Apple MacBook Pro "Core i9" 2.9 15" Touch/2018 Vega Specs
Identifiers: Mid-2018 15" (Touch Bar) - BTO/CTO - MacBookPro15,3 - A1990 - 3215
All MacBook Pro Models | All 2018 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others
The MacBook Pro "Core i9" 2.9 15-Inch (Mid-2018 True Tone Display, Touch Bar, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports, Vega 16/Vega 20) is a "configure-to-order" configuration of the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.6 15" Touch/Mid-2018, but with a faster processor and a Vega 16 or Vega 20 video card. Unusually, this custom video card results in different system identifiers (as well as operating system support), and the notebook also is documented as a separate model for reader convenience, accordingly.
The MacBook Pro "Core i9" 2.9 15-Inch (Mid-2018 True Tone Display, Touch Bar, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports, Vega 16/Vega 20) is powered by a 14 nm, 8th Generation "Coffee Lake" 2.9 GHz Intel "Core i9" processor (8950HK), with six independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip, a 12 MB shared level 3 cache, 16 GB of onboard 2400 MHz LPDDR4 SDRAM -- which could be upgraded to 32 GB at the time of purchase, but cannot be upgraded later -- and 512 GB of onboard flash storage standard, and dual graphics processors -- an AMD Radeon Pro Vega 16 or Radeon Pro Vega 20 with 4 GB of dedicated HBM2 memory and an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 graphics processor that shares memory with the system.
Externally, this notebook has an integrated 720p FaceTime HD webcam, a thin, backlit "third generation" butterfly mechanism keyboard with an integrated "Touch Bar" touch-sensitive control that adapts for different applications and provides Touch ID login support in lieu of traditional function keys, and a gigantic "Force Touch" trackpad.
Additionally, it has a high-resolution LED-backlit 15.4" widescreen 2880x1800 (220 ppi, 500 nits) "Retina" display with True Tone technology, and a integrated battery that provides an Apple estimated 10 hours of runtime.
This notebook is offered in either silver colored aluminum or a darker "Space Gray" colored aluminum housing (but not other colors) and weighs just a bit more than 4 pounds (1.83 kg).
Connectivity includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, four "Thunderbolt 3" ports (USB-C connector), and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Compared to its predecessor, this model has an improved display and keyboard as well as a more advanced processor and architecture and the option of twice as much RAM and storage by custom configuration.
Also see:
- What are all the differences between the 13-Inch and 15-Inch "Mid-2018" MacBook Pro models? (In-Depth)
- What are all the differences between the "Mid-2018" MacBook Pro models and the "Mid-2017" models replaced? (In-Depth)
- What are the "pros and cons" of the "Touch Bar" MacBook Pro models? Is one right for me? (Quick Read)
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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: |
November 14, 2018* |
Discontinued Date: |
May 21, 2019 |
| Details: |
*On October 30, 2018, Apple quietly noted in a MacBook Air press release that it would be possible to upgrade the 15-Inch "Mid-2018" MacBook Pro models to Radeon Pro Vega graphics in the future and the company began to offer this option on November 14, 2018.
Also see: All Macs introduced in 2018. |
| Processors: |
1 (6 Cores) |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
20676 |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
23406 |
| 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 MacBookPro15,3 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): |
4178 |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
21789 |
| 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 MacBookPro15,3 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): |
4531 |
Geekbench 3 (64): |
23816 |
| 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 MacBookPro15,3 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): |
5334 |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
22421 |
| 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 MacBookPro15,3 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): |
1048 |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
5084 |
| 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 MacBookPro15,3 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: |
2.9 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Core i9 (I9-8950HK) |
| Details: |
This model is powered by a 14 nm, 64-bit "Eighth Generation" Intel Mobile Core i9 "Coffee Lake" (I9-8950HK) processor which includes six independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip. Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache, shares 12 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 4.8 GHz for this model) -- and "Hyper Threading" -- which allows the system to recognize twelve total "cores" or "threads" (six real and six virtual).
Additionally, this MacBook Pro has a secondary "T2" processor for "enhanced security," which includes secure boot and encrypted storage capabilities as well as enhanced image processing.
Also see: How fast are the "Mid-2018" MacBook Pro models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the models replaced? |
| Turbo Boost: |
4.8 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: |
8 GT/s (DMI3)* |
Cache Bus Speed: |
2.9 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: |
*This system has a "Direct Media Interface" -- specifically DMI3 -- that "connects between the processor and chipset" in lieu of a traditional system bus. Intel reports that it runs at 8 GT/s. |
| ROM/Firmware Type: |
EFI |
EFI Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| L1 Cache: |
32k/32k x6 |
L2/L3 Cache: |
256k x6, 12 MB* |
| Details: |
*Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 12 MB of shared level 3 cache. |
| RAM Type: |
DDR4 SDRAM* |
Min. RAM Speed: |
2400 MHz |
| Details: |
Ships standard with 16 GB of 2400 MHz DDR4 SDRAM onboard. |
| Standard RAM: |
16 GB* |
Maximum RAM: |
32 GB* |
| Details: |
*By default, 16 GB of RAM is onboard. It could be upgraded to 32 GB of RAM at the time of system purchase, but it cannot be upgraded later.
Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Motherboard RAM: |
16 GB* |
RAM Slots: |
None |
| Details: |
There are no RAM slots. 16 GB of RAM is onboard. It could be upgraded to 32 GB of RAM at the time of system purchase, but it cannot be upgraded later. |
| Video Card: |
Radeon Pro Vega 16/20* |
VRAM Type: |
HBM2 |
| Details: |
*This model has dual graphics processors -- a AMD Radeon Pro Vega 16 or AMD Radeon Vega 20, either with 4 GB of dedicated HBM2 memory and an Intel UHD Graphics 630 graphics processor that shares system memory.
Regardless of video card, the system automatically switches between graphics systems based on use (when applications use OpenGL, Core Graphics or other graphically demanding technologies, the system will use the dedicated AMD graphics, otherwise it will use the integrated Intel graphics to conserve battery life). |
| Standard VRAM: |
4 GB |
Maximum VRAM: |
4 GB* |
| Details: |
The AMD Radeon Pro Vega 16 and AMD Radeon Vega 20 graphics processors both have 4 GB of dedicated HBM2 memory. The "integrated" Intel UHD Graphics 630 graphics processor shares memory with the system for graphics function. |
| Built-in Display: |
15.4" Widescreen |
Native Resolution: |
2880x1800 |
| Details: |
This model has a 15.4" color widescreen LED-backlit display with IPS technology with a 2880 by 1800 native resolution at 220 ppi (178-degree viewing angle). It has a brightness rating of 500 nits and a wide color gamut (P3), and True Tone technology, as well. It also supports scaled resolutions of 1920 by 1200, 1680 by 1050, 1280 by 800, and 1024 by 640.
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: |
5120x2880 x2* |
| Details: |
*In addition to simultaneous support of the internal display, this model supports a maximum resolution up to 5120x2880 at 60 Hz at over a billion colors on up to two external displays or up to 4096x2304 resolution at 60 Hz at over a billion colors on up to four external displays via Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C). |
| Standard Storage: |
512 GB SSD* |
Std. Storage Speed: |
N/A |
| Details: |
*This model shipped with a 512 GB SSD by default, but it originally could be upgraded at the time of purchase to 1 TB, 2 TB, or 4 TB for an extra US$400, US$1200, or US$3200, respectively. On March 19, 2019, Apple cut the price of the 2 TB and 4 TB SSD upgrades to US$1200 and US$3000, respectively.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells external storage upgrades for this MacBook Pro.
In the UK and Ireland, site sponsor Flexx sells external storage upgrades for this MacBook Pro.
Also see: What SSD storage options are available for the "Touch Bar" MacBook Pro models? Is it even possible to upgrade the storage?
Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Storage Dimensions: |
Soldered |
Storage Interface: |
Onboard* |
| Details: |
*This model has onboard PCIe 3.0-based storage that cannot be upgraded. |
| Standard Optical: |
None* |
Standard Disk: |
None |
| Details: |
*This MacBook Pro does not have an internal optical drive. Furthermore, using it with the increasingly vintage external Apple SuperDrive requires an adapter. |
| Standard Modem: |
None |
Standard Ethernet: |
None* |
| Details: |
*This model does not have an internal Ethernet port.
Also see: How do you connect the "Touch Bar" MacBook Pro to a wired Ethernet network? Is it even possible? |
| Standard AirPort: |
802.11ac |
Standard Bluetooth: |
5.0 |
| Details: |
802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n compatible) and Bluetooth 5.0 standard. |
| USB Ports: |
4* (3.1) |
Firewire Ports: |
None |
| Details: |
*This model has four Thunderbolt 3 ports (USB-C connector) that also support the USB 3.1 Gen 2 standard (up to 10 Gbps). |
| Expansion Slots: |
None |
Expansion Bays: |
None |
| Details: |
This model does not have any expansion slots or bays.
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. |
| Incl. Keyboard: |
Full-size |
Incl. Input: |
Trackpad (Force Touch) |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the "improved third-generation" integrated keyboard has "64 (US) or 65 (ISO) keys, including 4 arrow keys" as well as a customizable "Touch Bar" with integrated Touch ID login support. It has an ambient light sensor, too.
