Apple MacBook Pro 13 2016 (2.9 GHz)
Specifications
Price comparison
Average of 34 scores (from 58 reviews)
Reviews for the Apple MacBook Pro 13 2016 (2.9 GHz)
The better 13-inch Pro? The MacBook Pro 13 Touch Bar is Apple's new 13-inch flagship model. Besides the obvious OLED display above the keyboard, however, there are more differences compared to the entry-level model with function keys. Is it worth the $300 premium?
Source: Trusted Reviews Archive.org version
As you'll have seen in our long-term review on the first page, battery life inconsistencies might be a problem, but equally might not affect you at all. At worst you're looking at a six-hour machine. With such great processing performance, I think it's an acceptable, if slightly annoying compromise, but not everyone will agree.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 05/25/2017
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 80% performance: 80% display: 100% mobility: 80% workmanship: 90%
Source: Techradar Archive.org version
To say the new MacBook Pro is a massive improvement over the previous model would be an understatement. It's more portable and more powerful, not to mention more enjoyable to use. But it's tough to justify the premium for that Touch Bar, no matter how cool it is.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 04/20/2017
Source: PC Authority Archive.org version
Despite the pangs of loss for SD card slots and traditional USB, these are without question the most refined, high-end laptops that I’ve ever used. If you can stomach the increased prices and single-minded connectivity, and you just so happen to be sold on the macOS way of doing things, then there’s simply nothing to touch them. And even if you’re a die-hard Windows fan, don’t be afraid – the new MacBook Pros might be just the change you’ve been waiting for.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/23/2017
Rating: Total score: 100%
Source: Trusted Reviews Archive.org version
Apple’s back with a bang. The MacBook Pro with Touch Bar comes close to computing perfection.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/26/2017
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 80% performance: 80% display: 100% mobility: 80% workmanship: 90%
Source: Gadgets Now Archive.org version
Built for professionals and enthusiast, the Apple Macbook Pro 13-inch with touch bar does hit all the right cords when it comes to the performance, sound, battery and the (not-so-gimmicky) touch bar. The design is very Apple, yet modern. Yes, it did give us a hard time when we wanted to connect USB drives to it and we had to scramble to find a hub. Then there is the price, which is on the (very-very) high side. This one costs a whopping Rs 1,72,900. Well, if the price wasn't as exorbitant and premium as this we wouldn't call it Apple, would we?
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/17/2017
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
This is a fast machine, of course, but maybe not quite fast enough for some tastes; it's worth reflecting on that maximum spec of 16GB of RAM, which may hold this machine back from a role in genuine pro settings. We're somewhat hopeful for a March update to add the option of more RAM and Kaby Lake processors.
Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/11/2017
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Macworld.co.uk Archive.org version
You want the Touch Bar MacBook Pro. We do, everyone does. But if you want a MacBook Pro this year, the decision is less simple, and weirdly so. At £1,449, the base MacBook Pro isn’t a by definition ‘cheap’ alternative, it is merely ‘cheaper’. If you want cutting edge Apple tech and Touch Bar apps, there is one obvious but expensive choice. You’ll love it though.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/02/2017
Source: Venture Beat Archive.org version
Either way, in the coming years Apple will inevitably enhance this laptop just like it does all of its products. When that happens — when it gets new chips and longer battery life, and when there are thousands of apps that integrate with the Touch Bar — the MacBook Pro will be a better choice.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/01/2017
Source: India Today Archive.org version
The Apple MacBook Pro is undoubtedly the most powerful computing device you can rest on your laps, you will get used to the TouchBar and the lack of more traditional ports. There aren’t many other laptops that excel at so many different aspects.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/30/2016
Source: The Indian Express Archive.org version
