These models re-introduced elements from previous revisions which were removed in the 2016 Touch Bar 15-inch and 13-inch MacBook Pro, such as MagSafe and hardware function keys.

[6] The FaceTime camera remains 720p, but Apple advertises an improved image signal processor (ISP) that came with the M1 for higher quality video.

The 13-inch Touch Bar MacBook Pro was discontinued on October 30, 2023, in favor of an entry-level 14-inch model with the base M3 chip and two Thunderbolt ports.

Apple later confirmed to The Verge that the M2 MacBook Air with the same 256 GB storage also lacked a second NAND chip.

Other additions include a 1000 nit Mini LED Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion supporting variable refresh rates up to 120 Hz, thinner display bezels and a 1080p FaceTime webcam housed in an iPhone-like notch, Wi-Fi 6, Thunderbolt 4, and a six-speaker sound system supporting Dolby Atmos.

[22] 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.[23] On January 17, 2023, Apple announced the updated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models based on the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips.

Online reviewers such Justine Ezarik (iJustine), Emily 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.

[31][32] 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.

[33] iFixit gave the models a repairability score of 4/10, compared to just 1/10 for the Touch Bar MacBook Pro, saying that 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).