Apple MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.9 13" Early 2015 Specs
Identifiers: Retina Early 2015 13" - MF841LL/A - MacBookPro12,1 - A1502 - 2835
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Please note that this model was discontinued as a standard configuration on October 27, 2016, but it still is possible to custom configure the entry-level model with a faster 2.9 GHz processor, effectively making it the same as this previously standard model.
The MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.9 13-Inch (Early 2015 Retina Display) features a 14 nm "Broadwell" 2.9 GHz Intel "Core i5" processor (5287U), with dual independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip, a 3 MB shared level 3 cache, 8 GB of onboard 1866 MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM (which could be upgraded to 16 GB at the time of purchase, but cannot be upgraded later), 512 GB of 4 Lane PCIe-based flash storage (standard prior to October 27, 2016), and an integrated Intel Iris Graphics 6100 graphics processor that shares memory with the system. It also has an integrated 720p FaceTime HD webcam, and a high-resolution LED-backlit 13.3" widescreen 2560x1600 (227 ppi) "Retina" display in a case that weighs just less than 3.5 pounds (1.58 kg). It does not have an internal optical drive.
Connectivity includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, two USB 3.0 ports, two "Thunderbolt 2" ports, an HDMI port, an audio in/out port, and an SDXC card slot.
In addition, this model has a backlit keyboard, a clever haptic-capable "Force Touch" trackpad and an internal, sealed battery that provides an Apple estimated 10 to 12 hours of battery life depending on use.
Compared to its predecessor, this model looks nearly identical externally, but it has a more advanced processor and architecture, more advanced graphics processor, faster RAM, a faster SSD, and a higher capacity battery as well as the aforementioned more advanced "Force Touch" trackpad.
Also see:
- What are all the differences between the 13-Inch "Early 2015" Retina Display MacBook Pro models? What are the differences between these models and the "Mid-2014" models replaced?
- What are all the differences between the 13-Inch "Early 2015" and the 15-Inch "Mid-2015" Retina Display MacBook Pro models?
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Expand All Details | Contract All Details| Introduction Date: | March 9, 2015 | Discontinued Date: | June 5, 2017* |
| Details: | The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended. *This model was discontinued as a standard configuration on October 27, 2016, but the available entry-level model still can be custom configured with the same processor as this model, essentially making it the same. Also see: All Macs introduced in 2015. |
| Processors: | 1 (2 Cores) | Architecture: | 64-Bit |
| Details: | Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort. |
| Geekbench 2 (32): | 8480 | Geekbench 2 (64): | 9632 |
| Details: | Geekbench 2 benchmarks are in 32-bit and 64-bit modes, respectively. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro12,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 3 (32): | 3093 | Geekbench 3 (32): | 6446 |
| Details: | These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro12,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 3 (64): | 3415 | Geekbench 3 (64): | 7259 |
| Details: | These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro12,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare 64-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 4 (SC): | 3716 | Geekbench 4 (MC): | 7050 |
| Details: | These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro12,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 5 (SC): | 762 | Geekbench 5 (MC): | 1617 |
| Details: | These Geekbench 5 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 5 benchmarks for the Mac are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro12,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Processor Speed: | 2.9 GHz | Processor Type: | Core i5 (I5-5287U) |
