MacBook Pro Mid-2018 15" (Touch Bar)

The MacBook Pro "Core i9" 2.9 15-Inch (Mid-2018) is a custom-ordered version of either the "Core i7" 2.2 or 2.6 15-Inch models from the same series, but is also listed separately for convenience. Apart from the processor, these models can be configured identically.

This model is powered by a 14 nm, 8th Generation "Coffee Lake" 2.9 GHz Intel "Core i9" processor (8950HK) with six independent cores, a 12 MB shared L3 cache, and 16 GB of non-upgradable 2400 MHz LPDDR4 SDRAM (a 32 GB option was available at purchase). It includes either 256 GB or 512 GB of onboard flash storage and dual graphics processors—either an AMD Radeon Pro 555X or 560X with 4 GB of GDDR5 memory—plus an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630.

Externally, it features a 720p FaceTime HD webcam, a slim backlit "third generation" butterfly keyboard, an integrated "Touch Bar" that adapts to applications and provides Touch ID, and a large "Force Touch" trackpad.

It also has a high-resolution 15.4" widescreen 2880x1800 (220 ppi, 500 nits) LED-backlit "Retina" display with True Tone technology and a battery with an estimated 10-hour life.

Available in silver or "Space Gray" aluminum, it weighs slightly over 4 pounds (1.83 kg). Connectivity includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, four "Thunderbolt 3" ports (USB-C), and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Compared to its predecessor, this model offers an improved display and keyboard, a more advanced processor and architecture, and the option to double the RAM and storage via custom configuration.

The Mid-2018 15-inch MacBook Pro marked a significant performance leap with the introduction of six-core Intel processors, and the 2.9 GHz Core i9 was the top-tier option. This model also introduced a True Tone display, which adjusted the screen's color temperature to ambient lighting, and a quieter 'third-generation' butterfly keyboard, intended to be more reliable. The jump to six cores and the option to configure it with up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM made it a vastly more capable machine for professionals. However, its release was famously marred by thermal throttling issues with the Core i9, which initially prevented it from reaching its full potential until a software fix was released by Apple. Despite the rocky start, it was a powerhouse that set a new performance benchmark for MacBooks.