MacBook (2000–2011) History – Part I

💻 Post-Millennium Apple Laptop Timeline

Steve Jobs returned to Cupertino in 1997; became permanent CEO in 2000

Between 2001 and 2003, Apple’s marketing campaign was laser-focused on positioning the Mac as the creative, stylish, and forward-thinking alternative to the beige-box world of PCs. This period marked a turning point in Apple’s brand identity, as it leaned heavily into “Think Different” messaging while showcasing sleek industrial design, innovation, and integration across hardware and software. Apple placed particular emphasis on its iLife suite—including iTunes, iMovie, and iPhoto—which it bundled with every Mac, promoting the computer as a complete digital hub for music, video, and photography in a rapidly expanding digital lifestyle.

During this era, Apple also shifted from niche tech advertising to more mainstream, emotionally resonant campaigns. Notably, the company debuted iPod + iTunes ads with bold silhouettes dancing against vibrant colored backgrounds, creating instant cultural recognition. Meanwhile, Mac ads highlighted the elegance and simplicity of OS X, PowerBook laptops, and the iMac G4 (“sunflower” design). In keynotes and print materials alike, Apple emphasized beauty, minimalism, and seamless integration—qualities that would soon become synonymous with its brand worldwide.

• 2000 – PowerBook G3 “Pismo”
  Final revision of the G3 line. Featured FireWire, AirPort support, and swappable drive bays.
• 2001 – iBook G3 (Dual USB, “IceBook”)
  Radically redesigned in a white plastic clamshell form. Marked Apple’s consumer shift toward iMac-inspired aesthetics.
• 2001 – Titanium PowerBook G4
  First use of titanium metal and a widescreen display in a Mac laptop. Ultra-thin for the time; set the tone for future pro laptops.

  

• 2003 – Aluminum PowerBook G4 (12″, 15″, 17″)
  Sleek aluminum unibody enclosure debuted. The 17” model was the largest and most advanced laptop Apple had ever made at that point.
• 2005 – iBook G4 (Final revision)
  Last G4-based consumer laptop before Intel transition. Marked the end of the PowerPC era for entry-level Macs.
• 2006 – MacBook (Intel-based)
  Replaced the iBook. Plastic shell, available in black or white, with Intel Core Duo CPUs.
• 2006 – MacBook Pro (Intel-based, 15″ and 17″)
  Replaced PowerBook G4; retained aluminum design. Featured new Intel Core Duo processors, built-in webcam (iSight), and magnetic MagSafe power connector.
• 2008 – MacBook Air (1st Gen)
  Revealed in a manila envelope at Macworld. Thinnest laptop Apple had ever made; minimal ports and no optical drive.
  
• 2008 – Unibody MacBook / MacBook Pro
  New machined aluminum unibody introduced. Later split the lineup between consumer and pro models again.
• 2010 – MacBook Air (2nd Gen Redesign)
  Introduced wedge shape and SSD standard across the line. Became a blueprint for all modern thin-and-light laptops.
• 2011 – MacBook Pro (Thunderbolt & Quad-core)
  Introduced Thunderbolt I/O. High-end models featured Intel Core i7 quad-core processors. Final major MacBook Pro update before Retina era (2012).