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: |
15" MacBook Pro (Touch Bar) |
| Details: |
This MacBook Pro uses a thin black and silver or black and dark "Space Gray" "unibody" case design milled from a single piece of aluminum with a "catchless" magnetic latch. It does have integrated "Touch Bar" capability with Touch ID login support. |
| Apple Order No: |
BTO/CTO |
Apple Subfamily: |
Mid-2018 15" (Touch Bar) |
| Details: |
Because this model is a custom configuration of the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.6 15" Touch/Mid-2018, it is not believed to have its own order number. If you have purchased this model, and it has an order number on the box or receipt, please get in touch. Thank you.
In some locations, Apple just refers to this model as the "MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)." |
| Apple Model No: |
A1990 (EMC 3215) |
Model ID: |
MacBookPro15,3 |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see: All Macs with the A1990 Model Number, the 3215 EMC Number, and the MacBookPro15,3 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: |
83.6 W h Li-Poly |
Battery Life: |
10 Hours |
| Details: |
Apple reports that this model has a "83.6-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery" that provides "up to" 10 hours of wireless web or iTunes movie playback. It is glued in place and cannot be replaced by an end user. It has an 87W USB-C power adapter, too.
Also see: How do you replace the battery in the "Touch Bar" MacBook Pro models? 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 10.14.1 (18B3094) |
Maximum MacOS: |
Current* |
| Details: |
This model is fully compatible with the final version of macOS Mojave (10.14); macOS Catalina (10.15), including support for Dolby Atmos; and the final version of macOS Big Sur (macOS 11), as well. It additionally supports the final version of macOS Monterey (macOS 12), but it does not support the minor Spatial Audio, Portrait Mode, 3D Landmarks, and Interactive Globe features. When paired with a compatible iPad, it supports the Sidecar feature, too.
This model also is fully compatible with macOS Ventura (macOS 13) with the exception of the minor Live Captions in FaceTime, Emoji Dictation, and Reference Mode with Sidecar features.
Likewise, this model is fully compatible with macOS Sonoma (macOS 14) with the exception of the minor Presenter Overlay, React with your Hands using the built-in camera, Game Mode, high-performance mode in the Screen Sharing app, and quicker Siri launch capability.
Finally, this model is compatible with the current version of the macOS -- macOS Sequoia (macOS 15) -- with the exception of the Apple Intelligence (AI) and Live audio transcription features.
Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS Sequoia (macOS 15)? What are the system requirements? What are the major new features? Do all features work with all supported Macs? |
| Minimum Windows: |
10 (64-Bit)* |
Maximum Windows: |
10 (64-Bit)* |
| Details: |
*The pre-installed version of Apple's Boot Camp 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: |
0.61 x 13.75 x 9.48 |
Avg. Weight: |
4.02 lbs (1.83 kg) |
| Details: |
In inches while closed - height by width by depth, (1.55 cm, 34.93 cm, 24.07 cm). |
| Original Price (US): |
US$3349, US$3449* |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$850-US$1000 |
| Details: |
*This MacBook Pro was offered as a custom configuration of the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.6 15" Touch/Mid-2018. Originally, if otherwise stock configured, but with the custom Core i9 "Coffee Lake" (I9-8950HK) processor and either the AMD Radeon Pro Vega 16 or AMD Radeon Pro Vega 20, the full system price was US$3349 and US$3449, respectively. The price was the same regardless of color.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. |
Global original prices for the MacBook Pro "Core i9" 2.9 15" Touch/2018 Vega 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$4359, C$4479 |
Brazil: |
R$28.699, R$29.499 |
| Mexico: |
MXN $78,949, $81,449 |
United States: |
US$3349, US$3449* |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€3939, €4059 |
Belgium: |
€3939, €4059 |
| Denmark: |
DKK 29,669, 30,529 |
Finland: |
€4039, €4159 |
| France: |
€3939, €4059 |
Germany: |
€3939, €4059 |
| Ireland: |
€4039, €4159 |
Italy: |
€4139, €4159 |
| Luxembourg: |
N/A |
Netherlands: |
€3939, €4059 |
| Norway: |
NOK 37.440, 38.540 |
Portugal: |
€4139, €4159 |
| Spain: |
€3939, €4059 |
Sweden: |
SEK 38.445, 39.545 |
| Switzerland: |
N/A |
United Kingdom: |
£3194, £3284 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 26,074, 26,806 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$26,278, HK$27,058 |
| India: |
N/A |
Indonesia: |
N/A |
| Japan: |
¥363,300, ¥374,300 |
Korea: |
N/A |
| Malaysia: |
RM 13,998, 14,438 |
The Philippines: |
PHP 201,490, 206,490 |
| Singapore: |
S$4,758, S$4,898 |
Taiwan: |
N/A |
| Thailand: |
THB 122,900, 126,900 |
Vietnam: |
N/A |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$4979, A$5139 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$5634, NZ$5804 |
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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4 (Thunderbolt 3/USB-C) 
None 
None 
None 
None
None
4* (3.1)
None
None
None
None
3 (Internal)
1
1
1
None
None
N/A
1