Apple has today released an update to the 12 inch Retina MacBook line, with new Skylake processors, overall better performance, and a new color: Rose Gold. The new internals have also allowed Apple to grab an extra hour of battery life out of the same sized product. The MacBook refresh keeps the same thin chassis, the same edge-to-edge keyboard and the same single USB-C port design as the original Retina MacBook, released about a year ago. The new Retina MacBook costs the same as before, starting at $1299.
The lineup means Apple now offers the MacBook in the same colors as its iOS devices, Space Grey, Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold. For the 13 inch MacBook Air, Apple has also made 8 GB RAM the standard spec across every configuration. More specs after the jump.
The new MacBooks include sixth-generation Intel Core M processors, with clock speeds from 1.1 GHz to 1.2 GHz. The new integrated graphics are up to 25% faster than the previous generation. The USB-C port appears identical and does not support Thunderbolt 3 as some rumors had suggested. The MacBook comes in two configurations. For $1299, you can get a Retina MacBook with a 1.1 GHz processor, 8 GB of memory and 256 GB storage. A more expensive $1599 configuration is also available with a faster processor and 512 GB of flash memory.
Apple SVP Marketing Phil Schiller described the new Retina MacBook as Apple’s ‘vision for the future of the notebook’.
“MacBook is the thinnest and lightest Mac we have ever made and it’s our vision for the future of the notebook,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “Customers are going to love this update to MacBook, with the latest processors, faster graphics, faster flash storage, longer battery life and a beautiful rose gold finish.”
Apple says the new MacBook gets better battery life rated at 11 hours of iTunes movie playback and 10 hours of wireless web browsing. Customers can buy the new MacBook from Apple.com today, as well as Apple Stores and authorized resellers. Read more about the new laptops on Apple’s website.
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Does the USB-C port support Thunderbolt 3?
Probably not.
Yes USB-C. Check the website and scroll a little down.
It doesn’t seem to have it, looks like we’ll need to wait for the MacBooks Pros for that :(
The external graphics look pretty weak for nowadays:
“Intel HD Graphics 515
Dual display and video mirroring: simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 3840×2160 at 30Hz on an external display, both at millions of colours”
I’d be worried about the 30Hz bit. Think I’ll be waiting to see what the MacBook Pro 13″ brings to the table.
30Hz… I can’t imagine how that will flow on a display of 3840×2160 lol.
FTA: “The USB-C port appears identical and does not support Thunderbolt 3 as some rumors had suggested.”
Intel considers ThunderBolt 3 as USB-C. How can HP fit 3 USB-C(2 support Thunderbolt 3 on the Spectre 13 and Apple can’t fit it into one port of the MacBook?
Especially considering Apple co developed Thunderbolt. These MacBooks are to crippled.
No. I don’t believe Apple sees Thunderbolt warranted on an entry level laptop. However, I feel they should have had at least 2 USB-C ports. One to charge the battery while the other can be used for something else, like a monitor or external drive.
Looks that way, but the Airs do have them right?
I don’t think that’s how Apple wants you to use it
The MBAirs had thunderbolt….
Can someone tell me what the difference actually is? I checked the Apple/MacBook/Specs page and honestly it looks the same. despite the New badge. I’m just not seeing what the difference actually is.
As the article states, longer battery life and a faster GPU?
And newer CPUs.
They always say that, that’s marketing. I’m wondering about the actual changes: old GPU v new GPU, old RAM speed v new RAM speed, old Processor model v new Processor model. I suspect we will have to wait for the iFixIT teardown to find what the changes actually are.
Ars Technica has a post confirming it is the Skylake Core M
This is just a minor refresh — it’s the 6th gen core m cpu… they are more efficient, which is why you get a slightly longer battery life… they have also increased the graphics power.
The main thing thats new is the rose gold being added.
Apart from that it’s pretty much the same laptop – hence why Apple have done a big song and dance…They may do a refresh design later this year – but it’s possible we may only see a refresh design for macbook pro and save macbook for next year.