There are changes to the keyboard beyond the Touch Bar. The keys now coming with a new butterfly mechanism. It does feel different compared to my MacBook Air. The response is different, and I’m not sure it’s so in a good way. The keys seem to hit a flat at the end of its travel, and send a small kick up the fingers, which will take some getting used to. Meanwhile, the trackpad has become really big and easy to work with. This large trackpad has been incorporated to let users easily drag stuff from one end of the screen to the other. See, Microsoft, you don’t always need a touchscreen.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/20/2016
Source: Notebookreview.com Archive.org version
The things that make the new MacBook Pro appealing are the things that casual users looking for a family PC might like; a pretty screen, good speakers, snappy overall performance, and a design that’s thinner and lighter than the previous MacBook Pro. In short, Apple made a slightly better MacBook … and a worse MacBook Pro.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/15/2016
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: The Guardian Archive.org version
The 13in MacBook Pro could be a wonderful computer, but it isn’t. Is it great to use? Absolutely, it’s brilliant, it’s beautiful, it’s almost everything Apple said it was, I absolutely love it … until it runs out of battery. Or you have to dig out yet another dongle to use a sodding USB flash drive, or a card reader, or attach a display. Or you realise that you spent a month’s mortgage money on a computer and are having your house repossessed.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/12/2016
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: It Pro Archive.org version
Much like with its iPhone range, Apple has gradually stripped laptop design down to its elemental form. The latest MacBook Pro has jettisoned everything that doesn't absolutely need to be there and, with the slight exception of the Touch Bar, hasn't added anything new.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/05/2016
Rating: Total score: 100%
Source: Trusted Reviews Archive.org version
All that, plus the same amazing build, screen, keyboard and touchpad as the base model and you have, quite simply, the best laptop on the planet right now. It doesn’t get the full five stars because I still have concerns about the awkward Thunderbolt decisions Apple has made – but make no mistake, this is the best laptop I’ve used this year.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/02/2016
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 80% performance: 80% display: 100% mobility: 80% workmanship: 90%
Source: New Atlas Archive.org version
The new 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar is available now, starting at $1,800 for this model that has a Core i5 processor, 256 GB storage and 8 GB RAM.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/24/2016
Source: Digital Trends Archive.org version
We’re disappointed with Apple’s vision of cutting-edge computing. With the new MacBook Pro, Apple has ignored the best features offered by its competitors, while also introducing a Touch Bar of questionable use. The MacBook Pro 13 with Touch Bar is a great Mac – but it’s no longer a great laptop.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/23/2016
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: Trusted Reviews Archive.org version
Comfortably the best choice if you want quality, performance and portability in one, and it’s even decent value as Apple products go.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/23/2016
Rating: Total score: 100% price: 90% performance: 90% display: 100% mobility: 90% workmanship: 100%
Source: Stuff TV Archive.org version
It might become really useful in the future, too, but it’s not there yet. When that day comes, this version of the MacBook Pro could become the pick of the range, but for now we’d recommend going entry-level - or taking a look at the big daddy 15in model.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/23/2016
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Pocket Lint Archive.org version
The MacBook Pro has lots of things going for it. We love the keyboard, the trackpad, the screen, the performance, and the inclusion of the Touch ID sensor.
Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/17/2016
Source: Good Gear Guide Archive.org version
Even so, Apple says that sales of the new model have been brisk, and delivery dates are already stretching into December. So someone is buying these things. Just take a look at excited buyers on this Macrumors forum trying to figure out when their new laptops will arrive. (The 15-in. model I ordered 10 minutes after the Oct. 27 event ended is set to arrive Thursday. I got the shipping notice yesterday.)
