Apple MacBook Pro "Core i7" 3.1 13" Early 2015 Specs
Identifiers: Retina Early 2015 13" - MF843LL/A* - MacBookPro12,1 - A1502 - 2835
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The MacBook Pro "Core i7" 3.1 13-Inch (Early 2015 Retina Display) originally was a "configure-to-order" configuration for both the MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.7 13-Inch (Early 2015 Retina Display) and MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.9 13-Inch (Early 2015 Retina Display), but also is documented as a separate model for reader convenience. Starting on October 27, 2016, it only is a CTO option for the MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.7 13-Inch (Early 2015 Retina Display). The processor (and the corresponding larger level 3 cache), are the only substantial differences between this model and its stock compatriots.
The MacBook Pro "Core i7" 3.1 13-Inch (Early 2015 Retina Display) features a 14 nm "Broadwell" 3.1 GHz Intel "Core i7" processor (5557U), with dual independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip, a 4 MB shared level 3 cache, 8 GB of onboard 1866 MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM (which could be upgraded to 16 GB at the time of purchase, but cannot be upgraded later), 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB of 4 Lane PCIe-based flash storage, and an integrated Intel Iris Graphics 6100 graphics processor that shares memory with the system. It also has an integrated 720p FaceTime HD webcam, and a high-resolution LED-backlit 13.3" widescreen 2560x1600 (227 ppi) "Retina" display in a case that weighs just less than 3.5 pounds (1.58 kg). It does not have an internal optical drive.
Connectivity includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, two USB 3.0 ports, two "Thunderbolt 2" ports, an HDMI port, an audio in/out port, and an SDXC card slot.
In addition, this model has a backlit keyboard, a clever haptic-capable "Force Touch" trackpad and an internal, sealed battery that provides an Apple estimated 10 to 12 hours of battery life depending on use.
Compared to its predecessor, this model looks nearly identical externally, but it has a more advanced processor and architecture, more advanced graphics processor, faster RAM, a faster SSD, and a higher capacity battery as well as the aforementioned more advanced "Force Touch" trackpad.
Also see:
- What are all the differences between the 13-Inch "Early 2015" Retina Display MacBook Pro models? What are the differences between these models and the "Mid-2014" models replaced?
- What are all the differences between the 13-Inch "Early 2015" and the 15-Inch "Mid-2015" Retina Display MacBook Pro models?
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- Tech Specs
- Ports
- Global Original Prices
- Popular Q&As
Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.
| Introduction Date: |
March 9, 2015 |
Discontinued Date: |
June 5, 2017 |
| Details: |
The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.
Also see: All Macs introduced in 2015. |
| Processors: |
1 (2 Cores) |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
8650 |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
9673 |
| Details: |
Geekbench 2 benchmarks are in 32-bit and 64-bit modes, respectively. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro12,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 3 (32): |
3197 |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
6513 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro12,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 3 (64): |
3491 |
Geekbench 3 (64): |
7470 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro12,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 64-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 4 (SC): |
3824 |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
7303 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro12,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 5 (SC): |
796 |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
1666 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 5 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 5 benchmarks for the Mac are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro12,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Processor Speed: |
3.1 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Core i7 (I7-5557U) |
| Details: |
This model is powered by a 14 nm, 64-bit "Fifth Generation" Intel Mobile Core i7 "Broadwell" (I7-5557U) processor which includes two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip. Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache, shares 4 MB of level 3 cache, and has an integrated memory controller (dual channel).
This system also supports "Turbo Boost 2.0" -- which "automatically increases the speed of the active cores" to improve performance when needed (up to 3.4 GHz for this model) -- and "Hyper Threading" -- which allows the system to recognize four total "cores" or "threads" (two real and two virtual).