Thinner, lighter, 6th gen m3, m5, and m7 processors. Also, better keyboard, faster storage and longer battery (newer battery) life.
I wonder if it’s the same exact platform / motherboard but just the new CPUs? That would be a shame if this were the case. So little effort.
Can someone who knows more than I do let me know if these are the Broadwell chips we’ve been waiting to see added to the Macbook line? Are the Broadwell chips only going to make it into the Pro variants?
Or maybe I mean Skylake.. I’m not sure.
@doug it is just a core M chip. They just started shipping in large quantities. The i5 for the 13″ Pro are also just shipping, but I expect Apple will wait until the new discrete 14nm gpus start shipping to release the new MacBook Pros. I would not purchase a new Pro if it didn’t have the new gpu inside.
Yeah I think I mean Skylake. Broadwell is just the shrunken Haswell.
They are Sklake core m chips.
If they are Skylake that’s big. Not only for this model, but for all the MacBooks. I doubt they would move the MacBook to Skylake and leave the Pro behind.
Yep, Skylake. Ars had a write-up on it.
@doug it is just a core M chip. They just started shipping in large quantities. The i5 for the 13″ Pro are also just shipping, but I expect Apple will wait until the new discrete 14nm gpus start shipping to release the new MacBook Pros. I would not purchase a new Pro if it didn’t have the new gpu inside.
Yes, the processor is “Skylake”.
Processor: Inside you’ll find sixth-generation Intel Core m3, m5, and m7 processors with 14-nanometer process technology.
http://www.apple.com/macbook/design/
“The page you’re looking for can’t be found”
Message that I’m getting when I go on their website to view the new MacBook
Why bother, Apple? Why not add a few more USB-C ports and make them combo Thunderbolt/USB-C like Intel is already doing? Minor refresh? I hope so. Really disappointed, though.
I don’t think they get a lot of people requesting Thunderbolt with the MacBook, it’s meant more for education, and an entry level product, and Thunderbolt is more high end I/O. I do wish they added at least 2 USB-C ports and it would have been nice to add a 3rd with Thunderbolt support.
A $1,299US starting price is hardly what I call a notebook designed for education unless you’re talking college / university students. A starting price of $999, sure.
Too bad the future is not now, Phil. This is still a prototype. It’s beautiful, no argument there. But if you ask me to pay a $1300 – 1600 for such an underpowered laptop, you’re really crazy.
It is why I hope they update the MacBook Airs. We need ultraportables with i3 and i5 chips. Save i7 for MacBook Pro.i don’t see who for the same $1299 who would choose the MacBook over A Pro. The performance you get with the MacBook is no way worth $1299. Oh boy they come in 4 colors, we can sell them for a premium price((
If the MacBook cost $1299 what will the new rumored 13″ and 15″ “Air” or “Pro” cost. 1599?
I still say slap A series chips in the MacBook and price them $899-$999 for the base model.
Someone is insane to pay $1599 for the top tier MacBook. These should came with a price drop.
Yeah these should have come with a $300 price drop. Its an insult.
“Someone is insane to pay $1599 for the top tier MacBook”
Agreed. Now I like the MacBook. It’s not powerful enough for my needs but I like the overall design. I could see it as a nice system for someone with minimal needs, at less than a thousand dollars. But for what it is, the price is absurd.
You get the retina screen on a < 2lb laptop. I had one and I loved it. But I sold it since I was afraid to damage it. I liked the speed and the connector. Nice package but the keyboard isn't as responsive as my macbook pro which is a lot heavier (I really notice it after going back to it). These new ideas make you re-think how you use the computer.
My next purchase will be an iPad pro to see how far I can go with the challenge to use it as a replacement laptop. I will use the Office package, and Citrix to get Windows remote server access.
