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Retina Display MacBook Pro Q&A
Update Published November 9, 2016
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What are all the differences between the 15-Inch "Mid-2015" Retina Display MacBook Pro models? What are the differences between these models and the "Mid-2014" models replaced?
Please note that 15-Inch "Mid-2015" Retina Display MacBook Pro models with dual graphics have been discontinued. Apple continues to sell 15-Inch "Mid-2015" Retina Display models with integrated graphics as new. This Q&A has been updated with the latest details.
There are two stock 15-Inch "Mid-2015" Retina Display MacBook Pro models -- the still current MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.2 15" (IG) and the discontinued "Core i7" 2.5 15" (DG) and -- as well as three BTO/CTO options -- the still current MacBook "Core i7" 2.5 15" (IG) and "Core i7" 2.8 15" (IG) as well as the discontinued "Core i7" 2.8 15" (DG) -- which EveryMac.com documents as their own models for reader convenience. The equivalent 13-Inch systems technically are "Early 2015" models and EveryMac.com compares the 13-Inch "Early 2015" models to the 15-Inch "Mid-2015" models separately as a result.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (15-Inch Mid-2015 Retina Display MacBook Pro)
Mid-2015 MacBook Pro Differences
The two standard 15-Inch "Mid-2015" MacBook Pro models are most notably differentiated by graphics systems, which is why EveryMac.com documents these as the "IG" and "DG" models, for Integrated Graphics and Dual Graphics, respectively. However, these notebooks also differ by processor and standard storage. They have different identifiers and price points, as well:
| Mid-2015 MacBook Pro | "Core i7" 2.2 15" (IG) | "Core i7" 2.5 15" (DG) |
| Currently Shipping: | Yes | No |
| Processor Speed: | 2.2 GHz | 2.5 GHz |
| Processor Type: | I7-4770HQ | I7-4870HQ |
| Graphics Processor(s): | Iris Pro 5200 | Iris Pro 5200 & Radeon R9 M370X |
| Standard SSD: | 256 GB | 512 GB |
| Order Number (US): | MJLQ2LL/A | MJLT2LL/A |
| Model ID: | MacBookPro11,4 | MacBookPro11,5 |
| EMC Number: | 2909 | 2910 |
| Current Price (US): | US$1999 | Used Market Only |
Mid-2015 & Mid-2014 MacBook Pro Differences
The "Mid-2015" MacBook Pro models are quite similar to the "Mid-2014" MacBook Pro models replaced -- the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.2 15" (IG), "Core i7" 2.5 15" (IG), "Core i7" 2.8 15" (IG), "Core i7" 2.5 15" (DG), and "Core i7" 2.8 15" (DG). Both lines even share the same "Haswell" processors.
The most notable differences between the "Mid-2015" models and their predecessors are that the "Mid-2015" MacBook Pro models have a more advanced trackpad, faster flash storage, and a higher capacity battery. The higher-end "Mid-2015" models have modestly faster graphics than the predecessors, as well. However, because the models are so similar, identifiers are particularly important for differentiation and the similarities are well worth evaluating in-depth, too.
External Similarities & Differences
All 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro models, regardless of generation, use similar -- and essentially "sealed" -- aluminum and glass cases that are uniformly thick. Each is 0.71 of an inch thick, 14.13 inches wide, and 9.73 inches deep and weighs 4.46 pounds (2.02 kg). All 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro models have a high-resolution LED-backlit 15.4" widescreen 2880x1800 (220 ppi) "Retina" display that runs at 1440x900 but is "pixel doubled" which provides four times the detail of earlier "traditional" displays.
Additionally, each of these notebooks has a full-size "chiclet-style" backlit keyboard, integrated stereo speakers, dual microphones, and an integrated 720p FaceTime HD webcam. The "Mid-2014" models (as well as earlier ones) have a "no button" trackpad with "inertial scrolling" support, whereas the "Mid-2015" models have a more advanced "Force Touch" trackpad.
In marketing copy, Apple explains that the "Force Touch" trackpad has "built-in force sensors that allow you to click anywhere and haptic feedback that provides a responsive and uniform feel" and enables a new gesture called "Force Click" which is a "click followed by a deeper press" for additional functionality over the "inertial scrolling, pinch, rotate, swipe, three-finger swipe, four-finger swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities" of the earlier trackpad.
Connectivity Differences (or Lack Thereof)
The 15-Inch "Mid-2014" and "Mid-2015" MacBook Pro models have the same connectivity.
Specifically, all these models have two USB 3.0 ports, two "Thunderbolt 2" ports, an HDMI port, an audio out port, an SDXC card slot, Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and a "MagSafe 2" power connector port.
Identification Differences
The 15-Inch "Mid-2014" and "Mid-2015" MacBook Pro models share the same A1398 Model Number.
The "Mid-2015" MacBook Pro notebooks can be identified by Model Identifiers in software -- MacBookPro11,4 for models with integrated graphics and MacBookPro11,5 for models with dedicated graphics -- but the earlier "Mid-2014" models share model identifiers with earlier systems and this identifier is not universally helpful as a result.
Consequently, EMC Numbers are better for more unique identification. As always, EveryMac.com has diligently hand documented this info for your convenience:
Retina MacBook Pro |
Subfamily |
EMC |
15-Inch (Integrated Graphics) |
Mid-2014 |
|
15-Inch (Dual Graphics) |
Mid-2014 |
|
15-Inch (Integrated Graphics) |
Mid-2015 |
|
15-Inch (Dual Graphics) |
Mid-2015 |
Additionally, EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature also can uniquely identify each one of the Retina Display MacBook Pro models by their serial numbers.
