Apple MacBook "Core M" 1.2 12" (Early 2015) Specs

Identifiers: Early 2015 - MF865LL/A* - MacBook8,1 - A1534 - 2746

All MacBook Models | All 2015 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others

Download: PDF Manual

Although it shares its name with the earlier MacBook models from yesteryear, the MacBook "Core M" 1.2 12-Inch (Early 2015) and its slightly lower-end brother -- the MacBook "Core M" 1.1 12-Inch (Early 2015) -- are radically different than their predecessors.

"Reinvented" for the ultimate in portability, the "Early 2015" MacBook models are even lighter and thinner than the smallest models from the MacBook Air series, and with just one USB-C port for connectivity and a headphone jack, the hardware more resembles an iPad with an attached keyboard than it resembles earlier Apple notebooks. However, like the MacBook Air, these MacBook models run OS X rather than the iPad's iOS.

The MacBook "Core M" 1.2 12-Inch (Early 2015) features a 14-nm 1.2 GHz Intel "Core M" processor (M-5Y51) with two independent processor "cores" on a single chip, a 4 MB level 3 cache, an "integrated" Intel HD Graphics 5300 graphics processor that shares system memory, 8 GB of onboard 1600 MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM (that cannot be upgraded), and 512 GB of onboard PCIe-based flash storage (that also cannot be upgraded).

This all is housed in a wafer thin (0.14-0.52 inch), 2.03 pound, aluminum case offered in "traditional" silver color as well as gold (pictured) and a darker slate "Space Gray" color option. It also packs a lowly 480p FaceTime webcam, a backlit full-size keyboard with a thin "butterfly mechanism" keyboard design, a clever haptic-capable "Force Touch" trackpad, and a beautiful 12" TFT LED-backlit active-matrix "Retina" display (2304x1440 native resolution at 226 ppi). Apple boasts that the notebook additionally uses a new "tiered" battery design to maximize space inside the chassis and delivers 9-10 hours of runtime depending on use.

Also see:

• What are all the differences between the "Early 2015" 12-Inch MacBook models? (In-Depth)
• What are all the differences between the "Early 2015" 12-Inch MacBook models and the 11-Inch MacBook Air? (In-Depth)
• What are the "pros and cons" of the 12-Inch Retina Display MacBook? Is it for me? (Quick Read)

Buy This Mac or Trade-In Yours at site sponsor OWC. Click for current options.

Sell This Mac at A+ BBB rated site sponsor Cash For Your Mac. Quick quote!

Upgrade This Mac at site sponsor OWC. External storage, hubs & more.

• Tech Specs
• Ports
• Global Original Prices
• Popular Q&As

Tech Specs

Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.

Expand All Details | Contract All Details

Introduction Date:

March 9, 2015*

Discontinued Date:

April 19, 2016

Details:

The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended. *This model first shipped on April 10, 2015. Also see: All Macs introduced in 2015.

Processors:

1 (2 Cores)

Architecture:

64-Bit

Details:

Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort.

Geekbench 2 (32):

6350

Geekbench 2 (64):

7071

Details:

Geekbench 2 benchmarks are in 32-bit and 64-bit modes, respectively. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the MacBook8,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.

Geekbench 3 (32):

2177

Geekbench 3 (32):

4377

Details:

These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBook8,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.

Geekbench 3 (64):

2415

Geekbench 3 (64):

4991

Details:

These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBook8,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare 64-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.

Geekbench 4 (SC):

2724

Geekbench 4 (MC):

5155

Details:

These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for Macs with the MacBook8,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.

Geekbench 5 (SC):

566

Geekbench 5 (MC):

1138

Details:

These Geekbench 5 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 5 benchmarks for the Mac are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for Macs with the MacBook8,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.

Processor Speed:

1.2 GHz

Processor Type:

Core M (M-5Y51)

Details:

This model is powered by a 14 nm, 1.2 GHz 64-bit "Fifth Generation" Intel Mobile M (M-5Y51) processor which includes two independent processor "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 2.6 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 2015" MacBook models compared to one another? How fast are these models compared to the 11-Inch and 13-Inch MacBook Air? How fast are they compared to the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro?

Turbo Boost:

2.6 GHz

Custom Speeds:

1.3 GHz*

Details:

*This model also could be custom configured with a 1.3 GHz Core M (M-5Y71) for an extra US$150. This processor supports "Turbo Boost 2.0" -- which "automatically increases the speed of the active cores" to improve performance when needed up to 2.9 GHz -- and "Hyper Threading" -- which allows the system to recognize four total "cores" or "threads" (two real and two virtual). EveryMac.com also has documented this custom configuration as its own model.

Processor Upgrade:

Soldered

FPU:

Integrated

Details:

N/A

System Bus Speed:

OPI*

Cache Bus Speed:

1.2 GHz (Built-in)

Details:

*This system does not have a traditional system bus or a "Direct Media Interface" (DMI) to connect between the processor and chipset. Instead, it uses a directly attached "On Package Interface" (OPI).

ROM/Firmware Type:

EFI

EFI Architecture:

64-Bit

Details:

N/A

L1 Cache:

32k/32k x2

L2/L3 Cache:

256k x2, 4 MB (on chip)

Details:

Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 4 MB of shared level 3 cache.

RAM Type:

LPDDR3 SDRAM*

Min. RAM Speed:

1600 MHz

Details:

*Shipped standard with 8 GB of 1600 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. Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs.

Motherboard RAM:

8 GB

RAM Slots:

None

Details:

There are no RAM slots. 8 GB of RAM is onboard and it cannot be upgraded later.

Video Card:

HD Graphics 5300

VRAM Type:

Integrated

Details:

This model has an Intel HD Graphics 5300 graphics processor that shares memory with the system.

Standard VRAM:

1.5 GB*

Maximum VRAM:

1.5 GB*

Details:

*The Intel HD Graphics 5300 processor reserves 1.5 GB of system memory for video function.

Built-in Display:

12" (16:10)

Native Resolution:

2304x1440

Details:

12" color TFT LED-backlit active-matrix "Retina" display with IPS technology and a 2304 by 1440 native resolution at 226 ppi (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 US, site sponsor AppleParts.io offers mail-in repair services, as well as parts for do-it-yourself repair for this this MacBook. 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 Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides 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 Hong Kong, site sponsor iCertified 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:

3840x2160

Details:

This model can simultaneously support the internal display as well as up to 3840x2160 on an external display, both at "millions of colors." 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:

512 GB SSD

Std. Storage Speed:

451.7/738.2 MB/s*

Details:

This model has 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 451.7 MB/s and read speeds of 738.2 MB/s. QuickBench Extended reports 460.93 MB/s writes and 845.05 MB/s reads. In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells external storage upgrades for this MacBook. How do you connect external storage to the Retina Display MacBook? What options are available? Is it possible? Are adapters required? Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs.

Storage Dimensions:

Soldered

Storage Interface:

Onboard (PCIe 2.0 x4)

Details:

This model has onboard PCIe 2.0 x4 storage. It cannot be upgraded.

Standard Optical:

None*

Standard Disk:

None

Details:

*This MacBook model does not have an internal optical drive. Site sponsor Adorama offers the external Apple USB SuperDrive for US$79, although an adapter is required, as well. It writes DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL at 4X, DVD-R and DVD+R at 8X, DVD-RW at 6X, DVD+RW at 8X, reads DVD at 8X, writes CD-R at 24X, writes CD-RW at 16X, and reads CD at 24X. Site sponsor Other World Computing also has a variety of compact external optical drive options that may be of interest, including some with Blu-ray capability. Also see: What are the full capabilities of the external SuperDrive available for the MacBook? Can it be used with other Macs?

Standard Modem:

None

Standard Ethernet:

None

Details:

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

Details:

802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n compatible) and Bluetooth 4.0 standard. Also see: What is 802.11ac? How is it different from 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n?

USB Ports:

1 (C)

Firewire Ports:

None

Details:

One USB-C port. Supports USB 3.1 Gen 1. What is USB-C? What adapters are available for the Retina Display MacBook USB-C port?

Expansion Slots:

None

Expansion Bays:

None

Details:

No expansion slots or bays 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.

Incl. Keyboard:

Full-size

Incl. Input:

Trackpad (Force Touch)

Details:

Apple reports that the integrated keyboard has "78 (US) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys, 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement) with ambient light sensor." Apple also boasts that this keyboard is "34 percent thinner" than the previous Apple keyboard design and uses "an Apple-designed butterfly mechanism" that is 40 percent thinner than the "traditional keyboard scissor mechanism." The "Force Touch" trackpad offers "precise cursor control and pressure-sensing capabilities; enables Force clicks, accelerators, pressure-sensitive drawing, and Multi-Touch gestures."

Case Type:

Notebook

Form Factor:

MacBook Retina 12"

Details:

This MacBook uses an extremely thin aluminum case design with a "catchless" magnetic latch. It is available in three color choices -- "traditional" silver, gold, or a dark "Space Gray" option.

Apple Order No:

MF865LL/A*

Apple Subfamily:

Early 2015

Details:

*The MF865LL/A order number refers to this model in the Silver color. In Gold it is MK4N2LL/A and in Space Gray it is MJY42LL/A.

Apple Model No:

A1534 (EMC 2746)

Model ID:

MacBook8,1

Details:

Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model. Also see: All Macs with the A1534 Model Number, the 2746 EMC Number, and the MacBook8,1 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:

39.7 W h Li-Poly

Battery Life:

9-10 Hours

Details:

Apple reports that this model can provide up to 9 hours of "wireless web" and up to 10 hours of "iTunes movie playback." The system is bundled with a 29W USB-C power adapter. Also see: What is the "real-world" battery life of the "Early 2015" 12-Inch Retina Display MacBook? Is it really as long as Apple claims? How does it compare to the MacBook Air and Retina Display MacBook Pro?

