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Touch Bar MacBook Pro Q&A
Update Published December 11, 2020
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What are the major differences between the Retina MacBook and "Touch Bar" MacBook Pro models? Which is best for me?
The Retina MacBook as well as 15" MacBook Pro models have been discontinued. The "4 TB 3" 13" MacBook Pro and 16" MacBook Pro still are sold as new. This Q&A has been updated subsequently, is up-to-date, and can be quite helpful to anyone considering a used Retina MacBook or a new or used Retina MacBook Pro.
The final "Retina" MacBook and final Intel-based MacBook Pro models have a great deal in common in terms of design and concept but also have important differences.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Retina MacBook -- Space Gray)
EveryMac.com collectively refers to the most recent MacBook models as the "Retina" MacBook series because they have displays that are higher resolution than the display in any previous non-Pro MacBook.
These formally consist of the "Early 2015," "Early 2016" and "Mid-2017" MacBook models.
EveryMac.com collectively refers to the last Intel-based MacBook Pro models as the "Touch Bar" MacBook Pro series because many models have a small second display above the keyboard that replaces the traditional function keys with macOS and application specific functionality.
These formally consist of the "Late 2016," "Mid-2017", "Mid-2018", "2019", and "2020" MacBook Pro lines.
External Differences
All of these MacBook and MacBook Pro models use essentially sealed and disposable aluminum and glass case designs of a similar style.
The most immediately noticeable difference between the notebooks is physical size. The MacBook is smaller and lighter. It weighs a bit more than two pounds. The MacBook Pro models are larger and weigh three pounds or more.
Likewise, all of these models have high quality "Retina" displays, but the MacBook Pro models have larger displays. The MacBook models have a 12" 2304x1440 (226 ppi) display. The MacBook Pro models have a 13.3" 2560x1600 (227 ppi, 500 nits), 15.4" 2880x1800 (220 ppi, 500 nits), or 16.0" 3072x1920 (226 pp, 500 nits) display. The "Mid-2018", "2019" and "2020" MacBook Pro models go a step further even and provide an even higher quality "True Tone" display with more accurate color.
The MacBook Pro models also have a higher quality 720p "FaceTime HD" webcam whereas the smaller MacBook models only have a 480p non-HD "FaceTime" webcam.
The MacBook has been offered in as many as four colors -- silver, gold, dark "Space Gray," and a pink-tinted "Rose Gold" (which was discontinued for the last Mid-2017 models on October 30, 2018). The MacBook Pro models, on the other hand, only are available in "traditional" silver and the Space Gray color.
Input Differences
The keyboard is another significant point of differentiation between these MacBook and MacBook Pro models.
All of these models have keyboards with keys that have limited "travel" so typing takes some getting used to compared to earlier keyboards. However, the first two MacBook series in this era -- the "Early 2015" and "Early 2016" models -- are particularly flat whereas the "Mid-2017" MacBook and MacBook Pro models use a "second generation" keyboard with improved travel. The keys don't move further, but the movement has been refined to feel a bit better.
The subsequent "Mid-2018" MacBook Pro uses a "third-generation" keyboard with a sealed rubber membrane to make typing quieter and reduce the risk of damage from debris. Finally, the 13-Inch and 15-Inch "2019" MacBook Pro models use a "revised third-generation keyboard" with material and possibly structural changes to again endeavor to improve reliability. The final 13-Inch "2020" and 16-Inch "2019" MacBook Pro models use a different -- and hoped to be better -- keyboard design, with a "scissor mechanism and 1mm travel."
All of these models also have a large "Force Touch" trackpad that doesn't physically "click."
Applicable 13-Inch MacBook Pro and all 15-Inch and 16-Inch MacBook Pro models also have an integrated "Touch Bar" that replaces the traditional function keys with a touch-sensitive display that presents customized controls for the macOS and different applications. This "Touch Bar" often provides Touch ID login and Apple Pay support, too.
Connectivity Differences
Connectivity is a major difference between these MacBook and MacBook Pro models.
Compared to earlier models, both lines have limited connectivity, but the non-Pro MacBook is particularly limited with only a single USB-C port and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
These MacBook Pro models also have a 3.5 mm headphone jack, but they pack Thunderbolt 3 ports instead of USB-C. However, Thunderbolt 3 is size compatible with USB-C and also can use USB-C devices.
Thunderbolt 3 connectivity is a significant point of differentiation for these MacBook Pro models:
MacBook Pro |
Model No. |
Thunderbolt 3 |
13-Inch (non-Touch Bar) |
2 Ports |
|
13-Inch (Touch Bar) |
4 Ports* |
|
13-Inch (Touch Bar, 2018/2019) |
4 Ports |
|
15-Inch (Touch Bar, 2016/2017) |
4 Ports |
|
15-Inch (Touch Bar, 2018/2019) |
4 Ports |
|
13-Inch (Touch Bar, 2 TB 3, 2019) |
2 Ports |
|
16-Inch (Touch Bar, 2019) |
4 Ports |
|
13-Inch (Touch Bar, 2 TB 3, 2020) |
2 Ports |
|
13-Inch (Touch Bar, 4 TB 3, 2020) |
4 Ports |
*The "Late 2016" and "Mid-2017" 13-Inch Touch Bar models (A1706) have four Thunderbolt 3 ports, but the two ports on the right side of the notebook operate at reduced speed.
