Is also listed as a separate model for the benefit of the reader. Except for the processor, these models are interchangeable.
The MacBook “Core m7” 1.3 12-Inch (Early 2016) comes with an Intel “Core m7” Skylake processor (M7-6Y75) that runs at 1.3 GHz and has two independent processors “cores” on a single chip. It also has a 4 MB level 3 cache, an “integrated” Intel HD Graphics 515 graphics processor that shares system memory, and 8 GB of onboard 1866 MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM (that cannot be (that also cannot be upgraded).
All of this is contained in a wafer-thin (0.14-0.52 inch), 2.03-pound, aluminium case that is available in Silver, a darker “Space Gray,” Gold, and a pinkish “Rose Gold” shade. It has a gorgeous 12″ TFT LED-backlit active-matrix “Retina” display (2304×1440 native resolution at 226 PPI), a meagre 480p FaceTime webcam, a clever haptic-capable “Force Touch” trackpad.
It is comparable to its forerunner but has an improved processor, graphics processor, faster RAM, faster storage, a larger battery, and a new “Rose Gold” finish option.
Introduction Date:
April 19, 2016
Discontinued Date:
June 5, 2017
Processors:
1 (2 Cores)
Architecture:
64-Bit
Geekbench 2 (32):
7278
Geekbench 2 (64):
8464
Geekbench 3 (32):
2812
Geekbench 3 (32):
5780
Geekbench 3 (64):
3001
Geekbench 3 (64):
6518
Geekbench 4 (SC):
3287
Geekbench 4 (MC):
6507
Geekbench 5 (SC):
656
Geekbench 5 (MC):
1417
Processor Speed:
1.3 GHz
Processor Type:
Core m7 (M7-6Y75)
Details:
This model is powered by a 14 nm, 1.3 GHz 64-bit “Sixth Generation/Skylake” Intel Mobile m7 (M7-6Y75) processor which includes two independent processors “cores” on a single silicon chip. Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache, shares 4 MB of level 3 cache, and has an integrated memory controller (dual channel).
This system also supports “Turbo Boost 2.0” — which “automatically increases the speed of the active cores” to improve performance when needed (up to 3.1 GHz for this model) — and “Hyper Threading” — which allows the system to recognize four total “cores” or “threads” (two real and two virtual).
Also see: How fast are the “Early 2016” MacBook models compared to one another? How much faster are these models than the “Early 2015” line replaced? How fast are they compared to the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro?
Turbo Boost:
3.1 GHz
Custom Speeds:
N/A
Processor Upgrade:
Soldered
FPU:
Integrated
System Bus Speed:
I*
Cache Bus Speed:
1.3 GHz (Built-in)
ROM/Firmware Type:
EFI
EFI Architecture:
64-Bit
L1 Cache:
32k/32k x2
L2/L3 Cache:
256k x2, 4 MB (on chip)
RAM Type:
LPDDR3 SDRAM*
Min. RAM Speed:
1866 MHz
Details:
*Shipped standard with 8 GB of 1866 MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM onboard.
Standard RAM:
8 GB
Maximum RAM:
8 GB
Details:
8 GB of RAM is onboard and it cannot be upgraded at all.
This model has an Intel HD Graphics 515 graphics processor that shares memory with the system.
Standard VRAM:
1.5 GB*
Maximum VRAM:
1.5 GB*
Built-in Display:
12″ (16:10)
Native Resolution:
2304×1440
Details:
12″ colour TFT LED-backlit active-matrix “Retina” display with IPS technology and 2304 by 1440 native resolution at 226 P (16:10 aspect ratio). Apple reports that it also supports “1440 by 900, 1280 by 800, and 1024 by 640” as scaled resolutions.
In the UK, site sponsor ALB Repair offers component-level logic board repair, display repair, and other repair services for this MacBook. No fix, no fee!
In Germany, site sponsor Conodi provides high-quality Mac and PC repair services as well as remote home office setup and troubleshooting. In-person and mail-order repair services include the display, motherboard, water damage and more for this MacBook.