Also see: How fast are the 13-Inch "Early 2015" MacBook Pro models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the models replaced? |
| Turbo Boost: |
3.4 GHz |
Custom Speeds: |
N/A |
| Processor Upgrade: |
Soldered |
FPU: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
Also see: Can you upgrade the processor in the Retina Display MacBook Pro models? |
| System Bus Speed: |
5 GT/s (DMI2)* |
Cache Bus Speed: |
3.1 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: |
*This system has a "Direct Media Interface" -- specifically DMI2 -- that "connects between the processor and chipset" in lieu of a traditional system bus. Intel reports that it runs at 5 GT/s. |
| ROM/Firmware Type: |
EFI |
EFI Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| L1 Cache: |
32k/32k x2 |
L2/L3 Cache: |
256k x2, 4 MB* |
| Details: |
*Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 4 MB of shared level 3 cache. |
| RAM Type: |
LPDDR3 SDRAM* |
Min. RAM Speed: |
1866 MHz |
| Details: |
Ships standard with 8 GB of 1866 MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM onboard. |
| Standard RAM: |
8 GB* |
Maximum RAM: |
16 GB* |
| Details: |
*8 GB of RAM is onboard by default, but it could be upgraded to 16 GB at the time of purchase at additional cost. RAM cannot be upgraded later.
Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Motherboard RAM: |
8 GB* |
RAM Slots: |
None |
| Details: |
*There are no RAM slots. 8 GB of RAM is onboard. It can be upgraded to 16 GB only at the time of purchase. |
| Video Card: |
Iris Graphics 6100 |
VRAM Type: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
This model has an Intel Iris 6100 graphics processor that shares memory with the system. |
| Standard VRAM: |
1.5 GB* |
Maximum VRAM: |
1.5 GB* |
| Details: |
*Apple reports that this model uses Intel Iris Graphics 6100 and allocates up to 1.5 GB of system memory for video function. |
| Built-in Display: |
13.3" Widescreen |
Native Resolution: |
2560x1600 |
| Details: |
This model has a 13.3" color widescreen LED-backlit display with IPS technology with a 2560 by 1600 native resolution at 227 ppi (178-degree viewing angle). It also supports scaled resolutions of 1680 by 1050, 1440 by 900, and 1024 by 640.
Also see: How can you "force" or "hack" the Retina Display MacBook Pro models to run at the native resolution or otherwise fit more on screen than by default?
In the US, site sponsor AppleParts.io offers mail-in repair services, as well as parts for do-it-yourself repair for this this MacBook Pro.
In the UK, site sponsor ALB Repair offers component-level logic board repair, display repair, and other repair services for this MacBook Pro. No fix, no fee!
In Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by mail repair services include the display, battery, keyboard, motherboard, and more for this MacBook Pro.
In Hong Kong, site sponsor iCertified provides well-reviewed repair services for the display, logic board, battery, water damage, and more, all with a 180-day warranty; free diagnostics and estimates; and optional pickup and delivery for this MacBook Pro. |
| 2nd Display Support: |
Dual/Mirroring* |
2nd Max. Resolution: |
3840x2160 (x2*) |
| Details: |
*This model supports a simultaneous maximum resolution up to 3840x2160 on two external displays via Thunderbolt 2. Alternately, it can support a single display up to 3840x2160 via Thunderbolt 2 and a single 1080p display at up to 60 Hz, 3840x2160 at 30 Hz, or 4096x2160 at 24 Hz via HDMI.
Also see: How many external displays can the Retina Display MacBook Pro models support? What is the maximum supported resolution of each? Are adapters required? |
| Standard Storage: |
128, 256, 512 GB SSD |
Std. Storage Speed: |
643.6 MB/s/1.3 GB/s* |
| Details: |
Storage varies depending on the stock "base" configuration before the custom processor is selected. Originally shipped standard with 128 GB (MF839LL/A), 256 GB (MF840LL/A) or 512 GB (MF841LL/A) of flash storage. The MF841LL/A option also could be configured with 1 TB of flash storage for an additional US$500. The price of this 1 TB upgrade effectively was cut to US$400 on October 27, 2016.
*Third-party tests using the Blackmagic benchmark report write speeds of 643.6 MB/s and read speeds of 1.3 GB/s.