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/15/2016
Source: CNet Archive.org version
Apple's smart, useful Touch Bar makes it well worth splurging on the step-up version of the streamlined 13-inch MacBook Pro.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/14/2016
Rating: Total score: 86% performance: 80% mobility: 90% workmanship: 90%
Source: Recode Archive.org version
The new 13-inch MacBooks — even the base model without the Touch Bar — are costly. And they may make pro users unhappy. But, for everyday Mac lovers — users of the Air or maybe the older low-end Pro — they are now your only thin, modern option with a full-fledged processor. The Touch Bar has potential, but it’s not magic. The battery isn’t likely to deliver on Apple’s claims. You can’t count on liking the keyboard. But, if you’re a Mac devotee ready to move past the Air — not back to a lower-powered MacBook — this is what Apple is offering. Take it or leave it.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/14/2016
Source: Computerworld.com Archive.org version
The launch of this year's MacBook Pro caused a lot of consternation among the Mac faithful, with complaints focused on higher prices, the wholesale move to USB-C, storage limits on entry-level models and a 16GB ceiling on RAM. Those latter two prompted my colleague, Computerworld freelance writer Michael deAgonia, to go on an extended rant during my "Mingis on Tech" show. (See the video below.) He's not alone; columnist Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols has doubts as well.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/14/2016
Source: Wired Magazine Archive.org version
The new MacBook Pro is a terrific laptop and, like the super-skinny MacBook, a clear indication of where most of the computing world is going. But comes with growing pains while your workflow and other devices adjust to a new way of doing things. I can eke another nine months or so out of my old Pro before springing for the upgrade. You probably can too. But we all need to start getting ready for the one-port, no-wires, un-repairable future now, because it’s coming.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/14/2016
Source: PC Mag Archive.org version
For the Mac faithful: Should you upgrade from an older MacBook Pro? Yes, provided you're willing to move from USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 2 devices to USB-C–Thunderbolt 3. If you have a 2014 or 2015 MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, you should probably hold off, unless you really, really want the Touch Bar. The benefits of the new processor and screen alone aren't worth the trouble of getting used to the new keyboard and USB-C interface. If you're considering the base-level MacBook Pro, we think it's worth the extra $300 for this model, for its faster processor and the Touch Bar's potential utility. And if you need a larger screen, the 15-inch MacBook Pro might be the right choice, since it delivers more memory, a powerful Core i7 processor, and discrete AMD Radeon graphics, but it will cost you at least $2,499.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/14/2016
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Laptop Mag Archive.org version
The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar offers a fresh way to interact with apps, as well as more ports and speed than the base model, but the experience doesn't yet justify the premium.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/11/2016
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Trusted Reviews Archive.org version
The 13-inch MacBook Pro is the best-designed laptop in the world, without question. But this base-spec model is unbalanced: it costs too much for how fast it is compared to the competition and it has too few ports. Apple will be hoping the version with Touch Bar is a more attractive proposition.
User Review, online available, Length Unknown, Date: 11/11/2016
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 70% performance: 70% display: 100% mobility: 90% workmanship: 90%
Source: Good Gear Guide Archive.org version
For someone in my shoes, this 13-inch MacBook Pro is preferable to the 12-inch MacBook in Apple’s current lineup, and a solid replacement for my aging 13-inch MacBook Air. Its speed gains over the early 2015 13-inch MacBook Pro are marginal, but the graphics performance is much improved. If this machine isn’t Pro enough to do your best work, the Touch Bar models (especially the 15-inch version) have better specs—or you could try to hold out even longer for next year’s models, which will hopefully have Kaby Lake processors and perhaps 32GB of RAM.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/08/2016
Source: Computer Shopper Archive.org version
With its solid feel, bright bold screen, clean lines, large touch pad, and svelte three-pound frame, Apple's new entry-level MacBook Pro is a very good light laptop. If you've been waiting for a Retina-screen replacement for the 13-inch MacBook Air, it's well worth considering, since a redesign of that laptop seems unlikely, at least anytime soon.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/04/2016
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Computerworld.com Archive.org version
In short, from the beautiful design to the updated internals there really is a lot to like -- even without the Touch Bar. I've only had a few days to try out the 13-in. MacBook Pro, but I can already tell that while it may not be revolutionary, it's more than an evolution.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/04/2016
Source: New Atlas Archive.org version
The new 13-inch MacBook Pro without Touch Bar costs $1,500 and is available now. Touch Bar models, which we'll review in November, start at $1,800.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/31/2016
Source: Laptop Mag Archive.org version
The new MacBook Pro is an excellent ultraportable with a brighter display, more compact design, and superb battery life, but it's not the fastest.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/30/2016
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Zdnet.com Archive.org version
