MacBook Pro A2992 Complete Guide: Specifications, Common Issues & Repair Solutions
MacBook Pro A2992 (2019)
The Last of the Butterfly Keyboard Era • Complete Specifications & Repair Guide
Identification: What is the A2992 Model?
The A2992 is Apple’s internal model identifier for the 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (2019). It’s part of the MacBookPro15,2 family. This model marks the end of an era: it’s the final generation to use the controversial Butterfly keyboard and the last 15-inch MacBook Pro based on Intel processors before the transition to Apple Silicon.
💡 Where to find the model number? Look for A2992 on the bottom case of the laptop, near regulatory markings. In the “About This Mac” menu, it appears as the “Model Identifier”.
Complete Technical Specifications
| Component | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Display | 15.4-inch Retina (2880 x 1800) with True Tone |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i7-9750H (6-core) or i9-9980HK (8-core) – 9th Generation |
| Graphics (GPU) | AMD Radeon Pro 555X/560X (4GB) or optional Vega 16/20 |
| Memory (RAM) | 16GB DDR4 (configurable up to 32GB) – soldered |
| Storage (SSD) | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB or 4TB PCIe SSD – non-upgradable |
| Keyboard | Butterfly Mechanism (4th generation) with Touch Bar and Touch ID |
| Ports | 4 x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Battery | 83.6 Wh (up to 10 hours wireless web) |
| Security Chip | Apple T2 Security Chip |
Performance & Use Cases
The A2992 remains a powerful laptop in 2024, excellent for:
- Video & Photo Editing: Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, Photoshop
- Software Development: Compiling large projects, virtual machines
- 3D Processing & Rendering: Moderate 3D models, animation
- General Use: Heavy multitasking thanks to generous RAM and fast SSD.
Known Issues
This model has several notorious problems:
- Butterfly Keyboard: The biggest issue. Keys can become sticky, unresponsive, or exhibit key repetition.
- Thermal Throttling: Under heavy load, the CPU can reach high temperatures, leading to performance reduction.
- Flexgate (Display Cable): Some units have a faulty backlight cable that deteriorates with repeated opening/closing.
- Limited Ports: Requires adapters for USB-A, HDMI, SD cards.
Pros vs. Cons
👍 Strengths
- Excellent raw performance (dedicated CPU/GPU)
- Stunning Retina display
- Premium aluminum construction
- Windows via Boot Camp option
- 4 high-bandwidth Thunderbolt 3 ports
👎 Weaknesses
- Butterfly Keyboard reliability risk
- Heating and fan noise under heavy load
- Battery life inferior to Apple Silicon MacBooks
- Dependence on dongles and adapters
- Potential “Flexgate” display cable issue
⚠️ Warning for Second-Hand Buyers: Check keyboard repair history (Apple’s Keyboard Service Program has expired). Test every key. Check battery cycle count and display cable condition (look for vertical lines or uneven backlight – “stage light effect”).
Final Verdict
The MacBook Pro A2992 (2019) is a fascinating piece of Apple’s history at a critical transition point. It’s the most powerful Intel version of the 15-inch MacBook Pro, but carries the Butterfly keyboard reliability baggage.
Good choice for: Users who need Boot Camp, creatives who find a high-spec model at an excellent price, or those who prefer Intel architecture.
Consider Apple Silicon alternatives (M1 Pro/Max or newer): For vastly superior battery life, excellent performance per watt, reliable keyboard, and long-term support.