The MacBook was Apple's best-selling laptop, yet it was defined by its plastic shell.

Cultures · Published 9 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Between 2006 and 2012, the MacBook served as the entry-level gateway to the Apple ecosystem. While it eventually became the company's best-selling Mac, it occupied a complex middle ground between the premium MacBook Pro and the ultra-portable Air, undergoing three distinct design evolutions before its final retirement.

Launched in May 2006 to replace the iBook, the original MacBook was a pivotal part of Apple's transition from PowerPC to Intel processors. It introduced several design signatures that would become standard for the brand, including the glossy display, the sunken keyboard, and the magnetic MagSafe power connector. Unlike its predecessor, the iBook, the polycarbonate MacBook was designed for user accessibility; owners could replace the hard drive simply by removing the battery and a dedicated RAM door.

The product line saw three major design phases. The first utilized a polycarbonate and fiberglass casing, available in black or white. In October 2008, Apple introduced a unibody aluminum model that mirrored the aesthetic of the MacBook Pro but notably lacked a FireWire port. By late 2009, the line shifted back to a white polycarbonate unibody design, which featured a rubberized non-slip base and a multi-touch glass trackpad. This final iteration remained in production for educational institutions until February 2012.

Despite its commercial success, the MacBook faced criticism regarding its display quality and port selection. Reviewers often noted that its screens lacked the color depth and viewing angles of the higher-end MacBook Pro. Furthermore, the removal of FireWire ports in later models caused friction for users who relied on Target Disk Mode for repairs. The line was also marked by specific hardware issues, including peeling rubber bases on unibody models, fraying MagSafe adapters, and the iSeeYou vulnerability, which could potentially allow unauthorized access to the iSight camera.

By July 2011, Apple discontinued the MacBook for consumer purchase, as the MacBook Air had become a more affordable and capable alternative. While the MacBook was the last Mac to feature a plastic shell, it left a lasting legacy as a high-volume machine that brought Apple's industrial design language to the mass market. Today, all models from this era are considered obsolete by Apple.

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