One of the biggest pain points of relying on the Apple TV as your sole entertainment console (which I do) is trying to decide what to watch and in what app to watch it.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/27/2016
Foreign Reviews
Source: Stiftung Warentest - 4/2017
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 03/01/2017
Rating: Total score: 89% performance: 89% display: 90% mobility: 96%
Source: HardwareLuxx DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/24/2017
Source: MobiFlip DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/08/2017
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Golem DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/16/2016
Source: Computerbild - 26/2016
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 12/15/2016
Rating: Total score: 89%
Source: c't - 01/2017
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 12/01/2016
Source: Mac Life - 01/2017
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 12/01/2016
Rating: Total score: 95%
Source: Computer Magazin - 1/2017
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 12/01/2016
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: MuyComputer ES→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/13/2016
Rating: Total score: 90% display: 100% mobility: 90% workmanship: 90%
Source: Xataka ES→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/25/2016
Rating: Total score: 90% performance: 88% display: 98% mobility: 85% workmanship: 95% ergonomy: 88%
Source: Pplware PT→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Smart Touch Bar; fast fingerprint sensor; excellent display. Negative: High price.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 12/13/2016
Source: Webnews.it IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/12/2016
Rating: Total score: 84% price: 78% performance: 83% workmanship: 90%
Source: Geek 4 You IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/12/2016
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: HDblog.it IT→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Good hardware; nice screen; excellent display; smart Touch bar. Negative: No card reader; high price.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/30/2016
Source: CNet France FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/05/2016
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: Chip Online TR TR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 03/03/2017
Rating: Total score: 84%
Source: Ixbt RU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Solid workmanship; nice display; decent speakers. Negative: Relatively high price.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 03/03/2017
Source: Notebook-Center.ru RU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Impressive Touch Bar; excellent display; long battery life. Negative: High price.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/09/2017
Source: Ixbt RU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Compact size; solid workmanship; fast system; comfortable keyboard; excellent screen; good speakers; smart Touch Bar. Negative: High price; low autonomy.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 02/07/2017
Source: Tinh Te VN→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Slim size and lightweight; excellent screen; very high autonomy. Negative: No memory card slot; no optical drive; few ports.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 12/04/2016
Source: PC Online.com.cn zh-CN→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 12/01/2016
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Tek.no NO→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/30/2016
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Alt om Data DA→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 03/30/2017
Rating: price: 50% performance: 70% display: 90% mobility: 90%
Comment
Intel Iris Graphics 550: Integrated GPU (GT3e) with 48 EUs and dedicated eDRAM memory found on some Skylake CPU models (28 W series).
Modern games should be playable with these graphics cards at low settings and resolutions. Casual gamers may be happy with these cards.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
6267U: Skylake-based dual-core processor for notebooks and ultrabooks. Offers an integrated Iris Graphics 550 GPU with eDRAM memory and is manufactured in 14 nm.» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.
13.30":
There are hardly any tablets in this display size range anymore. For subnotebooks, on the other hand, it is the standard format.
The advantage of subnotebooks is that the entire laptop can be small and therefore easily portable. The smaller display also has the advantage of requiring less power, which further improves battery life and thus mobility. The disadvantage is that reading texts is more strenuous on the eyes. High resolutions are more likely to be found in standard laptops.
» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.Apple: Apple is a US company founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, the company is known for its innovative products such as the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, and manufactures computers and consumer electronics as well as operating systems and application software. Apple is also a leading provider of software and services such as the App Store, iTunes and iCloud.
Apple has earned a reputation as a company that focuses on design and ease of use. As for their notebooks, they are mostly in the high-priced segment, have their own operating system, but also run Windows on the newer Macbooks.
Apple is one of the most valuable companies in the world and has a loyal following of customers and fans. The company also has a strong presence in the entertainment industry, with services like Apple Music and Apple TV+. In 2023, Apple had an approximate 8% market share of global PC sales, ranking it 4th after Lenovo, HP, and Dell.
83.22%: This rating is slightly above average, there are somewhat more devices with worse ratings. However, clear purchase recommendations look different.
» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.