This article is about the Apple notebook computer called "MacBook" sold until February 2012. For the current notebook computer, see MacBook (Retina).MacBookThe original white MacBook
Developer Apple Inc.
Type Laptop
Release date May 16, 2006 (original release)
April 19, 2016 (latest model)
Discontinued

July 20, 2011 (consumer sales)[1]
February 2012 (educational sales)[2]

CPU

Intel Core 2 Duo (last model)
Intel Core Duo (original release)

Predecessor iBook G4
Successor MacBook (Retina)
Related articles MacBook Air, MacBook Pro

The MacBook is a brand of notebook computers manufactured by Apple Inc. from early 2006 to late 2011, and relaunched in 2015. It replaced the iBook series and 12-inch PowerBook series of notebooks as a part of the Apple-Intel transition from PowerPC. Positioned as the low end of the MacBook family, below the premium ultra-portable MacBook Air and the powerfulMacBook Pro,[3] the MacBook was aimed at the consumer and education markets.[4] It was the best-selling Macintosh ever. For five months in 2008, it was the best-selling laptop of any brand in US retail stores.[5] Collectively, the MacBook brand is the "world's top-selling line of premium laptops."[6]

There have been four separate designs of the MacBook. The original model used a combination of polycarbonate andfiberglass casing which was modeled after the iBook G4. The second type was introduced in October 2008 alongside the 15-inch MacBook Pro; the MacBook shared the more expensive laptop's unibody aluminum casing, but omitted FireWire, which hurt sales.[7][not in citation given] A third design, introduced in late 2009, had a polycarbonate unibody casing and no FireWire ports.

On July 20, 2011, the MacBook was quietly discontinued for consumer purchase as it had been effectively superseded by the MacBook Air whose starting price was lowered.[8] Apple continued to sell the MacBook to educational institutions until February 2012.[1][2]

A new, redesigned MacBook line was launched on March 9, 2015. Available in silver, gold or space grey, it is thinner than the MacBook Air and removes the traditional MagSafe charging port (along with all other ports, except the headphone jack) in favor of the multi-purpose USB Type-C port. It also features a Retina Display.

On April 19, 2016, Apple updated the 12-inch Retina MacBook with new sixth-generation Intel Core M processors, longer battery life and a new rose gold option.[9]