The MacBook Pro Retina "Core i7" (Quad-Core) 15-Inch is powered by a 22nm, 64-bit "Fourth Generation" 2.3 Ghz Intel Mobile Core i7 "Haswell/Crystalwell" Processor. It also boasts four independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip, with 256k level cache and shares 6MB level 3 cache on each core. The MacBook Pro Retina is equipped with 256GB Storage, 512GB or 1TB as standard, an integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics processor that shares memory with the system, as well as an integrated 720p FaceTime HD webcam.

Connectivity includes 3-stream AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g), Bluetooth 4.0, two USB 3.0 ports, two "Thunderbolt" ports, an HDMI port, an audio in/out port, and an SDXC card slot. It does not have Gigabit Ethernet or Firewire "800," although adapters are available at extra cost.

In addition, this model has a Full Size backlit keyboard, a "no button" glass "inertial" multi-touch trackpad, a "MagSafe 2" power adapter, and an internal, sealed battery that provides an Apple estimated 7 hours of battery life, dependant on previous usage.