In Spain, site sponsor repairs provide affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by-mail repair services include the display, battery, keyboard, motherboard, and more for this MacBook.
In Singapore, site sponsor Esmond Service Centre provides highly regarded repairs for the display, motherboard, battery, water damage issues, and more, all with a free estimate and fast turnaround for this MacBook.
In Hong Kong, site sponsor certification provides well-reviewed repair services for the display, logic board, battery, water damage, and more, all with a 180-day warranty; free diagnostics and estimates; and optional pickup and delivery for this MacBook.
2nd Display Support:
Dual/Mirroring
2nd Max. Resolution:
3840×2160
Details:
This model can simultaneously support the internal display as well as up to 3840×2160 at 30 Hz on an external display, both at “millions of colours.”
Also see: How do you connect an external display to the Retina MacBook? What is the maximum supported resolution? What is the best USB-C monitor to use? What adapters are required?
Standard Storage:
256, 512 GB SSD
Std. Storage Speed:
845/947 MB/s*
Details:
This custom configuration processor model has 256 GB or 512 GB of PCIe-based flash storage soldered onboard. It cannot be upgraded at all, whether at the time of purchase or otherwise.
*Third-party tests using the Blackmagic benchmark report write speeds of 845 MB/s and read speeds of 947 MB/s. QuickBench Extended reports 900.11 MB/s writes and 1196.17 MB/s reads.
This MacBook does not have internal Ethernet support. Apple, likewise, has not released a USB-C to Ethernet adapter, although third-party adapters are available.
How do you connect the Retina Display MacBook to a wired Ethernet network? Is it even possible?
Standard AirPort:
802.11ac*
Standard Bluetooth:
4.0
USB Ports:
1 (C)
Firewire Ports:
None
Expansion Slots:
None
Expansion Bays:
None
Details:
No expansion slots or bays are provided.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a wide variety of external expansion options and accessories, including docks, cables, adapters, input devices, cases, and more for this MacBook.
In Australia, site sponsor Macfixit offers an extensive selection of external expansion options and accessories like docks, stands, chargers, cases, security products, and more for this MacBook.
Incl. Keyboard:
Full-size
Incl. Input:
Trackpad (Force Touch)
Case Type:
Notebook
Form Factor:
MacBook Retina 12″
Apple Order No:
BTO/CTO
Apple Subfamily:
Early 2016
Apple Model No:
A1534 (EMC 2991)
Model ID:
MacBook9,1
Details:
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see All Macs with the A1534 Model Number, the 2991 EMC Number, and the MacBook9,1 Model Identifier.
For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com’s Mac Identification section.
Battery Type:
41.4 W h Li-Poly
Battery Life:
10-11 Hours
Details:
Apple reports that this model can provide up to 10 hours of “wireless web” and up to 11 hours of “iTunes movie playback” as well as up to “30 days” of standby time. The system is bundled with a 29W USB-C power adapter.
Also see: What is the “real world” battery life of the “Early 2016” 12-Inch Retina Display MacBook? How does it compare to the MacBook Air and Retina Display MacBook Pro models?
Pre-Installed MacOS:
X 10.11.4 (15E2066)
Maximum MacOS:
12. x (Monterey)
Minimum Windows:
8 (64-Bit)*
Maximum Windows:
10 (64-Bit)*
MacOS 9 Support:
None
Windows Support:
Boot/Virtualization
Details:
Also see: Are there any third-party programs to run Mac OS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs?
Site sponsor OHS specializes in heavily upgraded Macs capable of running both Mac OS X and Mac OS 9 applications.
For more on running Windows on Intel Macs, please refer to the exhaustive Windows on Mac Q&A.
Dimensions:
.14-.52 x 11.04 x 7.74
Avg. Weight:
2.03 lbs (0.92 kg)
Original Price (US):
US$1549, US$1749
Est. Current Retail:
US$450-US$650
Details:
The original price is the same regardless of colour.
Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated).