MacBook Pro 13"
In 2009 Apple introduced the MacBook Pro 13" with the model name A1278 as a handier addition to the 15" Pro models. The design was almost the same as the MacBook Aluminium from 2008, model A1278, which was released as a MacBook (not Pro) - but it is hard to understand why these internally quite differently constructed models got the same model number A1278. Apple may have had reasons. Since the 2008 MacBook kind of belongs to the Pro series, it is listed here.
From late 2012 Apple has also brought the Retina series with the higher screen resolution into the 13" models. The resulting 13" model had the model name A1425 and was very similar to the 15" models - the first time two fans were installed inside, all other 13" models had only one fan.
The A1425 model is optically hardly distinguishable from the A1502 models, which were divided into the Late 2013 / Mid 2014 models and the 2015 model.
The models from 2016 on are not yet in our assortment, so they are missing in this description.
The MacBook Pro models from 2009 to 2012 and the MacBook from 2008 are identical at first glance and not so easy to distinguish. Only the 2008 MacBook differs from the other models when viewed from below: It has a two-part base plate that allows access to the battery and thus makes it easy to change the battery:
Externally, the models between 2009 and 2012 are almost indistinguishable, even the base plates are interchangeable - this means that if you have a used machine, you cannot necessarily rely on the specifications on the base plate to distinguish the models. To make a reliable distinction, the base plate must therefore be removed. Fortunately, this is very simple: it is held in place by only eight cross-head screws. Note: In the middle, the base plate is clicked into two small holders, so you have to apply a little force to loosen it.
If the base plate is open, there are a few criteria to identify the exact model.
In the 2009 and 2010 model the WLan/Bluetooth module is located under the hinge cover of the display, the cable is connected to the logicboard with a wide plug. The components of the 2009 and 2010 models are almost all compatible with each other - only the speaker that sits under the board and the mounting bracket that is screwed to the back of the keyboard differ. To be sure which model you have, you have to look at the board and possibly the EMC number:
The Early and Late 2011 model are basically identical, only the logicboard has been updated. The WLan/BT module is installed in the case above the DVD drive. The 2012 model of the A1278 can be recognized by the silver connector of the display.
Starting with the Late 2012 retina model A1425 Apple has used the slightly wider and less high MagSafe 2 connector for the power supply, so the retina models can be easily distinguished from their predecessors:
The external differentiation between A1425 and A1502 is at first sight quite difficult, the base plate must also be opened for clarity. A Pentalobe 1.2 screwdriver is required to remove the 10 screws. If you now have two fans in front of you, you have the A1425 model. All components of both A1425 models are compatible with each other. If only one fan is installed, you have the A1502 model. If there is a wide cover at one end of the connection cable to the in/out board, you have the 2015 model - this also has a wide silver cover over some chips. If both cable covers are narrow and the silver cover is missing, you have the Late 2013 or Mid 2014 model, whose parts are interchangeable.
Once again, the following models can be distinguished:
• MacBook A1278 (2008): Two-part base plate
• MacBook Pro A1278 2009 / 2010: wide connection for Wlan/BT/Webcam
• MacBook Pro A1278 Early / Late 2011: WLan/BT module installed above the DVD drive
• MacBook Pro A1278 Mid 2012: Silver display connector
• MacBook Pro Retina A1425: Two fans
• MacBook Pro Retina A1502 late 2013/early 2014: narrow cable cover
• MacBook Pro Retina A1502 late 2013/early 2014: Wide cable cover and shielded chip array