Apple MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.9 13" Retina 2012 Specs
Identifiers: Retina Late 2012 - ME116LL/A* - MacBookPro10,2 - A1425 - 2557
All MacBook Pro Models | All 2012 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others
Following in the footsteps of the 15-Inch "MacBook Pro with Retina Display" models, the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro line packs a beautiful high-resolution LED-backlit 13.3" widescreen 2560x1600 (227 ppi) "retina" display in a case that weighs just a bit more than 3.5 pounds (1.62 kg).
Unfortunately, also like the 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro, the 13-Inch models use an essentially "sealed" design with RAM that is soldered in place and cannot be upgraded after purchase (and can not be upgraded even at the time of purchase), storage that is not intended to be upgraded after purchase, and a battery that is not intended to be replaced by end-users, either.
This specific model -- the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.9 13-Inch (Late 2012 Retina Display) technically is a "configure-to-order" configuration of the MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.5 13-Inch (Late 2012 Retina Display), but also is documented as a separate model for reader convenience. Other than processor (and the corresponding larger level 3 cache), these two models are identical.
The MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.9 13-Inch (Late 2012 Retina Display) features a 22 nm "Ivy Bridge" 2.9 GHz Intel "Core i7" processor (3520M), with dual independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip, a 4 MB shared level 3 cache, 8 GB of onboard 1600 MHz DDR3L SDRAM (which cannot be upgraded at all), 128 GB or 256 GB of flash storage, an integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics processor that shares memory with the system, as well as an integrated 720p FaceTime HD webcam. It does not have an internal optical drive.
Connectivity includes 3-stream AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0, two USB 3.0 ports, two "Thunderbolt" ports, an HDMI port, an audio in/out port, and an SDXC card slot. It does not have Gigabit Ethernet or Firewire "800," although adapters are available at extra cost.
In addition, this model has a backlit keyboard, a "no button" glass "inertial" multi-touch trackpad, a "MagSafe 2" power adapter, and an internal, sealed battery that provides an Apple estimated 7 hours of battery life.
Also see:
- What are all the differences between the 13-Inch "Late 2012" Retina Display MacBook Pro models?
- What are all the differences between the 13-Inch "Late 2012" Retina Display MacBook Pro models and the regular 13-Inch "Mid-2012" MacBook Pro and MacBook Air?
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. SSDs, external storage & more.
- 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: |
October 23, 2012 |
Discontinued Date: |
October 22, 2013 |
| 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.
Also see: All Macs introduced in 2012. |
| Processors: |
1 (2 Cores) |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
7603 |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
8504 |
| 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 MacBookPro10,2 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): |
2799 |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
5774 |
| 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 MacBookPro10,2 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): |
3158 |
Geekbench 3 (64): |
6640 |
| 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 MacBookPro10,2 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): |
3373 |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
6508 |
| 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 MacBookPro10,2 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): |
667 |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
1463 |
| 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 MacBookPro10,2 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: |
2.9 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Core i7 (I7-3520M) |
| Details: |
This model is powered by a 22 nm, 64-bit Intel Mobile Core i7 "Ivy Bridge" (I7-3520M) 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 3.6 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 much faster is the 13-Inch Retina Display "Late 2012" MacBook Pro custom configured with a faster processor than the stock models? Is the extra performance worth the extra cost? |
| Turbo Boost: |
3.6 GHz |
Custom Speeds: |
N/A |
| Processor Upgrade: |
Soldered |
FPU: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
Also see: Can you upgrade the processor in the Retina Display-equipped MacBook Pro models? |
| System Bus Speed: |
5 GT/s* |
Cache Bus Speed: |
2.9 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: |
*This system has a "Direct Media Interface" (DMI) that "connects between the processor and chipset" in lieu of a traditional system bus. Intel reports that it runs at 5 GT/s. |
| ROM/Firmware Type: |
EFI |
EFI Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| L1 Cache: |
32k/32k x2 |
L2/L3 Cache: |
256k x2, 4 MB* |
| Details: |
*Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 4 MB of shared level 3 cache. |
| RAM Type: |
DDR3L SDRAM* |
Min. RAM Speed: |
1600 MHz |
| Details: |
*Ships standard with 8 GB of 1600 MHz DDR3L 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. It cannot be upgraded. |
| Video Card: |
HD Graphics 4000 |
VRAM Type: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
This model has an Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics processor that shares memory with the system. |
| Standard VRAM: |
768 MB* |
Maximum VRAM: |
768 MB* |
| Details: |
*Apple and Intel do not report the minimum memory usage for the Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics processor. However, OS X reports 768 MB of RAM is used for video. |
| Built-in Display: |
13.3" Widescreen |
Native Resolution: |
2560x1600 |
| Details: |
This model has a 13.3" color widescreen LED-backlit display with IPS technology with a 2560 by 1600 native resolution at 227 ppi (178-degree viewing angle). It also supports scaled resolutions of 1680 by 1050, 1440 by 900, and 1024 by 640.
