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Retina MacBook Q&A
Update Published November 6, 2018
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What are all the differences between the "Mid-2017" 12-Inch Retina Display MacBook models and the "Early 2016" models replaced?
Please note that all MacBook models mentioned in this Q&A have been discontinued. However, the Q&A is up-to-date and can be quite helpful for anyone buying or selling one of these notebooks on the used market.
With even a detailed inspection, it is almost impossible to differentiate the discontinued "Early 2016" Retina MacBook -- the MacBook "Core m3" 1.1 12-Inch, "Core m5" 1.2 12-Inch, and "Core m7" 1.3 12-Inch -- from the current "Mid-2017" Retina MacBook -- the MacBook "Core m3" 1.2 12", "Core i5" 1.3 12", and "Core i7" 1.4 12" -- as they look nearly identical.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Retina MacBook)
However, there is one notable external difference as well as important internal differences that are not apparent from an external view alone.
External Differences
The "Early 2016" and "Mid-2017" Retina MacBook models 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.
These also originally were offered in the exact same color options -- a pink-hued "Rose Gold," a dark "Space Gray," gold, and silver. However, for the "Mid-2017" MacBook models, on October 30, 2018, Apple discontinued the "Rose Gold" option and replaced the original Gold option with a warmer (more red, less yellow) shade of Gold.
Regardless of case color, all of these models feature 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), an anemic 480p FaceTime webcam, and a haptic-capable "Force Touch" trackpad.
Both lines have a backlit full-size keyboard with a thin "butterfly mechanism" keyboard, but the "Mid-2017" series has a refined "second generation" design that feels like the keys travel further and makes typing a bit better as a result.
Wired connectivity includes only a single USB-C port and a headphone jack for both lines. However, each also has 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (Bluetooth 4.0 for the "Early 2016" line and Bluetooth 4.2 for the "Mid-2017" line).
Identification Differences
The "Early 2016" and "Mid-2017" Retina MacBook models share the A1534 Model Number with each other as well as earlier Retina MacBook models.
However, just as the site has for many years, EveryMac.com has diligently hand documented other identifiers 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 2016 | 2991 | MacBook9,1 |
| Mid-2017 | 3099 | MacBook10,1 |
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
The overall concept of the "Early 2016" and "Mid-2017" Retina MacBook effectively is the same as they use the same general case design and essentially are sealed and disposable. The processors cannot be upgraded after purchase, RAM and SSD storage is soldered to the motherboard, and the "tiered" battery design -- which maximizes space inside the case -- is glued in place.
However, the "Mid-2017" models are upgraded significantly internally with a newer architecture and graphics processor as well as faster SSD storage.
The "Early 2016" models have a sixth generation "Skylake" Intel processor, Intel HD Graphics 515 video and 8 GB of RAM.
The "Mid-2017" models, by on the other hand, have a faster seventh generation "Kaby Lake" Intel processor, faster Intel HD Graphics 615 video, and faster SSDs, as well as 8 GB of RAM by default (but the option to upgrade it to 16 GB at the time of purchase for additional cost).
Both lines have a 41.4 watt-hour lithium-polymer battery, but the "Mid-2017" models provide longer battery life because of improved power management.
Comparison Chart
The main differences between the "Early 2016" and "Mid-2017" Retina MacBook -- processors, graphics processors, RAM options, storage, and battery life -- as well as identifiers, prices, and other minor differences are summarized below:
 MacBook (2016) |
MacBook (2017) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Processor Speed: | 1.1-1.3 GHz | 1.2-1.4 GHz |
| Max Turbo Boost: | 2.2-3.1 GHz | 3.0-3.6 GHz |
| Processor Family: | Skylake (6th Gen) | Kaby Lake (7th Gen) |
| Processor Type: | Core m3/m5/m7 | Core m3/i5/i7 |
| Graphics: | HD Graphics 515 | HD Graphics 615 |
| Std. RAM: | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Max. RAM: | 8 GB | 16 GB* |
| RAM Speed: | 1866 MHz | 1866 MHz |
| Soldered Storage: | 256, 512 GB | 256, 512 GB |
| Butterfly KB: | 1st Gen | 2nd Gen |
| USB Ports: | 1 (USB C) | 1 (USB C) |
| Thunderbolt: | None | None |
| Bluetooth: | 4.0 | 4.2 |
| Battery Type: | Glued | Glued |
| Battery Life (Overall): | 10 Hours | 10 Hours |
| Battery Life (Movies): | 11 Hours | 12 Hours |
| Model ID: | MacBook9,1 | MacBook10,1 |
| EMC Number: | 2991 | 3099 |
| Intro Price (US): | US$1299, US$1599 | US$1299, US$1599 |
| Intro Price (UK): | £1049, £1299 | £1249, £1549 |
| Intro Price (CA): | C$1549, C$1899 | C$1729, C$1999 |
| Intro Price (AU): | A$1999, A$2449 | A$1899, A$2349 |
*The "Mid-2017" Retina MacBook models can be upgraded to 16 GB of RAM at the time of initial system purchase for an extra US$200. They cannot be upgraded later.
Comparison Summary
Ultimately, the "Mid-2017" Retina MacBook models represent a significant upgrade to the "Early 2016" models replaced with major improvements in performance and battery life alike. This is the first Retina MacBook to finally surpass the speed of the MacBook Air series which had not been significantly upgraded in two years when the "Mid-2017" MacBook was released.
However, as before, the Retina MacBook remains best for someone who wants the smallest Mac notebook possible and an incredible display rather than someone who is most interested in price, performance, battery life, connectivity, or upgrades.
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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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