I would have gone with the MacBook if Thunderbolt 3 was included because I value the weight factor. I used to have a MacBook Air 11 inch and loved it. Moved to a MBPr 13″ and it’s awewome but I still love super light machines. Hopefully the MBPr 13″ will lose bit of weight in a few months time :)
The $999 that Best Buy has been selling the Broadwell models at the last 3 months is what the new models should be priced at.
I see something like the HP Spectre 13 which is supposed to be HP premium line of laptops and see a a fair priced ultraportable with i5 and i7 Skylake processors and 3 USB-C(2 support Thunderbolt). They start at $1169
For $1299the MacBook should not be such a compromise to power for portability.
Usually the first gen devices come with a premium like the Air did and the 5K iMac did. The 5K iMac started at $2499 which I thought was crazy at the time. Now they start at $1799. $1599 for the top speed MacBook is robbery.
The 13inch Air now comes with 8GB RAM standard. So I guess that’s it for the Air update this time around. Kinda looks like MacBooks and MacBook Pros only going forwards from now?
The 13inch Air now comes with 8GB RAM standard. So I guess that’s it for the Air update this time around. Kinda looks like MacBooks and MacBook Pros only going forwards from now?
I doubt the spec bump is going to change one fundamental issue for me. I can not use this laptop for doing video DJ work. The audio and video both stutter. It plays videos just fine in safari and other apps but as soon as I fire up any DJ program like virtual DJ it stutters and crawls to its knees. However, I do know that most of the major DJ programs do not work with El Capitan right now there is some audio driver bug in El Capitan that is really screwing most people over who use Macs to DJ for a living.
Aside from not being able to DJ on the MacBook I do think it’s a great machine. Maybe once the audio driver issue is fixed in El Capitan I’ll be able to, but it could also just be that the machine lacks the power. However, I would think if people can DJ from an iPad that this machine would pack enough punch.
Is it just me or does anyone else see these things as an iPad Pro replacement?
iPad Pro has a better display. I think Apple should paired the 2 together and put the chips from the iPad Pro inside the MacBook and priced it at $899.
With this shit core m processors they should be priced much lower.
I was being facetious!
Monty gets +3 for deception.
I guess they’re just covering both bases. Makes sense, a Macs a very different experience still, and has software which is specifically designed for it
A few years ago you could buy a very decent 13″ Macbook Pro for just over 1000$, now you can buy far inferior 12″ Macbooks for 1600$. So disappointing.
Now you can buy a MacBpok Pro for $1299 or pay $1599 for a crippled over price MacBook.
I’ll beg for a 15″, I mean maybe not beg but…
Which according to Apple would probably cost a revolting $1999.
Welcome to the MacBook the $1599 netbook.
It seems like everyone here is disappointed with what Apple is doing with laptops. It feels like they’re working their way toward $1300 iPads with keyboard cases. Killing ports/usability and cutting out features that seem would seem trivial to add/keep compared to previous generations. And really… Core M processors? I thought Apple laptops would always be better than that.
No I disagree, the Macbook spec is exactly what it should be for what it will be used for (probably in Starbucks while drinking a Mocafrappychino) If you want to do more or plug it into a monitor get a Macbook Pro. I do agree on the price though, they won’t be taking my money.
It easy to point to something more expensive and say that’s what REAL consumers should buy. Apple’s minimum product used to be good for a lot. Now it’s just good for a lot of web browsing. WIRED said it best today… “No matter what you get, though, performance-wise the MacBook still feel more like an iPad than a Mac Pro. In fact, the A9X chip inside the new iPad Pro and the Skylake Core M have tested at roughly equal levels.”
Yes, when people complain about spec/money….its not that the Specs are bad for the use case…its that the PRICE for said specs, is insulting.
It’s not Apple mimium product though is it, if you judge it by the price. It’s a new form factor, as you say some where between an iPad and a Macbook Air/Pro. The Air is the minium product, which you can still get with an i5 for £749
And there are no 13inch MacBook Airs? Idk… the site seems broken in a few areas… Hope they fix it soon
It’s really wonderful to see Apple listening to their market: 1. Introducing a second USB-C port to drive a 4K monitor for genuine productivity when back at the desk. 2. Doubling the throw of the keyboard keys to protect fingers from being trashed on the previous almost touch screen hard keyboard. 3, Introducing a color that appeals to working professionals, such as black. Not.