Also see: How can you "force" or "hack" the Retina Display MacBook Pro models to run at the native resolution or otherwise fit more on screen than by default?
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 Pro.
In the UK, site sponsor ALB Repair offers component-level logic board repair, display repair, and other repair services for this MacBook Pro. 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 Pro.
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 Pro. |
| 2nd Display Support: |
Dual/Mirroring* |
2nd Max. Resolution: |
2560x1600 (x2*) |
| Details: |
*This model supports a simultaneous maximum resolution up to 2560x1600 on two external displays via Thunderbolt. Alternately, it can support a single display up to 2560x1600 via Thunderbolt and a single display up to 1920x1200 via HDMI. Although it can theoretically power all three external displays, as confirmed by a helpful reader, it runs too hot with three displays connected.
Also see: How many external displays can the Retina Display MacBook Pro models support? What is the maximum supported resolution of each? Are adapters required? |
| Standard Storage: |
128, 256 GB SSD* |
Std. Storage Speed: |
N/A |
| Details: |
This custom processor configuration of the 13-Inch "Retina Display" MacBook Pro is most commonly equipped with either 128 GB (MD212LL/A) or 256 GB (MD213LL/A) of flash storage. The standard MD213LL/A configuration was discontinued on February 13, 2013, but it still was possible to custom configure the MD212LL/A with a 256 GB SSD as well as other options. One later standard configuration (ME116LL/A) was equipped with a 512 GB SSD.
Apple does not intend for one to upgrade the SSD after purchase, but it is quite possible.
Also see: How do you upgrade or replace the storage in the 13-Inch Retina Display "Late 2012" MacBook Pro models? Is it the same storage and process as the 15-Inch Retina Display "Mid-2012" MacBook Pro? Is it possible?
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Pro.
In the UK and Ireland, site sponsor Flexx sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Pro.
Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Storage Dimensions: |
Proprietary (7 mm*) |
Storage Interface: |
Proprietary* (6 Gb/s) |
| Details: |
*Site sponsor OWC has determined that their SSD for the 15-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro also will work in the 13-Inch Retina Display models and a 2.5" SSD that is 7 mm in height or smaller may work if equipped with a custom cable, too. |
| Standard Optical: |
None* |
Standard Disk: |
None |
| Details: |
*This MacBook Pro does not have an internal optical drive. Site sponsor Adorama offers the external Apple USB SuperDrive for US$79. 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 this MacBook Pro? Can it be used with other Macs? |
| Standard Modem: |
None |
Standard Ethernet: |
None* |
| Standard AirPort: |
802.11a/b/g/n (3-Stream) |
Standard Bluetooth: |
4.0 |
| Details: |
AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 4.0 standard.
Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a? |
| USB Ports: |
2 (3.0) |
Firewire Ports: |
None |
| Details: |
Two USB 3.0 ports (up to 5 Gbps). It does not have a Firewire port although an Apple Thunderbolt to Firewire adapter is available. |
| Expansion Slots: |
SDXC Card Slot |
Expansion Bays: |
None |
| Details: |
This model has an SDXC card slot. No expansion bays are 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, adapters, cables, input devices, cases, and more for this MacBook Pro.
Also see: Which SD Card storage solution is best for the Retina Display MacBook Pro? Which models are compatible? Is this type of storage safe? |
| Incl. Keyboard: |
Full-size |
Incl. Input: |
Trackpad (Inertial) |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the backlit integrated keyboard has "78 (US) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys, 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement) with ambient light sensor."
The glass multi-touch trackpad supports "inertial scrolling, pinch, rotate, swipe, three-finger swipe, four-finger swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities". |
| Case Type: |
Notebook |
Form Factor: |
13" MacBook Pro (Retina) |
| Details: |
This MacBook Pro uses a thin black and silver "unibody" case design milled from a single piece of aluminum with a "catchless" magnetic latch. |
| Apple Order No: |
ME116LL/A* |
Apple Subfamily: |
Retina Late 2012 |
| Details: |
*This model originally was a custom configuration of the MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.5 13" (Late 2012), without its own order number. However, it was later offered as a standard configuration with a 512 GB SSD and the ME116LL/A order number. |
| Apple Model No: |
A1425 (EMC 2557) |
Model ID: |
MacBookPro10,2 |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see: All Macs with the A1425 Model Number, the 2557 EMC Number, and the MacBookPro10,2 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: |
74 W h Li-Poly |
Battery Life: |
7 Hours |
| Details: |
Apple reports that this model has a "74-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery" that provides "up to 7 hours of wireless web" use. It cannot be upgraded by an end-user.