Apple does not intend for one to upgrade the storage after purchase, but it is quite possible.
Also see: How do you upgrade or replace the storage in the 13-Inch Retina Display "Early 2015" MacBook Pro? Is it the same storage and process as other Retina Display MacBook Pro models? Is it possible?
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Pro.
In the UK and Ireland, site sponsor Flexx sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Pro.
Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Storage Dimensions: |
Proprietary |
Storage Interface: |
Proprietary* (PCIe 3.0 x4) |
| Details: |
*As documented by site sponsor OWC, this model shipped with a proprietary PCIe-based SSD. |
| Standard Optical: |
None* |
Standard Disk: |
None |
| Details: |
*This MacBook Pro does not have an internal optical drive. Site sponsor Adorama offers the external Apple USB SuperDrive for US$79. It writes DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL at 4X, DVD-R and DVD+R at 8X, DVD-RW at 6X, DVD+RW at 8X, reads DVD at 8X, writes CD-R at 24X, writes CD-RW at 16X, and reads CD at 24X.
Site sponsor Other World Computing also has a variety of compact external optical drive options that may be of interest, including some with Blu-ray capability.
Also see: What are the full capabilities of the external SuperDrive available for this MacBook Pro? Can it be used with other Macs? |
| Standard Modem: |
None |
Standard Ethernet: |
None* |
| Standard AirPort: |
802.11ac |
Standard Bluetooth: |
4.0 |
| Details: |
802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n compatible) and Bluetooth 4.0 standard.
Also see: What is 802.11ac? How is it different from 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n? |
| USB Ports: |
2 (3.0) |
Firewire Ports: |
None |
| Details: |
Two USB 3.0 ports (up to 5 Gbps). It does not have a Firewire port although an Apple Thunderbolt to Firewire adapter is available. |
| Expansion Slots: |
SDXC Card Slot |
Expansion Bays: |
None |
| Details: |
This model has an SDXC card slot. No expansion bays are provided.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a wide variety of external expansion options and accessories, including docks, adapters, cables, input devices, cases, and more for this MacBook Pro.
Also see: Which SD Card storage solution is best for the Retina Display MacBook Pro? Which models are compatible? Is this type of storage safe? |
| Incl. Keyboard: |
Full-size |
Incl. Input: |
Trackpad (Force Touch) |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the integrated keyboard has "78 (US) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys, 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement) with ambient light sensor."
The "Force Touch" trackpad offers "precise cursor control and pressure-sensing capabilities; enables Force clicks, accelerators, pressure-sensitive drawing, and Multi-Touch gestures." |
| Case Type: |
Notebook |
Form Factor: |
13" MacBook Pro (Early 2015) |
| Details: |
This MacBook Pro uses a thin black and silver "unibody" case design milled from a single piece of aluminum with a "catchless" magnetic latch. |
| Apple Order No: |
MF843LL/A* |
Apple Subfamily: |
Retina Early 2015 13" |
| Apple Model No: |
A1502 (EMC 2835) |
Model ID: |
MacBookPro12,1 |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see: All Macs with the A1502 Model Number, the 2835 EMC Number, and the MacBookPro12,1 Model Identifier.
For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section. |
| Battery Type: |
74.9 W h Li-Poly |
Battery Life: |
10-12 Hours |
| Details: |
Apple reports that this model has a "74.9-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery" that provides "up to 10 hours of wireless web" use and "up to 12 hours of iTunes movie playback". It cannot be upgraded by an end-user.
Also see: How do you replace the battery in the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro? Is it possible?
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells quality batteries for this MacBook Pro.
In the UK and Ireland, site sponsor Flexx sells quality batteries for this MacBook Pro. |
| Pre-Installed MacOS: |
X 10.10.2 (14C2507) |
Maximum MacOS: |
12.x (Monterey)* |
| Details: |
*This system fully supports the final version of OS X 10.10 "Yosemite," OS X 10.11 "El Capitan," macOS Sierra (10.12), and macOS High Sierra (10.13). Running macOS High Sierra (10.13) or later, it supports HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding), but it does not support hardware accelerated HEVC.
