MacBook Pro (Apple silicon)
The MacBook Pro with Apple silicon is a line of Macintosh notebook computers introduced in November 2020 by Apple Inc. It is the higher-end model of the MacBook family, sitting above the consumer-focused MacBook Air, and is currently sold with 13-inch, 14-inch, and 16-inch screens. All models from the current lineup use variants of the Apple-designed M1 system on a chip. The first machine that was part of this family was a revision to the fourth-generation of MacBook Pros; it featured the Apple M1. The fifth-generation MacBook Pro  was released in October 2021 in 14- and 16-inch sizes. Powered by either M1 Pro or M1 Max chips, they are the first to be available only with an Apple silicon system on a chip. In addition to being Apple silicon-only, this generation re-introduced elements from the previous generations which were removed at some point, such as MagSafe, function keys, and lack of a Touch Bar. 4th generation (13-inch, M1, 2020). On November 10, 2020, Apple introduced a new 13-inch MacBook Pro with two Thunderbolt ports with a new Apple M1 processor, launched alongside an  updated MacBook Air and Mac Mini as the first Macs with Apple's new line of custom ARM-based Apple silicon processors. The MacBook Pro with Apple silicon retains the same form factor/design while adding support for Wi-Fi 6, USB4, and 6K output to run the Pro Display XDR. The number of supported external displays was reduced to one, as the previous Intel-based models supported two 4K displays. The FaceTime camera remains 720p but Apple advertises an improved image signal processor for higher quality video. 5th generation (M1 Pro and M1 Max). Apple announced a  new 14-inch MacBook Pro, replacing the high-end 13-inch Intel-based MacBook Pro, and a redesigned 16-inch MacBook Pro during an online event on October 18, 2021. They are equipped with the new Apple silicon chips, M1 Pro and M1 Max, Apple's second ARM-based systems on a chip and their first professional-focused chips. This release addressed many criticisms of the previous generation by reintroducing hard function keys in place of the Touch Bar, an HDMI 2.0 port, a SDXC reader and MagSafe charging. Other additions include a Liquid Retina XDR display with thinner bezels  and an iPhone-like notch, ProMotion supporting 120 Hz variable refresh rate, a 1080p webcam, Wi-Fi 6, 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a six-speaker sound system supporting Dolby Atmos. The M1 Pro chip supports up to two external displays, both at 6K resolution, while the M1 Max chip supports up to four displays: three at 6K resolution, and one at 4K resolution. The 16-inch version is bundled with a 140 W GaN power supply that supports USB-C Power Delivery 3.1, though only MagSafe supports full-speed charging as the machine's USB-C  ports are limited to 100 W. Design. The M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBook Pro models feature a thicker and more-squared design than their immediate Intel-based predecessors. The keyboard features full-sized function keys, with the keyboard set in a "double anodized" black well. The MacBook Pro branding has been removed from the bottom of the display bezel and is engraved on the underside of the chassis instead. The models' appearance has been compared to the Titanium PowerBook G4 produced from 2001 to 2003. The choice between silver or space gray color introduced in the fourth generation continues  in the fifth. Reception. Reception to the 2021 MacBook Pro was generally positive. Online personalities such Justine Ezarik (iJustine), Anthony Young of Linus Tech Tips and Marques Brownlee praised the new design, the larger function keys, the new screen and M1 Pro and M1 Max. "The Verge" gave the models a 9.5/10 score, praising the increased speed and battery life, improved displays and speakers, and the removal of the Touch Bar, but criticized memory upgrade costs as "absurd" and noted only Apple's own apps seemed optimized for the GPUs. iFixit gave the models a repairability score of 4/10, compared  to just 1/10 of the prior generation, saying battery replacements are easier as it is no longer glued in, and the display as well as most ports are modular, though noted speakers are glued in and solid-state storage is permanently soldered (as before). Software and operating systems. The macOS operating system has been pre-installed on all Apple silicon MacBook Pro computers since release, starting with version macOS Big Sur.