Internal Differences
Internally, the 15-Inch "Mid-2014" and "Mid-2015" MacBook Pro models are quite similar. In fact, these models both use the "Haswell" architecture with processors of the exact same clockspeeds, have 16 GB of 1600 MHz DDR3L SDRAM memory that is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded after the initial system purchase, a proprietary -- albeit removable -- "blade" SSD, and batteries that are unfortunately glued in place.
There are notable differences between the SSDs and batteries between lines, though. The "Mid-2014" models have an SSD with a PCIe 2.0 x2 interface and a 95-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery that provides an Apple estimated eight hours of battery life. The "Mid-2015" models, on the other hand, have an SSD with a twice as fast PCIe 3.0 x4 interface and a 99.5-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery that provides an Apple estimated nine hours of battery life.
The lower-end models with "integrated" graphics in both lines have a Iris Pro 5200 graphics processor that shares system memory (and also has 128 MB of "Crystalwell" embedded DRAM on the CPU package to provide more memory bandwidth), but the higher-end models have an Iris Pro 5200 graphics processor and a second processor with dedicated video memory. Specifically, the high-end "Mid-2014" models have a NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M graphics processor with 2 GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory and the high-end "Mid-2015" models have a faster AMD Radeon R9 M370X with 2 GB of dedicated GDDR5 SDRAM. These "Mid-2015" models can support a larger external display -- up to 5120x2160 at 60 Hz -- via Thunderbolt 2.
Comparison Chart
The major differences between the 15-Inch "Mid-2014" and "Mid-2015" Retina Display MacBook Pro models are summarized below. Please refer to the specs page for the model of interest for complete details.
 15" Mid-2014 |
15" Mid-2015 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Processor Speeds: | 2.2 GHz, 2.5 GHz, 2.8 GHz | 2.2 GHz, 2.5 GHz, 2.8 GHz |
| Processor Type: | Core i7 (I7-4770HQ) Core i7 (I7-4870HQ) Core i7 (I7-4980HQ) |
Core i7 (I7-4770HQ) Core i7 (I7-4870HQ) Core i7 (I7-4980HQ) |
| System Architecture: | Haswell | Haswell |
| Standard RAM: | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Maximum RAM: | 16 GB† | 16 GB† |
| Standard Storage: | 256 GB, 512 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Storage Speed: | PCIe 2.0 x2 | PCIe 3.0 x4 |
| Graphics Processor(s): | Iris Pro 5200 NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M* |
Iris Pro 5200 AMD Radeon R9 M370X* |
| GDDR5 VRAM: | 128 MB/2 GB* | 128 MB/2 GB* |
| Display Size: | 15.4" Widescreen | 15.4" Widescreen |
| Display Resolution: | 2880x1800 (220 ppi) | 2880x1800 (220 ppi) |
| Ext. Display Support: | 3840x2160 (x2) | 3840x2160 (x2) 5120x2160* |
| Battery W Hrs: | 95 W Hr | 99.5 W Hr |
| Battery Life: | 8 Hours | 9 Hours |
| Trackpad: | Inertial | Force Touch |
| Dimensions: | 0.71 x 14.13 x 9.73 | 0.71 x 14.13 x 9.73 |
| Weight: | 4.46 lbs (2.02 kg) | 4.46 lbs (2.02 kg) |
| Order Numbers (US): | MGXA2LL/A MGXC2LL/A |
MJLQ2LL/A MJLT2LL/A |
| EMC Number: | 2876, 2881 | 2909, 2910 |
| Model Identifier: | MacBookPro11,2 MacBookPro11,3 |
MacBookPro11,4 MacBookPro11,5 |
| Intro Price (US): | US$1999 US$2499 |
US$1999 US$2499 |
| Intro Price (UK): | £1599 £1999 |
£1599 £1999 |
| Intro Price (CA): | C$2099 C$2699 |
C$2449 C$3049 |
| Intro Price (AU): | A$2499 A$2999 |
A$2799 A$3499 |
† RAM is soldered in place and cannot be upgraded.
* The entry-level "Mid-2014" (MGXA2LL/A) and "Mid-2015" (MJLQ2LL/A) configurations only have a single Iris Pro 5200 graphics processor. This graphics processor has 128 MB of "Crystalwell" embedded DRAM on the CPU package, but these systems do not have dedicated GDDR5 VRAM. These models support two external displays up to 3840x2160 rather than one 5120x2160 display.
For introductory pricing in dozens of other countries, see the "Global Prices" on the specs page for each Mac as well as the "By Global Original Prices" section of EveryMac.com.
Comparison Summary
Ultimately, the "Mid-2015" MacBook Pro models are a very minor improvement compared to their predecessors.
A more advanced trackpad, faster storage, and better battery life -- as well as modestly faster graphics with larger secondary display support for higher-end models -- are welcomed improvements, but the improvements are so modest that the "Mid-2014" models certainly remain well worth considering, particularly given discount prices on the used market.
New & Used MacBook Pro Purchase & Sale Options
There many places to purchase a new or used MacBook Pro. However, purchasing from a high quality company with an extensive track record in the Mac market -- and after sales support -- will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new MacBook Pro models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb MacBook Pro models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. On the other hand, if you need to sell a MacBook Pro, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older notebook with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used MacBook Pro models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.
Please also see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison feature to dynamically compare any MacBook Pro model to any other Mac.
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