The rMB is meant to be a bridge between iPad Pro and rMBP, but closer to the iPad. When you look at it that way, the USB-C port is an addition. Apple doesn’t want any ports on the thing. Doubling the keyboard throw means a thicker body. Space gray is awesome.
Ok, I’ve been waiting to purchase my MacBook for a while now and was excited to see the refresh this morning but now I’m torn. Yes it’s faster and has better battery life but after seeing the refurbished models drop a good but in price I’m debating on what to do now. The $1,299 price tag for the base model is ridiculous and what’s worse is that the highest end model costs $1,749 for the 1.3gHz M7 processor with 3.1gHz turbo boost and 512GB of flash storage and now last year’s highest end mode is going for $1.319. A mere $20 difference between the new base model. You guys have any advice? Should I splurge for the newest model or settle for last year’s? This computer will mainly be used as my portable go to computer. I have a maxed out 2013 15″ Retina MacBook Pro with 16GB of ram and 1TB SSD as my work horse and it’s still a beast but I need something portable for on the go and I love the MacBook. I’ve debated on the Air but decided against it and to go for the Retina MacBook.
The refurbished product at $929 is the only good buy out of the whole lot.
You don’t think the maxed out model with 512GB and the faster processor isn’t worth it?
No dark the $1599 or $1749 model is not worth it.Your paying for pro performance for a netbook speced machine.
I was talking about the maxed out 2015 refurbished model for $1,319. I ended up going with that one. It lacks a few nicer features from the new model but overall it’s only $20 more than the new base model with double the storage and a faster processor. The only things lacking are the new Skylake processor, slightly better battery and the faster RAM.
Should bought last years MacBook for $999 during the 3 months Best Buy has had it reduced.I would buy a 13″ MacBook Air or wait and see what Apple has for WWDC or during the summer.
I would check store availability of the 2015 at Best buys around you.I don’t think the new core m processor is worth $300 over last years model.
I have a barclaycard with financing for Apple so that’s why I’ve been holding out so long. Figured worst case scenario I could get last year’s model at a discounted rate that’s refurbished or get the new model. Otherwise I would’ve bought from B&H Photo when they had it on sale a while back.
I would still wait till after WWDC. When the 13″ and 15″ slim “MacBook” rumors started it was listed as MacBook Air not Pro. Even if they decide to turn the MacBook Pro into an unltrabook you would be better off.
I ended up going for the refurbished MacBook. The new Pro lineup will probably come with an even heftier price tag and I need something portable like the 12″ MacBook which is the perfect size for me as my second computer.
I didn’t realize until looking at Appleinsider’s price guide that Apple offered a $150 processor update on the $1599 model making it $1749.For $50 more you could get the base top tier 13″ Pro model. That is fucking insane.
Why will they not release an approved wire that will allow for target disk mode. Apple itself says it is possible but you need a third party wire which in communist Canada is impossible to find. This is the only thing holding me back.
http://www.macworld.com/article/2911813/got-a-new-macbook-usb-target-disk-mode-works-with-the-right-cable-which-apple-doesnt-sell.html
Can you order them from Amazon? I have a USB 3.1-compliant USB-C cable from Monoprice.
Thank you. Amazon.com stopped taking Canadian orders to protect Amazon.ca, which is worse than WalMart Express. Will try Monoprice! Appreciate the tip!
Now I’m glad I bought a 12.9″ iPad Pro. I feel like I got a better deal than this overpriced thing. It’s too bad because this model MacBook is definitely what I want but not for the price. I need something portable, light, with great battery life that I can type on.
Yup, the MacBook needed the iPad Pro’s internals and price.
