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Retina MacBook Q&A
Update Published July 6, 2017
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What are all the differences between the "Early 2016" 12-Inch Retina Display MacBook models and the "Early 2015" models replaced?
Please note that the "Early 2015" and "Early 2016" Retina MacBook both have been discontinued. However, this Q&A is up-to-date and can be quite useful for anyone considering one of these models on the used market.
One certainly could be forgiven for mistaking one of the "Early 2015" Retina MacBook models -- the MacBook "Core M" 1.1 12-Inch, "Core M" 1.2 12-Inch and "Core M" 1.3 12-Inch -- for one of the subsequently introduced "Early 2016" Retina MacBook models -- the MacBook "Core m3" 1.1 12-Inch, "Core m5" 1.2 12-Inch, and "Core m7" 1.3 12-Inch -- as the majority of models in the two lines are virtually indistinguishable from one another.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Retina Display MacBook, Space Gray)
However, there a number of important differences between these lines that are not obvious. Likewise, there also are a number of similarities that are important to understand, too.
External Differences
The "Early 2015" and "Early 2016" Retina MacBook models -- which are lighter and thinner than even the smallest models from the MacBook Air series and very well could have been called the "MacBook Helium" line -- use the exact same thin aluminum case that tapers from 0.14 of an inch to 0.52 of an inch (0.35 cm to 1.31 cm) and weigh just a bit over two pounds.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Retina MacBook Colors)
The only external difference between these lines are that the "Early 2015" models were offered in silver, dark "Space Gray", and gold, whereas the "Early 2016" models also add a pink-tinted "Rose Gold" to the mix.
Regardless of case color, all of these models pack a beautiful 12" TFT LED-backlit active-matrix "Retina" display (2304x1440 native resolution at 226 ppi, which displays as a scaled resolution of 1280x800 by default), a rather sad 480p FaceTime webcam, a backlit full-size keyboard with a thin "butterfly mechanism" keyboard design, and a haptic-capable "Force Touch" trackpad.
Wired connectivity includes nothing more than a single USB-C port and a headphone jack (although they also have 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0).
Identification Differences
The "Early 2015" and "Early 2016" Retina MacBook models share the A1534 Model Number.
However, just as the site has for decades, EveryMac.com has diligently compiled other identifiers from hands-on inspection that can be used to more uniquely identify these Mac notebooks.
Specifically, the best way to identify the Retina MacBook in the long-term is either by EMC Number externally or by Model Identifier in software:
| MacBook | EMC Number | Model Identifier |
| Early 2015 | 2746 | MacBook8,1 |
| Early 2016 | 2991 | MacBook9,1 |
Additionally, EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature also can uniquely identify each one of the Retina MacBook models by their serial numbers.
More information about specific identifiers is provided in EveryMac.com's extensive Mac Identification section.
Internal Differences
Conceptually, the "Early 2015" and "Early 2016" Retina MacBook models have a great deal in common internally, as both effectively are sealed and disposable with processors that cannot be upgraded after purchase and RAM and SSD storage soldered to the motherboard. Likewise, the "tiered" battery design -- which was created to maximize space inside the case -- is glued in place and for all practical purposes cannot be replaced by an individual.
However, the "Early 2016" models represent a significant internal upgrade as the processor architecture, graphics processor, RAM, SSD storage, and battery all are improved.
The "Early 2015" models have a fifth generation Intel "Core M" processor, Intel HD Graphics 5300 video, 8 GB of 1600 MHz LPDDR3 RAM, PCIe 2.0 SSD storage, and a 39.7 watt-hour lithium-polymer battery.
The "Early 2016" models, by contrast, have a faster sixth generation "Skylake" Intel Core m3/m5/m7 processor, Intel HD Graphics 515 video (which despite the smaller model number is faster than its predecessor), 8 GB of faster 1866 MHz LPDDR3 RAM, faster PCIe 3.0 SSD storage, and a higher capacity 41.4 watt-hour lithium-polymer battery that provides an Apple estimated extra hour of battery life (ten to eleven hours rather than nine to ten hours).
Comparison Chart
The main differences between the "Early 2015" and "Early 2016" Retina MacBook -- color options, processors, graphics processors, RAM, storage, and battery life -- as well as identifiers, prices, and other minor differences are summarized below:
 MacBook (2015) |
 MacBook (2016) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Processor Speed: | 1.1-1.3 GHz | 1.1-1.3 GHz |
| Max Turbo Boost: | 2.4-2.9 GHz | 2.2-3.1 GHz |
| Processor Type: | Core M | Core m3/m5/m7 |
| Graphics: | HD Graphics 5300 | HD Graphics 515 |
| RAM: | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| RAM Speed: | 1600 MHz | 1866 MHz |
| Soldered Storage: | 256, 512 GB | 256, 512 GB |
| USB Ports: | 1 (USB C) | 1 (USB C) |
| Thunderbolt: | None | None |
| Color Options: | Silver, Gray, Gold | Silver, Gray, Gold, Rose Gold |
| Battery Type: | Glued | Glued |
| Battery Life (Overall): | 9 Hours | 10 Hours |
| Battery Life (Movies): | 10 Hours | 11 Hours |
| Model ID: | MacBook8,1 | MacBook9,1 |
| EMC Number: | 2746 | 2991 |
| Intro Price (US): | US$1299, US$1599 | US$1299, US$1599 |
| Intro Price (UK): | £1049, £1299 | £1049, £1299 |
| Intro Price (CA): | C$1549, C$1899 | C$1549, C$1899 |
| Intro Price (AU): | A$1799, A$2199 | A$1999, A$2449 |
Comparison Summary
Ultimately, the "Early 2016" Retina MacBook represents a notable upgrade to the "Early 2015" model, with significant improvements in both speed and battery life.
However, the Retina MacBook remains best suited for someone most interested in the smallest Mac notebook possible and a beautiful display, and who doesn't mind the relative lack of value, performance, battery life, connectivity, and upgrades compared to MacBook Air and MacBook Pro options.
In the US, site sponsors Other World Computing and JemJem sell used and refurb MacBook models at bargain prices with free shipping. On the other hand, if you need to sell a MacBook, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr buy Retina MacBook models and many other Mac notebooks with an instant online quote and prompt payment.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs has a good selection of used and refurbished MacBook models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.
In Australia, site sponsor Mac City likewise has a variety of used MacBook models sold at low prices and available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.
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