| Details: | This model is powered by a 14 nm, 64-bit "Fifth Generation" Intel Mobile Core i5 "Broadwell" (I5-5287U) processor which includes two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip. Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache, shares 3 MB of level 3 cache, and has an integrated memory controller (dual channel). This system also supports "Turbo Boost 2.0" -- which "automatically increases the speed of the active cores" to improve performance when needed (up to 3.3 GHz for this model) -- and "Hyper Threading" -- which allows the system to recognize four total "cores" or "threads" (two real and two virtual). Also see: How fast are the 13-Inch "Early 2015" MacBook Pro models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the models replaced? |
| Turbo Boost: | 3.3 GHz | Custom Speeds: | 3.1 GHz (i7) |
| Details: | *This model also could be custom configured with a dual core 3.1 GHz Core i7 (I7-5557U) for an extra US$200 prior to October 27, 2016. This Core i7 processor has a 4 MB level 3 cache and supports "Turbo Boost 2.0" up to 3.4 GHz as well as "Hyper Threading" -- which allows the system to recognize four total "cores" or "threads" (two real and two virtual)." EveryMac.com also has documented this custom Core i7 configuration as its own model. |
| Processor Upgrade: | Soldered | FPU: | Integrated |
| Details: | Also see: Can you upgrade the processor in the Retina Display MacBook Pro models? |
| System Bus Speed: | 5 GT/s (DMI2)* | Cache Bus Speed: | 2.9 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: | *This system has a "Direct Media Interface" -- specifically DMI2 -- that "connects between the processor and chipset" in lieu of a traditional system bus. Intel reports that it runs at 5 GT/s. |
| ROM/Firmware Type: | EFI | EFI Architecture: | 64-Bit |
| L1 Cache: | 32k/32k x2 | L2/L3 Cache: | 256k x2, 3 MB* |
| Details: | *Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 3 MB of shared level 3 cache. |
| RAM Type: | LPDDR3 SDRAM* | Min. RAM Speed: | 1866 MHz |
| Details: | Ships standard with 8 GB of 1866 MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM onboard. |
| Standard RAM: | 8 GB* | Maximum RAM: | 16 GB* |
| Details: | *8 GB of RAM is onboard by default, but it could be upgraded to 16 GB at the time of purchase at additional cost. RAM cannot be upgraded later. Also see: . |
| Motherboard RAM: | 8 GB* | RAM Slots: | None |
| Details: | *There are no RAM slots. 8 GB of RAM is onboard. It can be upgraded to 16 GB only at the time of purchase. |
| Video Card: | Iris Graphics 6100 | VRAM Type: | Integrated |
| Details: | This model has an Intel Iris 6100 graphics processor that shares memory with the system. |
| Standard VRAM: | 1.5 GB* | Maximum VRAM: | 1.5 GB* |
| Details: | *Apple reports that this model uses Intel Iris Graphics 6100 and allocates up to 1.5 GB of system memory for video function. |
| Built-in Display: | 13.3" Widescreen | Native Resolution: | 2560x1600 |
| Details: | This model has a 13.3" color widescreen LED-backlit display with IPS technology with a 2560 by 1600 native resolution at 227 ppi (178-degree viewing angle). It also supports scaled resolutions of 1680 by 1050, 1440 by 900, and 1024 by 640. Also see: How can you "force" or "hack" the Retina Display MacBook Pro models to run at the native resolution or otherwise fit more on screen than by default? In the US, site sponsor AppleParts.io offers mail-in repair services, as well as parts for do-it-yourself repair for this this MacBook Pro. In the UK, site sponsor ALB Repair offers component-level logic board repair, display repair, and other repair services for this MacBook Pro. No fix, no fee! In Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by mail repair services include the display, battery, keyboard, motherboard, and more for this MacBook Pro. In Hong Kong, site sponsor iCertified provides well-reviewed repair services for the display, logic board, battery, water damage, and more, all with a 180-day warranty; free diagnostics and estimates; and optional pickup and delivery for this MacBook Pro. |
| 2nd Display Support: | Dual/Mirroring* | 2nd Max. Resolution: | 3840x2160 (x2*) |
| Details: | *This model supports a simultaneous maximum resolution up to 3840x2160 on two external displays via Thunderbolt 2. Alternately, it can support a single display up to 3840x2160 via Thunderbolt 2 and a single 1080p display at up to 60 Hz, 3840x2160 at 30 Hz, or 4096x2160 at 24 Hz via HDMI. Also see: How many external displays can the Retina Display MacBook Pro models support? What is the maximum supported resolution of each? Are adapters required? |
| Standard Storage: | 512 GB SSD* | Std. Storage Speed: | 643.6 MB/s/1.3 GB/s* |