Also see: How do you replace the battery in the 13-Inch Retina Display "Late 2012" MacBook Pro? Is it more or less difficult than the 15-Inch Retina Display "Mid-2012" models? Is it possible?
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells quality batteries for this MacBook Pro.
In the UK and Ireland, site sponsor Flexx sells quality batteries for this MacBook Pro. |
| Pre-Installed MacOS: |
X 10.8.2 (12C2034) |
Maximum MacOS: |
X 10.15.x* |
| Details: |
*This system fully supports the last version of OS X 10.8 "Mountain Lion." OS X 10.9 "Mavericks", and OS X 10.10 "Yosemite" as well as OS X 10.11 "El Capitan." It is capable of running macOS Sierra (10.12) as well, although it does not support the Auto Unlock feature. This model is capable of running macOS High Sierra (10.13), and 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) and the final version of macOS Catalina (10.15), as well. It does not support macOS Big Sur (macOS 11) or later versions of the macOS.
Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS Catalina (10.15)? What are the system requirements? What are the major new features? Has anything been removed from previous versions of the macOS? |
| Minimum Windows: |
7 (64-Bit)* |
Maximum Windows: |
10 (64-Bit)* |
| Details: |
*Apple's Boot Camp 5 supports the 64-bit version of Windows 7 and Windows 8 and Boot Camp 6 supports the 64-bit version of Window 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: |
0.75 x 12.35 x 8.62 |
Avg. Weight: |
3.57 lbs (1.62 kg) |
| Details: |
In inches while closed - height by width by depth, (1.9 cm, 31.4 cm, 21.9 cm). |
| Original Price (US): |
US$1899, US$2199* |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$150-US$250 |
| Details: |
*This custom configuration originally was available with the dual core 2.9 GHz Core i7 (3520M) processor and 128 GB or 256 GB of flash storage for US$1899 or US$2199, respectively. On February 13, 2013, Apple lowered the price of the entry-level MD212LL/A configuration with 128 GB of storage to US$1499 and discontinued the standard MD213LL/A configuration with 256 GB of storage. Upgrading the MD212LL/A configuration with the custom dual core 2.9 GHz Core i7 3520M processor after February 13, 2013 still cost US$200 or US$1699 total when equipped with a 128 GB SSD, too.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. |
Global original prices for the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.9 13" Retina 2012 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, C$2199 |
Brazil: |
R$7.699, R$8.999 |
| Mexico: |
MXN $32,199, $37,199 |
United States: |
US$1899, US$2199* |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€1949, €2249 |
Belgium: |
€1979, €2279 |
| Denmark: |
DKK 15,299, 17,599 |
Finland: |
€1999, €2329 |
| France: |
€1949, €2249 |
Germany: |
€1949, €2249 |
| Ireland: |
€1999, €2329 |
Italy: |
€1979, €2279 |
| Luxembourg: |
€1880,87, €2165,99 |
Netherlands: |
€1979, €2279 |
| Norway: |
NOK 15.590, 18.090 |
Portugal: |
€1999, €2329 |
| Spain: |
€1979, €2279 |
Sweden: |
SEK 18.455, 21.455 |
| Switzerland: |
CHF 2'149, 2'499 |
United Kingdom: |
£1609, £1859 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 12,458 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$14,548, HK$17,048 |
| India: |
Rs 99,900 |
Indonesia: |
N/A |
| Japan: |
¥161,800, ¥185,800 |
Korea: |
KRW 2,530,200, 2,939,200 |
| Malaysia: |
RM 5,979, 6,879 |
The Philippines: |
PHP 92,990, 107,990 |
| Singapore: |
S$2,668, S$3,068 |
Taiwan: |
NT$60,420, NT$70,420 |
| Thailand: |
THB 63,460, 73,460 |
Vietnam: |
N/A |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$2134, A$2434 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$3019, NZ$3519 |
If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the MacBook Pro models follow.
Permalink | Report an Error/Typo | Sign Up for Site Update Notices
<< MacBook Pro (Home) | Also see: MacBook Pro 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.
2 (Thunderbolt), 1 (HDMI) 
None 
None 
None 
None
None
2 (3.0)
None
None
None
None
2 (Internal)
1
1
1
None
None
N/A
1