Pre-Installed MacOS:

X 10.10.2 (14C2061)

Maximum MacOS:

11 (Big Sur)*

Details:

*This system fully supports the last version of OS X 10.10 "Yosemite," OS X 10.11 "El Capitan," macOS Sierra (10.12), and macOS High Sierra (10.13). Running macOS High Sierra (10.13) or later, it supports HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding), but it does not support hardware accelerated HEVC. This model is compatible with the final version of macOS Mojave (10.14), macOS Catalina (10.15), and macOS Big Sur (macOS 11), as well. It is not compatible with macOS Monterey (macOS 12) or subsequent versions of the macOS. Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS Big Sur (macOS 11)? What are the system requirements? What are the major new features?

Minimum Windows:

8 (64-Bit)*

Maximum Windows:

10 (64-Bit)*

Details:

*The pre-installed version of Apple's Boot Camp BCA supports the 64-bit version of Windows 8. Boot Camp 6 supports the 64-bit version of Windows 10. Earlier versions of Windows are not supported.

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? 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)

Details:

In inches while closed - minimum height to maximum height by width by depth, (0.35 cm-1.31 cm, 28.05 cm, 19.65 cm).

Original Price (US):

US$1599

Est. Current Retail:

US$200-US$350

Details:

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). Photo Credit: Apple Computer.

Ports

Click on a category for additional details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. The icons correspond with the icons for each port on the computer.

Expand All Details | Contract All Details

Video (Monitor):

None*

Floppy (Ext.):

None

Details:

*This model is equipped with a single USB-C port. With adapters, it can support VGA and HDMI video output. Also see: How do you connect an external display to the Retina MacBook? What is the maximum supported resolution? What adapters are required?

ADB:

None

SCSI:

None

Details:

N/A

Serial (Standard):

None

Serial (Geoport):

None

Details:

N/A

USB:

1 (C)

Firewire:

None

Details:

One USB-C port. Supports USB 3.1 Gen 1. What is USB-C? What adapters are available for the Retina Display MacBook USB-C port?

Modem:

None

Ethernet:

None

Details:

No internal modem or Ethernet. How do you connect the Retina Display MacBook to a wired Ethernet network? Is it even possible?

S-Video Input:

None

S-Video Output:

None

Details:

N/A

Microphone:

2 (Internal)

Sound In:

None

Details:

Dual internal microphones.

Sound Out:

None*

Headphone:

1*

Details:

*Single analog audio output/headphone jack. Supports Apple iPhone headset with remote and microphone.

Security (Lock):

None

Joystick (PC):

None

Details:

N/A

Power:

N/A

Power Adapter:

1

Details:

100V-240V AC, 29W "USB-C" power adapter. What type of power connector does the Retina Display MacBook use? Is it compatible with "MagSafe" power connectors?

Global Original Prices

Global original prices for the MacBook "Core M" 1.2 12" (Early 2015) in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.

For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.

Original Prices - North & South America

Canada:

C$1899

Brazil:

R$10.499

Mexico:

MXN $28,999

United States:

US$1599

Original Prices - Europe

Austria:

€1799

Belgium:

€1799

Denmark:

DKK 13,999

Finland:

€1829

France:

€1799

Germany:

€1799

Ireland:

€1829

Italy:

€1829

Luxembourg:

€1739,53

Netherlands:

€1799

Norway:

NOK 15.790

Portugal:

€1829

Spain:

€1799

Sweden:

SEK 17.995

Switzerland:

CHF 1'699

United Kingdom:

£1299

Original Prices - Asia

China:

RMB 11,288

Hong Kong:

HK$11,988

India:

Rs 119,900

Indonesia:

Rp 22,499,000

Japan:

¥184,800

Korea:

KRW 1,990,000

Malaysia:

RM 5,499

The Philippines:

PHP 79,990

Singapore:

S$2,288

Taiwan:

NT$51,900

Thailand:

THB 54,900

Vietnam:

VND 36,999,000

Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

Australia:

A$2199

New Zealand:

NZ$2399

If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.

Popular Q&As

Ten of the most popular Q&As about the MacBook models follow.

Permalink | Report an Error/Typo | Sign Up for Site Update Notices

<< MacBook (Home) | Also see: MacBook FAQ

Established in 1996, EveryMac.com has been created by experts with decades of experience with Apple hardware. EveryMac.com includes, and always has included, original research incorporating detailed, hands-on inspection of packaging, computers, and devices as well as extensive real-world use. All information is provided in good faith, but no website or person is perfect. Accordingly, EveryMac.com is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, and the authors thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright information please read and understand the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy before using EveryMac.com. Copying, scraping, or use of any content without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.

Contact - EveryMac.com - Kyle Media LLC - Advertising Info - All Rights Reserved - Copyright © 1996