| Details: | This model has 512 GB of flash storage by default prior to October 27, 2016, but also could be custom configured at the time of purchase with 1 TB of flash storage for an additional US$500. On October 27, 2016, Apple discontinued the stock 512 GB configuration (MF841LL/A) and added the option to custom configure the entry-level model with 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB of SSD storage for US$200, US$400, or US$800, respectively. *Third-party tests using the Blackmagic benchmark report write speeds of 643.6 MB/s and read speeds of 1.3 GB/s. Apple does not intend for one to upgrade the storage after purchase, but it is quite possible. Also see: How do you upgrade or replace the storage in the 13-Inch Retina Display "Early 2015" MacBook Pro? Is it the same storage and process as other Retina Display MacBook Pro models? Is it possible? In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Pro. In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Pro. In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Pro. Also see: . |
| Storage Dimensions: | Proprietary | Storage Interface: | Proprietary* (PCIe 3.0 x4) |
| Details: | *As documented by site sponsor OWC, this model shipped with a proprietary PCIe-based SSD. |
| Standard Optical: | None* | Standard Disk: | None |
| Details: | *This MacBook Pro does not have an internal optical drive. Site sponsor Adorama offers the external Apple USB SuperDrive for US$79. It writes DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL at 4X, DVD-R and DVD+R at 8X, DVD-RW at 6X, DVD+RW at 8X, reads DVD at 8X, writes CD-R at 24X, writes CD-RW at 16X, and reads CD at 24X. Site sponsor Other World Computing also has a variety of compact external optical drive options that may be of interest, including some with Blu-ray capability. Also see: What are the full capabilities of the external SuperDrive available for this MacBook Pro? Can it be used with other Macs? |
| Standard Modem: | None | Standard Ethernet: | None* |
| Details: | *This model does not have an internal Ethernet port. However, an Apple Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet adapter is available. |
| Standard AirPort: | 802.11ac | Standard Bluetooth: | 4.0 |
| Details: | 802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n compatible) and Bluetooth 4.0 standard. Also see: What is 802.11ac? How is it different from 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n? |
| USB Ports: | 2 (3.0) | Firewire Ports: | None |
| Details: | Two USB 3.0 ports (up to 5 Gbps). It does not have a Firewire port although an Apple Thunderbolt to Firewire adapter is available. |
| Expansion Slots: | SDXC Card Slot | Expansion Bays: | None |
| Details: | This model has an SDXC card slot. No expansion bays are provided. In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a wide variety of external expansion options and accessories, including docks, adapters, cables, input devices, cases, and more for this MacBook Pro. Also see: Which SD Card storage solution is best for the Retina Display MacBook Pro? Which models are compatible? Is this type of storage safe? |
| Incl. Keyboard: | Full-size | Incl. Input: | Trackpad (Force Touch) |
| Details: | Apple reports that the integrated keyboard has "78 (US) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys, 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement) with ambient light sensor." The "Force Touch" trackpad offers "precise cursor control and pressure-sensing capabilities; enables Force clicks, accelerators, pressure-sensitive drawing, and Multi-Touch gestures." |
| Case Type: | Notebook | Form Factor: | 13" MacBook Pro (Early 2015) |
| Details: | This MacBook Pro uses a thin black and silver "unibody" case design milled from a single piece of aluminum with a "catchless" magnetic latch. |
| Apple Order No: | MF841LL/A | Apple Subfamily: | Retina Early 2015 13" |
| Details: | This Apple order number refers to the standard configuration introduced on March 9, 2015 and discontinued October 27, 2016. It should be unique to this system. |
| Apple Model No: | A1502 (EMC 2835) | Model ID: | MacBookPro12,1 |
| Details: | Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model. Also see: All Macs with the A1502 Model Number, the 2835 EMC Number, and the MacBookPro12,1 Model Identifier. For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section. |
