU performance rose about 20% and GPU up to roughly 30% over M1 Pro/Max (typical synthetic scores were about 1.2–1.3×). Chassis, displays, and ports stayed the same, but HDMI advanced to 2.1 (supporting 8K@60 or 4K@240), Wi‑Fi moved to 6E, and storage speeds and battery life saw minor gains. No new colors appeared, but the line maintained its class‑leading performance and quality.
M3 generation (late 2023) – In October 2023, Apple announced the M3 series and updated the MacBook Pro family. The prior 13‑inch entry model was discontinued and replaced with a new 14‑inch MacBook Pro (M3, 2023). It used the same chassis and display as higher‑end models but with simplified internals and I/O: two Thunderbolt ports (Thunderbolt 3) and support for one high‑resolution external display (M3 Pro/Max models retained three Thunderbolt 4 ports and multi‑display support). Even so, the entry model gained MagSafe 3, HDMI 2.1, SDXC, and a headphone jack, making it more capable than the old 13‑inch. Built on a 3 nm process, M3 featured an 8‑core CPU (4 performance + 4 efficiency) and 10‑core GPU, delivering both performance and efficiency gains over M2. Notably, Apple added hardware ray tracing and mesh shading to the GPU for the first time, boosting gaming and 3D performance.

At the same time, the 14‑ and 16‑inch high‑end models moved to M3 Pro and M3 Max. M3 Pro scaled to a 12‑core CPU and 18‑core GPU with up to 36 GB memory; M3 Max stretched to a 16‑core CPU and 40‑core GPU with up to 128 GB memory—bringing massive on‑package memory capacity to a notebook for ML models and ultra‑high‑res video work. Beyond raw power, M3 Pro/Max improved efficiency at light loads, increasing real‑world battery life.

A key talking point for 2023 was the new Space Black finish for M3 Pro/Max 14‑/16‑inch models. Darker than Space Gray, it used a special anodization to resist fingerprints, and quickly became a favorite alongside Silver (Space Gray was dropped). With this update, the Touch Bar disappeared from Apple’s official MacBook Pro lineup entirely, and all models returned to physical function keys.

2024 Models (M4 Chips and Next‑Generation Standards)

The Apple silicon story continued in 2024. In October, Apple announced M4‑family MacBook Pro models. While the exterior and core concept followed the 2021 design, the internal architecture and surrounding specs advanced again.

M4 / M4 Pro / M4 Max – All 14‑ and 16‑inch models moved to the M4 generation (entry with M4; higher tiers with M4 Pro/Max). The base M4 adopted a 10‑core CPU (6 performance + 4 efficiency) and around a 12‑core GPU, lifting performance versus M3 via higher clocks and more cores. M4 Pro scaled to a 14‑core CPU and 20‑core GPU with much higher memory bandwidth than before, while M4 Max reached a 40‑core GPU and a very wide memory interface (512‑bit) exceeding 600 GB/s bandwidth, with up to 128 GB of unified memory. These improvements delivered multi‑fold speed‑ups versus M1 in video, 3D, and similar heavy workloads while further boosting power efficiency—Apple quoted up to 23 hours of video playback on the 16‑inch.
Thunderbolt 5 support – Models with M4 Pro/Max adopted Thunderbolt 5, offering up to 120 Gb/s bandwidth (240 Gb/s aggregate bidirectional), a theoretical 3× jump over Thunderbolt 4’s 40 Gb/s. This enabled more headroom for multiple high‑resolution displays and ultra‑fast external storage. The entry M4 model retained Thunderbolt 4 but increased the number of ports from two to three: two Thunderbolt ports plus MagSafe on the left, and one Thunderbolt plus HDMI, SD card, and audio jack on the right—enhancing connectivity even at the base tier.
Other refinements – A nano‑texture glass display option reduced reflections under bright lights or outdoors. SDR (standard dynamic range) peak brightness rose to 1000 nits, improving visibility even outside HDR content. Base memory increased to 16 GB across the lineup (the previous 8 GB entry configuration was dropped). Colors standardized to Space Black and Silver. Overall, the 2024 MacBook Pro focused on steady spec improvements, next‑gen I/O, and usability refinements, further maturing the platform as a mobile workstation.

User Reception

Since 2016, the MacBook Pro has evolved through bold design choices and technical innovation, drawing both praise and criticism.

The first Touch Bar models (2016–2017) were groundbreaking yet controversial, especially among pro users. The biggest flash points were the reduction of I/O ports and keyboard reliability. With USB‑A, HDMI, and the SD card slot gone, many users found themselves living in so‑called “dongle hell.” The thin butterfly keyboard split opinion on feel and, worse, suffered frequent failure from dust and debris. Even after 2018’s revisions, the issue was not fully resolved, leading Apple to launch a free keyboard repair program for affected 2016–2019 units. The Touch Bar, while an inventive UI, also drew criticism: the lack of a physical Esc key, increased eye travel, and limited pro utility were common complaints. In addition, some 2016 models were reported to fall short of rated battery life, prompting Apple to temporarily remove the “time remaining” readout from macOS. In 2018, high‑end Core i9 configurations exhibited thermal throttling until Apple addressed it in software. In short, the Touch Bar era was ambitious and cutting‑edge, but it triggered sustained concerns about stability and usability among pros.

The turning point arrived with the late‑2019 16‑inch model and the subsequent transition to Apple silicon. The 16‑inch MacBook Pro (2019) addressed many long‑standing issues (keyboard, Esc key, thermals) and was warmly received. The Magic Keyboard restored the classic typing feel, more generous thermals stabilized performance, and the vastly improved speakers were widely praised. Still, Intel’s limitations and pricing tempered enthusiasm, and many looked to the “next generation” for a real breakthrough—then came the Apple silicon Macs.

The M1 MacBook Pro (2020) and 14‑/16‑inch (M1 Pro/Max, 2021) models reshaped the narrative. The entry‑level M1 13‑inch shocked users with performance rivaling older 15‑inch Intel machines and all‑day battery life. The 14‑/16‑inch M1 Pro/Max models showed Apple had listened: HDMI and the SD slot returned, MagSafe was back, and the Touch Bar was gone. Combined with Apple silicon’s remarkable performance, cool and quiet operation, the XDR display, and strong audio, these models earned across‑the‑board acclaim and brought many high‑end users back to the platform. The notch on the display sparked debate, but it posed little practical issue and was gradually accepted.

Later M2 and M3 updates were evolutionary, but as Apple silicon matured, the MacBook Pro’s reputation stabilized. The 13‑inch M2 model drew criticism for its dated design, yet performance improved steadily and efficiency remained ahead of many Windows laptops. The M3 generation spread top‑tier displays and ports across even the entry‑level 14‑inch, broadening access to the latest tech. The Space Black finish was also celebrated as the long‑awaited “pro black.” Overall, the early 2020s MacBook Pros refined the 2016 concepts and, powered by Apple’s own chips, achieved a leap in performance that cemented trust and credibility in the market.

Major Models, Release Years, and Key Features (At a Glance)

2016 (Late) – First Touch Bar and Touch ID. New design with Thunderbolt 3 (USB‑C) only. 6th‑gen Intel Core and AMD Radeon Pro GPUs. Introduction of the butterfly keyboard.
2017 (Mid) – CPUs updated to 7th‑gen Intel Core (Kaby Lake). Otherwise a minor refresh of the 2016 design.
2018 (Mid) – 8th‑gen Intel Core (Coffee Lake) with more cores (6‑core on 15‑inch, quad‑core on 13‑inch). Apple T2 chip added. 3rd‑gen butterfly keyboard (with silicone membrane). True Tone display. Up to 32 GB memory and 4 TB SSD.
2019 (Mid) – 9th‑gen Intel Core (up to 8 cores). 4th‑gen butterfly keyboard (material tweaks). Radeon Pro Vega option for the 15‑inch added in late 2018.
2019 (Late) – New 16‑inch MacBook Pro. Magic Keyboard (scissor switch with physical Esc). Slim‑bezel 16.0‑inch display (3072×1920). 9th‑gen 8‑core Intel CPU + Radeon Pro 5000M GPUs. Up to 64 GB memory and 8 TB SSD. Six‑speaker and triple‑mic high‑quality audio.
2020 (Early) – Final Intel 13‑inch. Magic Keyboard adopted on 13‑inch. High‑end configs with 10th‑gen Intel and up to 32 GB memory; lower tier kept 8th‑gen CPUs. Base SSD doubled (from 256 GB).
2020 (Late) – MacBook Pro (13‑inch, M1) arrives. Apple M1 (8‑core CPU/GPU) delivers big perf/efficiency gains. Design and ports (Touch Bar; two TB3/USB4) unchanged. Memory up to 16 GB. Battery life up to 20 hours video.
2021 (Late) – New 14‑inch & 16‑inch. M1 Pro/M1 Max (up to 10‑core CPU, 32‑core GPU). Mini‑LED Liquid Retina XDR with ProMotion (notch). MagSafe 3 returns; HDMI and SD slot added. Touch Bar removed (full‑height function keys). Up to 64 GB memory and 8 TB SSD.
2022 (Mid) – MacBook Pro 13‑inch (M2). M2 (8‑core CPU, 10‑core GPU) boosts performance. Design with Touch Bar continues. Memory up to 24 GB.
2023 (Early) – MacBook Pro 14‑/16‑inch (M2 Pro/Max). Up to 12‑core CPU and 38‑core GPU. HDMI 2.1 and Wi‑Fi 6E added. Up to 96 GB memory (M2 Max).
2023 (Late) – MacBook Pro 14‑inch (M3) and 14‑/16‑inch (M3 Pro/Max). Entry model moves to 14 inches (M3 with two TB3 ports). M3 Pro/Max up to 16‑core CPU, 40‑core GPU, and 128 GB memory. New Space Black finish. All models drop the Touch Bar.
2024 (Late) – MacBook Pro 14‑/16‑inch (M4 / M4 Pro / M4 Max). M4‑series chips deliver higher performance (M4 Max with 40‑core GPU and up to 128 GB memory). Thunderbolt 5 support (M4 Pro/Max). Nano‑texture display option. Space Black & Silver two‑color lineup.

