Apple MacBook "Core M" 1.3 12" (Early 2015) Specs
Identifiers: Early 2015 - BTO/CTO - MacBook8,1 - A1534 - 2746
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The MacBook "Core M" 1.3 12-Inch (Early 2015) technically is a "configure-to-order" configuration of either the MacBook "Core M" 1.1 12-Inch (Early 2015) or MacBook "Core M" 1.2 12-Inch (Early 2015), but it also is documented as a separate model for reader convenience. Other than processor, this model is identical to its lower-end brethren.
Although these models share their name with the earlier MacBook models from yesteryear, the "Retina" MacBook models 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" 1.3 12-Inch (Early 2015) features a 14-nm 1.3 GHz Intel "Core M" processor (M-5Y71) 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 either 256 GB or 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)
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- Tech Specs
- Ports
- Global Original Prices
- Popular Q&As
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.
| 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 |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
6523 |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
7177 |
| 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): |
2293 |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
4516 |
| 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): |
2671 |
Geekbench 3 (64): |
5308 |
| 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): |
2934 |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
5393 |
| 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): |
634 |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
1207 |
| 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: |
1.3 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Core M (M-5Y71) |
| Details: |
This model is powered by a 14 nm, 1.3 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 2.9 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: |
2.9 GHz |
Custom Speeds: |
N/A |
| Processor Upgrade: |
Soldered |
FPU: |
Integrated |
| System Bus Speed: |
OPI* |
Cache Bus Speed: |
1.3 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 |
| 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 |
| 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: |
256, 512 GB SSD |
Std. Storage Speed: |
451.7/738.2 MB/s* |
| Details: |
This custom configuration processor option for the MF855LL/A and MF865LL/A configurations are equipped by default with 256 GB or 512 GB of PCIe-based flash storage soldered onboard, respectively. 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: |
BTO/CTO |
Apple Subfamily: |
Early 2015 |
| 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$1549, US$1749* |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$200-US$350 |
| Details: |
*The 1.3 GHz "Core M" (M-5Y71) custom configuration processor option added US$250 to the entry-level MF855LL/A model with a 256 GB SSD and US$150 to the higher-end MF865LL/A model with a 512 GB SSD for respective original totals of US$1549 and US$1749.
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. |
Global original prices for the MacBook "Core M" 1.3 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$1849, C$1899 |
Brazil: |
R$9.999, R$11.399 |
| Mexico: |
MXN $27,499, $31,699 |
United States: |
US$1549, US$1749* |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€1699, €1949 |
Belgium: |
€1699, €1949 |
| Denmark: |
DKK 13,449, 15,289 |
Finland: |
€1749, €1979 |
| France: |
€1699, €1949 |
Germany: |
€1699, €1949 |
| Ireland: |
€1749, €1979 |
Italy: |
€1749, €1979 |
| Luxembourg: |
€1642,83, €1884,58 |
Netherlands: |
€1699, €1949 |
| Norway: |
NOK 15.090, 17.290 |
Portugal: |
€1749, €1979 |
| Spain: |
€1699, €1949 |
Sweden: |
SEK 17.245, 19.645 |
| Switzerland: |
CHF 1'674, 1'864 |
United Kingdom: |
£1249, £1419 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 11,128, 12,392 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$11,938, HK$13,158 |
| India: |
N/A |
Indonesia: |
N/A |
| Japan: |
¥178,800, ¥202,800 |
Korea: |
KRW 1,926,500, 2,191,900 |
| Malaysia: |
RM 5,669, 6,369 |
The Philippines: |
PHP 77,490, 87,490 |
| Singapore: |
S$2,138, S$2,498 |
Taiwan: |
NT$50,150, NT$56,850 |
| Thailand: |
THB 52,100, 59,820 |
Vietnam: |
N/A |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$2149, A$2409 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$2399, NZ$2639 |
If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.
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