| Battery Type: | 74.9 W h Li-Poly | Battery Life: | 10-12 Hours |
| Details: | Apple reports that this model has a "74.9-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery" that provides "up to 10 hours of wireless web" use and "up to 12 hours of iTunes movie playback". It cannot be upgraded by an end-user. Also see: How do you replace the battery in the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro? Is it possible? In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells quality batteries for this MacBook Pro. In the UK, site sponsor Flexx is a local distributor of OWC batteries for this MacBook Pro. |
| Pre-Installed MacOS: | X 10.10.2 (14C2507) | Maximum MacOS: | 12.x (Monterey)* |
| Details: | *This system fully supports the final version of OS X 10.10 "Yosemite," OS X 10.11 "El Capitan," macOS Sierra (10.12), and macOS High Sierra (10.13). Running macOS High Sierra (10.13) or later, it supports HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding), but it does not support hardware accelerated HEVC. This model is compatible with the final version of macOS Mojave (10.14), macOS Catalina (10.15), and macOS Big Sur (macOS 11), as well. It additionally supports the final version of macOS Monterey (macOS 12), but it does not support Universal Control, AirPlay to Mac, or Low Power Mode in addition to the more minor Spatial Audio, Portrait Mode, 3D Landmarks, and Interactive Globe features. It does not support macOS Ventura (macOS 13) or later. Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS Monterey (macOS 12)? What are the system requirements? What are the major new features? Do all features work with all supported Macs? |
| Minimum Windows: | 8 (64-Bit)* | Maximum Windows: | 10 (64-Bit)* |
| Details: | *The pre-installed version of Apple's Boot Camp BCA supports the 64-bit version of Windows 8. Boot Camp 6 supports the 64-bit version of Windows 10. Earlier versions of Windows are not supported. |
| MacOS 9 Support: | None | Windows Support: | Boot/Virtualization |
| Details: | Also see: Are there any third-party programs to run Mac OS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs? For more on running Windows on Intel Macs, please refer to the exhaustive . |
| Dimensions: | 0.71 x 12.35 x 8.62 | Avg. Weight: | 3.48 lbs (1.58 kg) |
| Details: | In inches while closed - height by width by depth, (1.8 cm, 31.4 cm, 21.9 cm). |
| Original Price (US): | US$1799* | Est. Current Retail: | US$300-US$400 |
| Details: | *US$1799 is the price as shipped on March 9, 2015 with a 512 GB SSD. If custom configured starting on October 27, 2016 with a 512 GB it is the same price. However, it also could cost between US$1399-US$2199 depending on the SSD chosen. Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated). Photo Credit: Apple Computer. |
Click on a category for additional details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. The icons correspond with the icons for each port on the computer.
Expand All Details | Contract All DetailsGlobal original prices for the MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.9 13" Early 2015 in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.
For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.
Original Prices - North & South America
| Mexico: | MXN $31,999 | United States: | US$1799* |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: | €1999 | Belgium: | €1999 |
| Denmark: | DKK 15,499 | Finland: | €2049 |
| France: | €1999 | Germany: | €1999 |
| Luxembourg: | €1932,92 | Netherlands: | €1999 |
| Norway: | NOK 17.590 | Portugal: | €2049 |
| Spain: | €1999 | Sweden: | SEK 19.995 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: | RMB 12,898 | Hong Kong: | HK$13,888 |
| India: | Rs 129,900 | Indonesia: | Rp 24,999,000 |
| Japan: | ¥208,800 | Korea: | KRW 2,190,000 |
| Singapore: | S$2,388 | Taiwan: | NT$57,900 |
| Thailand: | THB 59,900 | Vietnam: | VND 41,999,000 |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: | A$2499 | New Zealand: | NZ$2799 |
If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the MacBook Pro models follow.
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Please note that this model was discontinued as a standard configuration on October 27, 2016, but it still is possible to custom configure the entry-level model with a faster 2.9 GHz processor, effectively making it the same as this previously standard model.
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