MacBook Release Dates in Order: Complete Guide

Did you know that the first MacBook was made way back in 1991? In the world of laptop systems, Apple’s MacBook is one of the best in the market. From 1991 to today, the company has changed how laptops look and work. For tech enthusiasts, professionals, and everyday users alike, knowing how the MacBook evolved helps provide better insights into the computer system. To help you out, we have compiled the Macbook release dates in order to give you a clear timeline of its development. So, without wasting any time, let’s get to the article.

All MacBooks in order of their release

MacBooks have been in the market for around four decades now, and they are undoubtedly one of the best portable computers in the world. It all started in the early 1990s when the first portable computer was released by Apple. Let’s know more about it.

1. PowerBook 100

Release Date: October 1991

The first portable computer Apple was released in 1991. It was called Apple Powerbook. Though it was different from the MacBook, but was the first laptop that Apple had ever released. After that, Apple released the PowerBook 500 in 1994, the PowerBook G3 in 1997, and the PowerBook G4 Titanium in 2001. But, the PowerBook series was discontinued after that, and the new era of MacBooks replaced them.

2. MacBook and MacBook Pro (2006)

Release Date: February 14, 2006

After the PowerBook series, Apple released two MacBooks in its MacBook series in February 2006. It was called the MacBook and MacBook Pro. This was a major update as the company, for the first time switched to Intel processors that were faster and better with power. MacBook was released to replace the iBook and 12-inch PowerBook. And the MacBook Pro was a more advanced laptop than the normal MacBook variant.

They both contained a backlit keyboard and MagSafe power connector. The MacBook Pro had a 15-inch screen and was priced at $2000. On the other hand, the MacBook had a 13.3-inch screen and was priced at around $1499.

3. MacBook and MacBook Air (2008)

Release Date: October, 2008

In the autumn of 2008, the CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs introduced a portable laptop that the world had not seen. They experienced a sleek laptop, without an optical disc drive. The MacBook Air variant was a compact laptop with a 13.3-inch screen and was priced at USD 1,799.

For the first time, Apple introduced a multitouch gesture trackpad in their MacBook series. Apple also updated internal specifications with Intel’s newer Core 2 Duo processor with Pro-performance notebook graphics. The MacBook normal variant was priced at about USD 1,299.

4. MacBook Air: 13.3/11.6-inch (2010)

Release Date: October 20, 2010

Apple released its first MacBook in Aluminium unibody on October 2010. It made the MacBooks look better and durable. This MacBook had a better design, lightweight, and better features than its predecessors. The model has a 13.3-inch LED-backlit display with a full-size keyboard. To keep the device slim, Apple removed the optical drive support. It was priced at USD 999.

5. MacBook (2010)

Release Date: January 15, 2010

Apple improved the standard model in 2010. The design was improved and better specifications. In the standard model as well, the aluminium design with a multitouch gesture trackpad was used. This MacBook was launched in 3 sizes and the starting price was $1299.

6. MacBook and MacBook Pro: Retina Display- 15 Inch (2012)

Release Date: June 11, 2012

In June 2012, the launch of Retina Display in MacBook Pro took the laptop to a different level. The 15-inch MacBook Pro with a resolution of 2880×1800 pixels had an impressive pixel density raising the bars for laptop display screens.

Reading text, viewing photos as well as watching movies showed unique levels of clarity and sharpness. To the creative artists who engaged in photography, video editing, and graphic designing, the display turned out to be an important tool.

7. MacBook (2015-2019)

Release Date: March, 2015

In March 2015, Apple introduced the 12-inch MacBook, which they called the thinnest laptop ever made. Weighing only 2 pounds and measuring only 0.52 inches, it was the lightest and the thinnest laptop made by Apple up to that point.

But such minimalism came with some compromises such as the presence of just one USB-C port for charging and peripherals, as well as, a fanless configuration that curtailed performance. There were two storage options available i.e. 256 GB or 512 GB. It had an Intel HD Graphics 5300 with a maximum of 9 hours of battery life.

