The MacBook Pro "Core i7" 3.1 13-Inch (Retina Display) features a 14 nm "Broadwell" 3.1 GHz Intel "Core i7" processor (5557U), with dual independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip, a 4 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), 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB of 4 Lane PCIe-based flash storage, 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.