Many 15-inch MacBook Pro notebooks have two graphics processors (GPU)—a discrete GPU and an integrated GPU. The discrete GPU provides substantial graphics performance but uses more energy. The integrated GPU optimizes battery life by using less energy.
Check if the discrete or integrated GPU is in use
To see which graphics cards are in use, choose Apple () menu > About this Mac. The graphics cards currently in use appear next to Graphics. Learn which integrated GPUs your Mac might have.
Check if an app is using the dedicated GPU
To see if an app is using the higher-performance discrete GPU, open Activity Monitor and click the Energy tab. If you don't see the Requires High Perf GPU column, your computer only has one graphics processor.
In this example, iMovie and Final Cut Pro are using the higher-performance discrete GPU:
Learn more
Connect your MacBook Pro to a power outlet using the included USB-C Charge Cable and 61W Power Adapter or 96W Power Adapter. Optimized Battery Charging helps to reduce the wear on your battery and improve its lifespan by learning your daily charging routine. It delays charging the battery past 80% when it predicts that you’ll be plugged in.
Here are a few examples of apps and accessories that use the higher-performance discrete GPU:
- iMovie
- Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign
- An external display
Apple Macbook Pro Software Update
Learn how to use an external graphics processor (eGPU) with your Mac.
Learn how to set the graphics performance on your MacBook Pro or MacBook Pro with Retina display computer.
Apple Macbook Pro Update 2021
- The MacBook 15' Unibody is a distinct update of the original MacBook Pro, packing all the previous features of the Pro into a more stylish and lighter weight aluminum enclosure. In late 2012 Apple introduced the thinner and lighter MacBook Pro with Retina Display, bringing crisp high-resolution screens, but vastly reduced serviceability.
- Now powered by Apple’s M1 CPU, the 13-inch MacBook Pro remains a workhorse for those who want a compact macOS laptop that's still powerful enough to perform processor-intensive workflows.