List of Macintosh models by case type

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This list of Macintosh models by case type contains all case designs used by Apple Inc. for its Macintosh computers. The list is sectioned by general case layout, but inside the sections the order is chronological. Models that used multiple names (like most Performas) are listed only once. Where available, the "form factor" from Apple's datasheets has been used to determine the case designation and the computers that used it. For all-in-one models and notebooks that have the same basic case design, but differ in size, just one type is listed. Also, some models that differ only slightly or internally are listed together, like the two iMac G3s and the Power Mac G4s.

Contents

All-in-one

"All-in-one" in the Macintosh sense means that the display is integrated in the computer case. The keyboard and mouse always remained detachable.

Desktop

The Macintosh II series were the first Macintoshes designed to be placed under the monitor. Apple's most recent desktop offering, the Mac mini, is meant to be set alongside the monitor.

Tower

Portable

"Portable" in this case means computers that are able to run on internal batteries - modern computers like the Mac mini are arguably more portable than the "luggable" Macintosh Portable, but have no integrated batteries. All modern portable Macintoshes use the notebook design, which the PowerBook series helped to establish.

Rackmount

"Rackmount" computers use cases that are designed to be screwed into a standard 19-inch rack, a form factor that is mostly used for servers. The Xserve series and Rackmount-configured Mac Pro (3rd generation) are the only Macintosh models ever specifically designed in this way. They can have wheels, and be racks or towers.

See also

Notes

  1. 1 2 Available in various colors.
  2. Slightly modified with 1) the optical drive changed from tray-loading to slot-loading, 2) outer case changed from matte finish to glossy finish and 3) headphone jacks moved from right to left
  3. Available with 15-, 17- and 20-inch screens.
  4. Available with 17- and 20-inch screens.
  5. Thinner than the original iMac G5 case, with a curved back and integrated iSight camera; available with 17-, 20- and 24-inch (one model only) screens.
  6. Distinguishable from iMac G5s by its slimmer, aluminum case and aluminum border around the screen. Available in 20- and 24-inch models, both with 16:10 aspect ratio.
  7. Thinner than the original aluminum iMac and made from an aluminum unibody. Available in 21.5- and 27-inch screens with a 16:9 aspect ratio.
  8. The current iMac, even thinner than the unibody iMac with a screen that is fully laminated to the glass. Available in 21.5- and 27-inch screens, including "4K" and "5K" resolutions, respectively. First iMac without an optical drive.
  9. A professional level iMac with Intel Xeon processors. Comes with a Space Grey finish and a 27-inch screen.
  10. The case is flipped on its side, creating a minitower.
  11. Although this case was introduced with the Performa 600 and 600CD, which were introduced 5 weeks before the IIvi and IIvx, Apple uses the "IIvx" as the form factor designation.
  12. Although this case was introduced with the Power Macintosh 7200, which was introduced on the same date as the 7500, Apple uses the "Power Macintosh 7500" as the form factor designation. This case is unofficially known as the "Outrigger".
  13. The original Mac mini does not have an IR sensor at the side of the optical drive; in addition, the back connector layout was changed heavily several times
  14. Only one model was available with a built-in SuperDrive.
  15. The case is modified, with the floppy drive slot moved to the bottom.
  16. The Power Macintosh 7200 in a Quadra 800 case.
  17. This case is a taller version of the Quadra 800 case.
  18. This case is a shorter version of the Power Macintosh 9600 case.
  19. Same case, however the G3 uses a blue outer case, while G4 uses a graphite outer case.
  20. Distinguished from Power Mac G5 by its twin optical drives and different arrangement of ports.
  21. Uses a touchpad instead of a trackball.
  22. Available in 12.1- and 14.1-inch diagonal size.
  23. Uses an opaque keyboard and slot-in optical drive.
  24. Available in 12.1-, 15.2- and 17-inch diagonal size.
  25. Available in 15.4- and 17-inch diagonal size.
  26. Available in black or white.
  27. Available in 13.3- (MacBook, later MacBook Pro), 15.4- and 17-inch (MacBook Pro) diagonal size. The 17-inch model has a fixed battery, as have the second revision 13.3-inch and 15.4 models.
  28. Available in 12- (MacBook Retina), 13.3- and 15.4-inch (MacBook Pro) diagonal size. The MacBook has only one USB type C port, the MacBook Pro have two or four Thunderbolt 3-enabled USB-C ports. The low end 13.1-inch MacBook Pro does not have the Touch Bar.
  29. Later models of the Xserve G4 use a slot-in CD-ROM, like the Xserve G5.

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