Apple has revealed the first hardware revision for its 12in Retina MacBook range, which it proudly announced is still the "thinnest and lightest Mac" ever. The latest iteration also features upgraded 'Skylake' Intel Core M processors, a Force Touch trackpad, a USB-C port and a Rose Gold colour variant – the first time the popular iPhone and iPad finish has appeared on a Mac.
Measuring just over 0.5in (1.3cm) and weighing in at approximately two pounds, the minimal form-factor combined with Intel's Skylake chipset – only previously found in the premium versions of its late-2015 iMac 5K range – make this out as a significant upgrade. Plus who doesn't want a pink, sorry... Rose Gold MacBook?
The update is available from Apple's online store from today (19 April) and you will be able to try it out for yourself from tomorrow (20 April) when it hits Apple retail stores. The price starts at £1,049 for the base model and £1,299 for a version packing higher specs, although only configure-to-order models will house the more powerful 1.3 GHz dual-core Intel Core m7 processor.
As well as upping the memory from 1600MHz to 1866MHz modules when compared to the original 12in MacBook, Apple are also touting the improved battery life, which it claims will offer up to 10 hours of web-browsing over WiFi and up to 11 hours of video playback. In a press release, Apple noted that these
enhancements make the new MacBook "the perfect notebook for all day, on-the-go computing."
While we at IBTimes UK are a little disappointed that the update is sticking to a singular USB-C port as a one-port-fits-all for everything from charging, data transfers and video output, the 2304 × 1440 Retina display, 8GB of RAM, Intel HD Graphics 515 GPU and PCIe-based flash storage have seemingly been designed for those looking for a swift, efficient MacBook that can be carried around with ease. Just remember to bring the right USB cables if your frequently used peripherals can't be connected via Bluetooth 4.0 or the built-in 802.11ac WiFi.
"MacBook is the thinnest and lightest Mac we have ever made and it's our vision for the future of the notebook," said Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, Philip Schiller. "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."
As well as a Force Touch trackpad, this latest MacBook revision also includes a standardised keyboard, a small mercy for those worried aboutApple's touchscreen keyboard patent hints. Force Touch meanwhile could be making its way into the next Magic Mouse after it surfaced in yet another one of Apple's often obscure patent filings.
While the new 12in MacBook will initially be running on the latest OS X software update El Capitan, the Cupertino-based company could be rebranding its operating system to MacOS to fit with its broader software naming-scheme. We are likely to find out for sure at Apple's annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) during the keynote speech set for 13 June, during which it is expected that iOS 10 and watchOS 3 will also be unveiled to the public for the first time.
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