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Early 2016 12-inch MacBook

Early 2016 12-inch MacBook

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Apple's early 2016 refresh for the 12-inch MacBook features Intel's latest Skylake processors, as well as faster internal memory. Those hardware tweaks give the notebook better performance and an hour more of battery life. It still features a single USB-C port for charging and syncing, and has the same chassis as the 2015 model, though it's now available in rose gold.

Launched in April
Starts at $1,299
Features Intel's latest Skylake processors
Standard config: 256GB SSD, 8GB of RAM
10 hours of battery life
Single USB-C port for syncing and charging
Svelte, fanless design
New rose gold color joins gold, space grey, and silver

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Apple updated its ultraportable 12-inch MacBook in April of 2016 with a new second-generation model. Externally, it looks the same as its predecessor, and features the same controversial single USB-C port for both syncing and charging.

There's also a new rose gold color option, matching the tint Apple previously offered on its iPhone, Apple Watch and iPad product lineups. Gold, silver and space grey are also available, and there is no price difference between the colors.


The biggest improvements for the early 2016 MacBook were made under the hood: The machines now run Intel's latest-generation Skylake processors. The entry-level model is clocked at 1.2 gigahertz, and features 256 gigabytes of solid storage and 8 gigabytes of RAM for $1,299.

Apple also upgraded the storage controller for its 2016 model, which has improved the speed of the machine. Tests have shown that write speeds on the SSD are much fastter after this improvement.

The addition of the Intel Skylake chip has also helped to improve battery life. Apple advertises 10 hours of uptime on the early 2016 12-inch MacBook, which is a full hour longer than the 2015 model offers.