Conclusion

Looking back on the MacBook Pro’s journey since 2016, we see Apple exploring the future of notebooks and making bold decisions along the way. The Touch Bar era prioritized thinness and forward‑looking design even at the cost of legacy ports, which drew controversy. As technology matured and user feedback accumulated, Apple reconsidered the balance of design and function, leading to the substantial improvements seen from 2021 onward. Most of all, the transition to Apple silicon brought true innovation: where notebooks once struggled with heat and efficiency, they now deliver desktop‑class performance with battery life that lasts all day.

Today’s MacBook Pro (in the Apple silicon era) balances the performance and reliability professionals demand with the completeness expected of a mobile machine. The evolution that began with an all‑USB‑C design has, through twists and turns, culminated in a more refined product. Apple will surely continue to advance the MacBook Pro with new chips and technologies. With the history above in mind, understanding the MacBook Pro’s philosophy and trajectory can help us imagine the next wave of innovation that lies ahead.

References (Source List)

This list organizes primary sources (Apple Newsroom / Support / Tech Specs) and secondary sources (reviews, analyses, teardown reports by major outlets) related to MacBook Pro from 2006 onward in a uniform format by period. Each entry is written as announcement date — title, and any additions appear as (note).

MacBook Pro 2006–2015

1) Apple Newsroom (Official Press Releases)

2006-01-10 — Apple Introduces MacBook Pro
2006-02-14 — Apple Begins Shipping MacBook Pro
2006-04-24 — Apple Introduces 17-inch MacBook Pro
2006-10-24 — Apple MacBook Pro Notebooks Now with Intel Core 2 Duo Processors
2008-10-14 — New MacBook Family Redefines Notebook Design (unibody transition)
2009-01-06 — Apple Introduces 17-inch MacBook Pro With Revolutionary New Built-in Battery... (move to internal, non-removable battery)
2009-06-08 — Apple Updates MacBook Pro Family (13-inch added to Pro line; 7‑hour battery life)
2010-04-13 — Apple Updates MacBook Pro Line (Arrandale / GeForce GT 330M, etc.)
2011-02-24 — Apple Updates MacBook Pro with Next Generation Processors, Graphics & Thunderbolt I/O Technology (first to feature Thunderbolt)
2012-06-11 — Apple Introduces All New MacBook Pro with Retina Display (15‑inch Retina debut)
2012-10-23 — Apple Introduces 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display
2013-10-22 — MacBook Pro with Retina Display Updated with Latest Processors, Faster Graphics & Longer Battery Life (Haswell / 802.11ac / TB2)
2014-07-29 — Apple Updates MacBook Pro with Retina Display (CPU/memory upgrades; price revision)
2015-03-09 — Apple Updates 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display & MacBook Air (Force Touch added: 13")
2015-05-19 — Apple Introduces 15-inch MacBook Pro with Force Touch Trackpad & New $1,999 iMac with Retina 5K Display (Force Touch on 15" / Radeon R9 M370X)

2) Apple Support / Tech Specs (Model Identification, Specs, Known Issues)

Identify your MacBook Pro model (model identification list / supported OS)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011) — Technical Specifications
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2011) — Technical Specifications
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011) — Technical Specifications
MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues (GPU issue on 2011 models)
Find the right power adapter and cable for your Mac notebook (overview of MagSafe / MagSafe 2)

3) Secondary Sources (Timelines, Reviews, Teardown Reports, etc.)

Wikipedia — MacBook Pro
iFixit — MacBook Pro 15" Retina (Mid 2012) Teardown
(Supplemental: contemporaneous reviews / live coverage examples)
- 2013-10-22 — Articles on the Haswell refresh (Thunderbolt 2, 802.11ac, etc.)
- 2015-03-09 — Articles on Force Touch trackpad introduction (13")
- 2015-05-19 — Articles on 15" Force Touch + R9 M370X