Apple’s MacBook lineup first appeared in 1991, but not with that name. Back then, it was the PowerBook.
Apple launched several PowerBook models and experimented with different names, like the iBook G3, if anyone remembers. All this lasted a decade.
Five years later, the MacBook was born—the first big upgrade. Since then, Apple has made several innovations to the machine. Apple’s laptop lineup has become a power tool for students and professionals alike. However, between the latest Apple M series models and the older Intel Core versions, there is much to discuss.
From 1991 to 2023 – A Walkthrough Across Macbook History
Today, we will explore how Apple’s computing technology has evolved over the years, from the PowerBook to the latest Macbook Pro and Air.
PowerBook 100
Released On: October 1991
Top Features: Set-back keyboard, a palm-rest, and a trackball
Price: $2,500
PowerBook 100 was the upgraded version of the Mac Portable from Apple.
PowerBook 500
Released On: May 1994
Top Features: Bigger screen, CD/DVD access, and expansion bays
Price: $2,270
PowerBook 500 included a trackpad, Ethernet access, and earphones and stereo speakers support.
PowerBook G3
Released On: May 1994
Top Features: Bigger screen, a CD/DVD player, and video output
Price: $1,999
PowerBook G3 included a PowerPC G3 chip, multiple storage options, and lithium-ion batteries.
iBook G3
Released On: June 1999
Top Features: Wireless connectivity and 6-hour battery life
Price: $1,599
Inspired by the first iMac, the iBook G3 has a bi-colored polycarbonate shell, a 12.1-inch active-matrix display, a PowerPC G3 processor, a 3.2GB HDD, and a carry handle.
PowerBook Titanium G4
Released On: January 2001
Top Features: Titanium body and PowerPC G4 processor
Price: $2,599
Apple’s titanium PowerBook G4 weighed just over 5 pounds, featured a 15.2-inch TFT active-matrix display, and had a 5-hour battery life.
MacBook Pro
Released On: February 2006
Top Features: Intel Core processor, MagSafe charging adapter, illuminated keyboard, and aluminum body
Price: $1,999
The first-ever MacBook Pro had an Intel Core Duo processor, scrolling trackpad, and a screen that was over 60% brighter.
MacBook Polycarbonate
Released On: May 2006
Top Features: New design and a 13.3-inch glossy screen
Price: Started at $1,099.
The 2006 MacBook featured an Intel Core Duo processor, a scrolling trackpad, and a MagSafe adapter.
MacBook Air
Released On: January 2008
Top Features: 13.3-inch screen and world’s thinnest design
Price: $1,799 for 13.3-inch model
The 2008 MacBook Air came with a gestures-enabled multi-touch trackpad, an LED display, and a backlit keyboard.
MacBook Unibody
Released On: October 2008
Top Features: Aluminum unibody design and multi-touch trackpad
Price: Started at $1,299 for 13-inch model
The 2008 Apple MacBook featured a refreshed unibody design and a multi-touch trackpad.
MacBook Pro Retina Display
Released On: June 2012
Top Features: Retina display, SSD drive, MagSafe 2, and HDMI port.
Price: Started at $1,699 for 13-inch model
The 2012 MacBook Pro featured a high-resolution Retina Display with over 5 million pixels, better speakers, an HDMI port, and the MagSafe 2 port.
MacBook Retina Display
Released On: April 2015
Top Features: Thinnest and lightest design, butterfly keyboard, force touch trackpad
Price: $1,299
The redesigned MacBook Pro was just 2 pounds and 13 mm thick. It had a 12-inch Retina Display, USB A ports, and a fanless design.
MacBook Pro TouchBar
Released On: December 2016
Top Features: Touch Bar with Touch ID, Thunderbolt 3 ports, butterfly keyboard, 50% bigger trackpad, and brighter display.
Price: Started at $1,499 for 13-inch model
The refreshed MacBook Pro for Apple’s 25th anniversary featured a thinner, lighter body and a multi-touch OLED Touch Bar replacing function keys.
MacBook Pro 2017 – Updated 2019
Released On: June 2017
Top Features: 8th and 9th Gen Chips, Hey Siri support, better butterfly keyboard.
Price: Started at $1,299 for 13-inch model
These MacBook models featured an overall better performance and design.
MacBook Air 2018 – Updated 2019
Released On: November 2018
Top Features: Touch ID, 8the Gen Intel i5, Apple T2 security, and better battery life.
Price: Started from $1,099
A redesigned Air model with a Retina display, better features, and more ports.
MacBook Pro 16-inch
Released On: November 2019
Top Features: Magic keyboard, 9th Gen Intel Core processor, new sound system.
Price: Started from $2,399
The 2016 version brought a more extensive and brighter screen of 3072×1920 resolution with 226 PPI.
MacBook Pro M1
Released On: November 2020
Top Features: Apple’s new M1 chip.
Price: Started at $1,299
The new M1 chip offered remarkable performance and better battery life.
MacBook Air M1
Released On: November 2020
Top Features: M1 chip.
Price: Started at $999
The Air model also got the M1 chip alongside the Pro models.
MacBook Pro M1 14-inch and 16-inch
Released On: October 2021
Top Features: Apple’s new M1 Pro and M1 Max chips.
Price: Started at $1,999 for 14-inch model
The 2021 version brings liquid retina XDR displays, 1080 Facetime camera, and MagSafe 3/
MacBook Air M2
Released On: July 2022
Top Features: The New M2 processor
Price: Started at $1,199
The Air M2 featured a Liquid Retina display, a 1080p Facetime camera, and a MagSafe 3.
MacBook Pro M2 13-inch
Released On: June 2022
Top Features: New M2 Processor
Price: $1,299
The M2 chip adds more power and a 720p camera.
MacBook Pro M2 14-inch and 16-inch
Released On: Jan 2023
Top Features: 8K display support, better battery, Wi-Fi 6E
Price: Started at $1,999
This model features advanced support, battery life, display, 1080p camera, XDR display, and more.
MacBook Air 15-inch
Released On: June 2023
Top Features: M2 Apple Silicon, liquid retina, 18 hours battery life, and fanless design.
Price: Started at $1,299
The 2015 Air model provides 500 nits of brightness, 1 billion colors, and better performance.
MacBook Pro M3 14-inch and 16-inch
Released On: November 2023
Top Features: New M3 Pro and M3 Max chips.
Price: $1,599 for 14 inch
A performance update with M3 chips.
Final Takeaway
These are the three decades of Apple MacBooks. They have been a significant part of many people’s lives, and most consider them their go-to tool.
We have discussed all the details, information, and pricing. If you want to sell your used MacBook, I would advise you to go for a newer version or consider second-hand deals. Doing so ensures you get the maximum security and stability, as the latest model may still be in beta.