MacBook refresh brings faster processors, longer battery life and more

By Jared DiPane
last updated

Apple has announced a refreshed MacBook that not only comes in a new color option but also has a faster version of Intel's Core M processor, and more. Rose Gold is now a color choice for those in the market for a new MacBook, and it still maintains the same slim 13.1mm profile it did previously. The processor is from Intel's sixth-generation Core M line, which ranges from 1.1GHz to 1.3GHz depending on configuration. In addition, the now-standard 8GB of memory has been bumped from 1600MHz to 1866MHz.

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MacBook refresh

As for battery life, Apple is now saying the MacBook will last for up to 10 hours of web browsing and 11 hours of continuous movie playback. The updated MacBook's will be available from Apple's online store starting April 19, and will hit retail location on April 20. Prices will range from $1,299 to $1,599 depending which configuration you opt to purchase.

See MacBook at Apple (opens in new tab)

Press release:

Apple Updates MacBook with Latest Processors, Longer Battery Life & New Rose Gold Finish

CUPERTINO, California ― April 19, 2016 ― Apple® today updated MacBook® with the latest Intel processors, improved graphics performance, faster flash storage and an additional hour of battery life, making the thinnest and lightest Mac® better than ever. Featuring an all-metal unibody enclosure, MacBook is now available in four aluminum finishes — gold, silver, space gray, and for the first time on a Mac, a gorgeous rose gold. With a stunning 12-inch Retina® display, highly responsive full-size keyboard, Force Touch trackpad, versatile USB-C port and all-day battery life in a design that is just 2 pounds and 13.1 mm thin, MacBook is 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."

The updated MacBook features sixth-generation dual-core Intel Core M processors up to 1.3 GHz, with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.1 GHz, and faster 1866 MHz memory. New Intel HD Graphics 515 deliver up to 25 percent faster graphics performance, and faster PCIe-based flash storage makes everyday tasks feel snappier — from launching apps to opening files.* And now with up to 10 hours of wireless web browsing and up to 11 hours of iTunes® movie playback, MacBook is the perfect notebook for all day, on-the-go computing.**

MacBook comes with the incredibly small and versatile USB-C port for charging, data transfer and video output in a single connector that is one-third the size of a traditional USB port. Following the introduction of USB-C on MacBook, the ecosystem of Apple and third-party USB-C accessories has continued to grow, giving users added flexibility and capability.

With no moving parts or vents, MacBook is entirely fanless for silent, efficient performance. Designed for the wireless world, MacBook is equipped with the latest wireless technologies, including built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 for fast wireless connectivity. It is perfect for tasks like streaming content from your MacBook to your Apple TV® using AirPlay®, exchanging files quickly using AirDrop® or using wireless headphones.

Apple also today made 8GB of memory standard across all configurations of the 13-inch MacBook Air®.

Every new Mac comes with OS X® El Capitan, the latest version of OS X that refines the Mac experience and improves system performance. El Capitan builds on the groundbreaking features and beautiful design of OS X Yosemite, with updates to window management, built-in apps and Spotlight® search, and performance improvements to make everyday activities — like launching and switching apps, opening PDFs and accessing email — faster and more responsive.

iMovie®, GarageBand® and the suite of iWork® apps come free with every new Mac. iMovie lets you easily create beautiful movies and you can use GarageBand to make music, or learn to play piano and guitar. The iWork suite of Pages®, Numbers® and Keynote® makes it easy to create, edit and share stunning documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Pages, Numbers and Keynote for iCloud® let you create a document on iPhone® or iPad®, edit it on your Mac and collaborate with friends, even if they are on a PC.

Pricing & Availability MacBook is available through Apple.com starting today, and in Apple's retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers starting tomorrow. MacBook comes with a 1.1 GHz dual-core Intel Core m3 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 2.2 GHz, 8GB of memory and 256GB of flash storage for $1,299 (US), and with a 1.2 GHz dual-core Intel Core m5 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 2.7 GHz, 8GB of memory and 512GB of flash storage for $1,599 (US). Configure-to-order options include a 1.3 GHz dual-core Intel Core m7 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.1 GHz. Additional technical specifications and accessories are available online at www.apple.com/macbook.

Jared DiPane
Jared DiPane

Jared started off writing about mobile phones back when BlackBerry ruled the market, and Windows Mobile was kinda cool. Now, with a family, mortgage and other responsibilities he has no choice but to look for the best deals, and he's here to share them with you.

20 Comments
  • That pink looks ugly in these pics.
  • It's not pink. It would be a much lighter color. It's rose gold, which explains why it's a darker color.
  • In fairness, so does the gold and space grey though. :-) If there is one thing we *wouldn't* have if Jobs was still alive, it's pink and gold coloured laptops. No serious designer with any sense of aesthetics would approve the "finishes" on Apple's new product lines. The tinted metals coatings represent what the *customers* want, and are equivalent to "fins on automobiles." That alone should set off alarm bells in any decent designer.
  • If only they'd dump this "Jony Ive" clown and hire a designer with real credentials. /s
  • I'm going to see it in person before judging. The Rose Gold iPhone looks similarly gaudy and feminine in stock photos, but in real life it shimmers between pink and a deep copper that I really enjoy.
  • Still only one usb-c port
    Disappointing Sent from the iMore App
  • MacBooks have always been about lightweight work, portability, and servicing a sort of "old-school" education crowd with shallow pockets. For that purpose, this is an excellent design. It's also likely to be the last in Apple's laptop lineup to ditch the analogue audio port for the same reason.
  • Old MacBooks served that role, yes. But the segment that's you're talking about is now addressed by the Air, not the USB-C MacBook.
  • "with shallow pockets"
    Wahahaha! Shallow pockets?! $1299 is not the least bit shallow, my friend!
  • Education? it is too good to be an education machine... The education market is addressed by that advertising company and its chromebooks. Educators just want hardwired well clicking keyboards, nothing else...
  • Good to see they equipped it with a faster snail... :-)
  • Give me an i5 in it and I'd be all over this thing. Otherwise pass. Posted via the iMore App for Android
  • An i5 would completely melt this Mac. Sent from the iMore App
  • The idea is fanless. You can't have a fanless i5.
  • You're looking for a different product then :)
  • You know what this release means... This means the rumors of new design and multi port USB C is in reference new MacBook Pros. In all likelihood coming at WWDC. Sent from the iMore App
  • I didn't realistically expect them to add more I/O, and the rest of the upgrades are solid. 480p camera bugs, especially with a baby on the way. I will wait until WWDC to see if a Retina Air and/or slimmed-down Pro shows up. The portability on these MacBooks is unbelievable. Just holding my breath to see if something with better performance and I/O, and similar portability, shows up.
  • No Retina Air. Because a Retina Air is the Macbook Pro. Air will be discontinued. The future is all retina Macbooks including Pros.
  • I like the design of the MacBook, but $1299 for basically a netbook? lol thats crazy... I paid just over $1220 for a 13" rMBP in early 2015 and it has ports that i can use/need without a friggin dongle... I think it would make more sense if the MB started at $899 or so..
  • It is not a netbook. It is a full featured OS X computer in the footprint of an iPad. All similar ultrabook PC laptops are 13 inch. Why? Because they cannot go below 13 inch. Apple has managed to squeeze so much power in a 12 inch enclosure. Its 256 GB SSD justifies its price, rMBP with 256 GB was more expensive than yours.