This model is compatible with the final version of macOS Mojave (10.14), macOS Catalina (10.15), and macOS Big Sur (macOS 11), as well. It additionally supports the final version of macOS Monterey (macOS 12), but it does not support Universal Control, AirPlay to Mac, or Low Power Mode in addition to the more minor Spatial Audio, Portrait Mode, 3D Landmarks, and Interactive Globe features. It does not support macOS Ventura (macOS 13) or later.
Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS Monterey (macOS 12)? What are the system requirements? What are the major new features? Do all features work with all supported Macs? |
| Minimum Windows: |
8 (64-Bit)* |
Maximum Windows: |
10 (64-Bit)* |
| Details: |
*The pre-installed version of Apple's Boot Camp BCA supports the 64-bit version of Windows 8. Boot Camp 6 supports the 64-bit version of Windows 10. Earlier versions of Windows are not supported. |
| MacOS 9 Support: |
None |
Windows Support: |
Boot/Virtualization |
| Details: |
Also see: Are there any third-party programs to run Mac OS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs?
For more on running Windows on Intel Macs, please refer to the exhaustive Windows on Mac Q&A. |
| Dimensions: |
0.71 x 12.35 x 8.62 |
Avg. Weight: |
3.48 lbs (1.58 kg) |
| Details: |
In inches while closed - height by width by depth, (1.8 cm, 31.4 cm, 21.9 cm). |
| Original Price (US): |
US$1499-US$1999 |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$300-US$400 |
| Details: |
*As this custom processor option was available for three different stock configurations, the original price varied depending on the options selected. If the custom 3.1 GHz "Core i7" processor was added to the 2.7 GHz "Core i5" configuration with 128 GB of storage (MF839LL/A) or 256 GB of storage (MF840LL/A), the total price originally was US$1499 or US$1699, respectively. Added to the 2.9 GHz "Core i5" configuration with 512 GB of storage (MF841LL/A), the total price was US$1999. On October 27, 2016, the price range was between US$1599-US$2399 depending on the selected SSD size. Of course, also increasing the RAM and/or storage, when available as an option, in these models would change total pricing, as well.
Photo Credit: Apple Computer. |
Global original prices for the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 3.1 13" Early 2015 in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.
For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.
Original Prices - North & South America
| Canada: |
C$1789-C$2439 |
Brazil: |
R$9.699-R$12.499 |
| Mexico: |
MXN $26,599-$35,599 |
United States: |
US$1499-US$1999 |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€1749-€2199 |
Belgium: |
€1749-€2199 |
| Denmark: |
DKK 13,879-17,219 |
Finland: |
€1799-€2249 |
| France: |
€1799-€2249 |
Germany: |
€1799-€2249 |
| Ireland: |
€1799-€2249 |
Italy: |
€1849-€2299 |
| Luxembourg: |
€1691,18-€2126,31 |
Netherlands: |
€1799-€2249 |
| Norway: |
NOK 15.590-19.590 |
Portugal: |
€1799-€2249 |
| Spain: |
€1799-€2249 |
Sweden: |
SEK 17.395-21.795 |
| Switzerland: |
CHF 1'729-2'169 |
United Kingdom: |
£1249-£1569 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 11,568-14,368 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$12,328-HK$15,328 |
| India: |
N/A |
Indonesia: |
N/A |
| Japan: |
¥184,800-¥230,800 |
Korea: |
KRW 1,993,800-2,459,200 |
| Malaysia: |
RM 5,579-6,919 |
The Philippines: |
PHP 79,990-99,990 |
| Singapore: |
S$2,108-S$2,668 |
Taiwan: |
NT$51,680-NT$64,420 |
| Thailand: |
THB 53,740-66,460 |
Vietnam: |
N/A |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$2209-A$2769 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$2479-NZ$3119 |
If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the MacBook Pro models follow.
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2 (Thunderbolt 2), 1 (HDMI) 
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2 (3.0)
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2 (Internal)
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