All of these models support 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 or 5.0, as well.
Identification Differences
Applicable MacBook models can be collectively identified by the A1534 Model Number, but it is not possible to uniquely identify specific models within each MacBook Pro line by the same identifier. Accordingly, Model Identifier, in software, and EMC Number, externally, are better for precision.
For example, a "Mid-2017" 15-Inch MacBook Pro model can be identified by the MacBookPro14,3 Model Identifier and the 3162 EMC Number.
Additionally, EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature can uniquely identify each one of these notebooks by their serial numbers, which are listed in software as well as on the bottom of the system.
Internal Differences
There are significant internal differences between models in each line, but in general, the MacBook Pro models are more powerful than the non-Pro models. The 15-Inch and 16-Inch MacBook Pro models, in particular, have processors with more cores and dedicated graphics processors that smoke the other models and that are capable of supporting not only larger but also a larger number of external displays.
The processors and RAM are soldered in place on all of these models. The majority of models also have a soldered SSD, but the entry-level 13-Inch models without a Touch Bar have a removable SSD storage module.
All of these models have a battery that is glued in place and effectively cannot be replaced by an end user.
Comparison Chart
The major differences between these MacBook and MacBook Pro models are summarized below:
 MacBook |
 13" MBP |
 15" MBP |
 16" MBP |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current: | No | No | No | Yes |
| Proc Cores: | 2 | 2-4 | 4-8 | 6-8 |
| Std RAM: | 8 GB | 8 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Max RAM: | 8-16 GB† | 16-32 GB† | 16-32 GB† | 64 GB† |
| Std. Storage: | 256 GB 512 GB |
128 GB 256 GB 512 GB 1 TB |
256 GB 512 GB |
512 GB 1 TB |
| Interface: | Soldered | Soldered* | Soldered | Soldered |
| Graphics: | Integrated | Integrated | Dedicated | Dedicated |
| Ports: | 1 (USB-C) | 2, 4 (TB 3)** | 4 (TB 3) | 4 (TB 3) |
| Display: | 12" | 13.3" | 15.4" | 16.0" |
| Resolution: | 2304x1440 | 2560x1600 | 2880x1800 | 3072x1920 |
| True Tone: | No | Yes (2018+) | Yes (2018+) | Yes |
| Ext. Displays: | 1 | 2 | 2-4 | 2-4 |
| Webcam: | 480p | 720p | 720p | 720p |
| Touch Bar: | No | No/Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touch ID: | No | No/Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Esc Key: | Yes | Yes/No | No | Yes |
| Color Options: | Silver Gold Gray Rose Gold |
Silver Gray |
Silver Gray |
Silver Gray |
| Dimensions: | 0.14-0.52 11.04 7.74 |
0.59-0.61 11.97 8.36 |
0.61 13.75 9.48 |
0.64 14.09 9.68 |
| Weight: | 2.03 lbs (0.92 kg) |
3.02-3.1 lbs (1.37-1.4 kg) |
4.02 lbs (1.83 kg) |
4.3 lbs (2.0 kg) |
| Battery Life: | 9-12 Hours | 10 Hours | 10 Hours | 11 Hours |
| Current Price (US): | Used Only | US$1799, US$1999*** | Used Only | US$2399, US$2799 |
† RAM upgrades only are possible at the time of system purchase. RAM is soldered in place and cannot be upgraded after purchase.
* The storage on the non-Touch Bar models have removable storage. The Touch Bar models have soldered storage that cannot be upgraded after purchase.
** 13-Inch MacBook Pro models without a Touch Bar have two Thunderbolt 3 ports. With the exception of the "2019, 2 TB 3" and "2020, 2 TB 3" MacBook Pro models, all 13-Inch MacBook Pro models with a Touch Bar have four Thunderbolt 3 ports, but the capability varies depending on series.
** Apple still sells the "4 TB 3 2020" 13-Inch MacBook Pro models as new.
So, which is best for me?
Just compared to one another, and ignoring subsequent models, the non-Pro MacBook models are best suited for someone who wants a very small notebook with a beautiful display and who places less emphasis on performance or connectivity. The MacBook Pro models, particularly the larger models, are ideal for someone who wants a large, beautiful display and maximum performance alongside cutting-edge connectivity.
None of these models are ideal for someone who values internal upgrades or who is on a tight budget. If price is a consideration, a new MacBook Air or older MacBook or MacBook Pro models remain well worth consideration, 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.
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