(yawn) so it’s official: now we’re waiting for WWDC for something interesting to be, hopefully, announced
Seriously Apple? After having 3 15″ MBPs, 2 MacBooks, and a few iPhones, I’m continously getting annoyed (irritated) with the new product offerings Apple brings each year. Underpowered, port-less (less ports), overpriced machines with nothing to show.
I want to feel the love like I did when I bought my 2011 MBP! I just don’t see it anymore.
While not perfect, I ended up recently buying a Dell XPS 13. It’s an amazing machine, beautiful exterior, gorgeous QHD screen, and all the specs you could expect in a $1500 laptop (Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.0, SD reader) all in a 2# chassis.
While I am willing to wait for the MBP, Apple needs to get its act together.
You ain’t kiddin’; there hasn’t been any Apple notebook released that made me want to upgrade since my 2011 MBPro either. You can’t expand them, they’re still low on memory for today’s standards, and priced too high for those mentioned issues. Meh. Interesting that they’ve really doubled-down on the Rose Gold. My goodness how Apple is turning into Nintendo with product releases of all colors!
Epic fail. A $1299 iPad with attached keyboard.
Oh, and Rose Gold makes a computer run faster.
No rumored price drop?
Same 480p potato camera in 2016?
Shame, would have grabbed a couple for myself and sister.
Dropped.
Could at least use the 720p camera from the MacBook Pros and 5k iMacs.
Agreed. 480p camera in 2016 is unacceptable. This is a ridiculous product refresh, I can’t understand what the heck they were even thinking with this.
A 480p camera in 2016? Seriously Apple?
Minimum specs would have been 2 USB-C/TB3 ports (one on each side). I could deal with carrying around some kind of multi-port adapter as long as I can plug-in to power while connected to a projector, a monitor and (since several of our offices have crap wifi) an ethernet cable.
I work for a global company, and I travel constantly. We have a few conference rooms with wireless connections to a projector, but it will be years before we replace all of the old equipment across all countries. We have been using our laptops for videoconferencing more often, so the camera is also a disappointment.
Ridiculous that there’s no Thunderbolt 3.0 support. It’s been out for PC’s for quite some time now! There are already storage products on the market!
This is crazy, even hardcore Apple fans are disappointed at this. I don’t really know what else to say…Absolutely ridiculous.
It is actually refreshing to see the Apple reality distortion field crumbling over the MacBook update. I felt pretty much this way abut last years model, but given a year to tinker with the internals and adjust price Apple just puts the new Slake M chips in it and calls it a day. Oh and they anded a pink model.
I am just glad so many here now feel what I did toward the MacBook last year.
I can’t fathom why they won’t just make it the killer laptop it could be.
At least it looks like the MacBook Pro will be getting AMD’s new 16/14nm Polaris GPU’s.
The trivial RAM upgrade for the 13 inch Air means that this is a dead end design.
I think this is consistent with rumors of the Retina Airs being replaced by thinner, lighter redesigned MacBook Pro’s must be true.
I would still like to see an ultralight 14 in retina Macbook to add symmetry to the two laptop lines and because it would be a terribly useful machine. On the other hand, looking at a machine that big with only one USB-C port would bring tears to my eyes.
With Intel just announcing it is cutting 12,000 jobs it looks like Apple better start using A series chips or their own custom x86 chips.
Bullshit. I only love the design not spec at all. I’d rather spend my money on macbook pro or windows laptop than the new macbook. !This New macbook meant for my child only.
I think the MacBook is an OK computer, but too expensive for what you get. I’ve been a loyal Apple fan for many years until recently when I bought myself a Surface Pro 4 for work purposes (although I was considering the MacBook for a long time). While the SP is not free of issues (Apple is doing a way better job at this), I think you get better value for money. And it has a way better front camera than the MacBook (not unimportant considering I’m using Skype quite often).
The Macbook is a great notebook, no doubt, but still a joke at the current price point. Just my opinion.
Respect to every poster here. I could not agree more. I hope the new MacBook Pros set a new standard. I miss the 2008 to 2011 Apple days!