Though the 12-inch Macbook series was recognized for its portability and aesthetics, it was criticized for the limited computing power it possessed, its lack of ports, and its high price. It was in the market for 4 years, and in 2019 it was discontinued because consumers were more inclined to purchase the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models which were of higher specifications.

8. MacBook Pro 2016- 13/15 Inches

Release Date: October 27, 2016

In 2016, Apple made a complete overhaul to its Pro series. The company made the device thinner and lighter similar to the MacBook Air. The 13-inch and 15-inch models both featured the Touch Bar, which was a thin OLED strip that replaced the conventional Function keys and provided contextual options for different applications. Though it received applause in 2016, later the interest deteriorated. In 2023, the production of the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar was discontinued.

Apple also added the Touch ID feature for additional security. The Thunderbolt 3 ports replaced all other ports and a larger trackpad made its way. A newer butterfly mechanism keyboard was introduced along with a brighter and better quality display. Apple also added a faster PCIe SSD and better-quality speakers.

9. MacBook Air 2018

Release Date: October 30, 2018

In 2018, Apple gave the MacBook Air a major redesign, aligning it with modern design trends. The Air featured a new 13.3-inch Retina display with slimmer bezels, two Thunderbolt USB-C ports, up to 16GB of RAM, and 1.5TB of storage. It also introduced Touch ID for enhanced security.

Powered by dual-core Intel Core i5 processors with lower clock speeds to optimize battery life, the MacBook Air started at USD 1,099 for the base model.

10. MacBook Pro 16-inch (2019)

Release Date: May 21, 2019

The 16-inch MacBook Pro was a significant upgrade by Apple. The old butterfly keyboard was fixed, and the traditional magic keyboard was installed. The screen was its USP, fit for content creators. The users have an option of two variants of up to 64GB RAM and 8TB SSD storage. The heat management system of Apple was improved, and Apple added a new six-speaker audio output with an improved microphone. However, this model was hе last MacBook that had the Intel Core processors.

11. MacBook Pro M1 13-inch (2020)

Release Date: November 10, 2020

In November 2020, Apple MacBook users first witnessed the era of the M1 chip, which was a replacement for the Intel processors. The M1 chip was the first of its kind to have been specially designed by Apple computers and MacBooks. It offered brilliant improvements in performance and energy efficiency as compared to the Intel models.

The 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine offer performance that is up to 3.5x faster for the CPU and 6x faster GPU in performance as compared to the Intel models. The M1 chips powered MacBooks offered performance that was similar to high-tech desktops.

12. MacBook Air M1 13-inch (2020)

Release Date: November 10, 2020

In the same year, the MacBook Air was also released. This device was also completely revamped and added the M1 chip. The MacBook Air with no fan and an ultra-efficient design provided an exceptional peak performance and a maximum battery life of 18 hours, making it undoubtedly the best portable device for that period.

The introduction of the M1 MacBook Air impressed many, particularly students, employees, and other casual users with its performance that was so efficiently packed in a very trim and sleek design.

13. MacBook Pro 14/16- Inch (2021)

Release Date: October 18, 2021

The 14-inch and 16-inch redesigned MacBook Pro models were launched by Apple in October 2021. These laptops were designed for professionals, with Apple adding convenient features such as additional ports, enhanced abilities, and a complete overhaul of the design.

Addressing the user’s complaints, Apple added some of the ports that previous generations of devices did not have. The new MacBook Pro series also included primary HDMI connectors, an SD card slot, and a time-tested MagSafe connector for charging.

14. MacBook Air M2 (2022)

Release Date: July 15, 2022

In 2022, Apple introduced its new M2 chip with some advanced features and capabilities. The M2 chip offered an 8-core CPU, and up to 10-core GPU, 1.4 times faster than the M1. The M2 MacBook Air also came with a redesigned chassis, with a more squared-off, flatter design reminiscent of the MacBook Pro. It featured a larger, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display with a resolution of 2560×1664 pixels.

The M2 MacBook Air completed the Apple ultrabook range as it was made to support extreme performance, elegance and lightweight, which is suitable for both students and working-class people.