12-Inch Retina Macbook 2016 Review, Specs, Price: New Apple Laptop Boasts Better Performance And Longer Battery Life

Apple MacBook
Latest on MacBook Pro 2016 and MacBook Air 2016 laptops

Apple revealed the most radical redesign of the MacBook last week. The new laptop is equipped with Intel's 6th generation Skylake processor, and it has a longer battery life of up to 11 hours of iTunes movie playback. Now, here's what's known about 12-inch Retina MacBook 2016 release date, specs and prices.

From the fifth Generation Broadwell in the original 12-inch MacBook, Apple installed a more powerful Skylake Core M processors in this year's 12-inch MacBook. To complement that much better chipset, Apple also installed Intel HD Graphics 515 silicon that gives up to 25% faster graphics performance.

As we mentioned earlier, the new MacBook can last for up to 11 hours. It is an hour longer than the current 11-inch MacBook Air.

The physical design remains the same. However, its ultra-thin chassis lacks ports, which is the most common critique in the laptop. Some buyers were disappointed about the complete lack of ports for accessories and external monitors, as per reports from CNET.

Nonetheless, the laptop is still the thinnest Mac that Apple has ever released. The butterfly mechanism under the keyboard helps to reduce its size. However, the keys are shallow, barely popping up above the keyboard trey. For Mac users who have accustomed to the deep, clicky keys, it takes some time to get used to the new laptop.

Because of these changes, Forbes predicted Apple might develop more MacBooks that is based on the minimalist design of the current 12-inch MacBook.

The screen of the new laptop is small, but it has a sharp display. The 12-inch Retina display boasts a 2,304x1, 440-pixel resolution that gives users a very high pixel-per-inch density. In addition, it has 16:10 aspect ratio compared to the 16:9 aspect ratio present in most of today's laptops and HDTV screens.

As for the price of the 12-Inch Retina Macbook 2016, the base model, with 8GB of RAM, 1.1GHz processor and 256GB of storage, is available for $1,299. The next variant with a 1.2GHz chip and 512GB of storage is priced at $1,599.

Market analysts say a base model that starts at $1,300 is going to be a big hurdle to mass-market acceptance.  It is advisable to wait for a couple of months before buying the refreshed Macbook model.  For those who can't remember, the first MacBook Air became available for around $1,799, but now its price starts at $899.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.