MacBook Pro Late 2016 13" (Touch Bar)

The MacBook Pro "Core i5" 3.1 13-Inch (Late 2016 Retina Display, Touch Bar, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) is technically a "configure-to-order" version of the MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.9 13-Inch (Late 2016), but is also documented as a separate model for clarity. Apart from the processor, these two models are identical.

This model is powered by a 14 nm, 6th Generation "Skylake" 3.1 GHz Intel "Core i5" processor (6287U), with dual independent cores on a single chip, a 4 MB shared L3 cache, 8 GB of onboard 2133 MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM (upgradable to 16 GB only at purchase), 256 GB or 512 GB of PCIe-based flash storage, and an integrated Intel Iris Graphics 550 processor that shares system memory.

It also features an integrated 720p FaceTime HD webcam, a slim, backlit "second generation" butterfly mechanism keyboard with a new "Touch Bar" that replaces function keys with a touch-sensitive control that adapts to applications and provides Touch ID login, plus a large "Force Touch" trackpad. Additionally, it has a high-resolution 13.3-inch LED-backlit widescreen 2560x1600 (227 ppi, 500 nits) "Retina" display and an integrated battery with an estimated 10-hour runtime.

Available in silver or a darker "Space Gray" aluminum, this notebook weighs just over 3 pounds (1.37 kg). Connectivity includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, four "Thunderbolt 3" ports (USB-C), and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Compared to its predecessor, this model has a completely different, thinner external housing, is available in another color, and features the aforementioned "Touch Bar" and a larger trackpad. However, it swaps various ports for just four Thunderbolt 3 ports and a headphone jack. Internally, it boasts a more advanced processor and architecture, improved graphics, and better speakers, but with reduced battery life.

As a configure-to-order option, the 3.1 GHz i5 variant of the Late 2016 13-inch MacBook Pro offered a slight performance increase for those who needed more processing power. It shared all the core characteristics of its standard-configuration sibling: the groundbreaking Touch Bar, the controversial all-USB-C port selection, and the very shallow butterfly keyboard. While the faster processor provided a marginal boost, the overall user experience was defined by the radical redesign. The utility of the Touch Bar was a frequent topic of debate, and the necessity of carrying adapters for peripherals was a common complaint. It was a machine that strongly signaled Apple's future direction, but for a performance increase that was not transformative, the high price remained a significant hurdle for many.