Macbook 12in M7 Review – Worth Buying Today?

If you’ve ever picked up Apple’s 12-inch MacBook, you’ll know it feels like holding a piece of the future, only the future in this case dates back to 2016. Sleek, ultra-light, and surprisingly capable for its time, the MacBook 12in M7 was Apple’s bold attempt to redefine ultra-portability.

An extremely lightweight, portable laptop designed by Apple with exceptional features. Macbook 12in M7 was first launched in 2015 but discontinued in 2019.

The tech giant, Apple, has again introduced it to the market with additional characteristics and highly ergonomic design. It is at the advanced level of all other notebooks in the MacBook series, promising to provide outstanding results to the users.

I have created this comprehensive Macbook 12in M7 review to share its specifications, features, pros, and cons.

In my previous article, I wrote about the iMac Pro i7 4K Review. You can also read it if you are looking for a superior desktop experience.

The MacBook 12in M7 is a particular MacBook variant with a 12-inch Retina display and uses an Intel M7 processor running on 1.3GHz.

The storage values offered by this device are either 256GB or 512 GB. Having this M7 processor, one can be able to get an efficient performance as it is designed to meet the needs of those who cannot pass by without trying multitasking and running some demanding applications.

Apple is best known for presenting top-quality products to worldwide users. The same is done in the case of the Macbook series. Apple has designed this product with lightweight metals and plastic components to increase its portability.

Pros and Cons of Macbook 12in M7

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight and travel-friendly
• High-resolution Retina display
• Silent fanless performance
• All-day battery life
• Premium Apple build quality

Cons:

• Limited to one USB-C port
• 480p webcam is outdated
• Butterfly keyboard has a history of failure
• Not suitable for heavy tasks like video editing or gaming

1. Design & Build Quality

The 12-inch MacBook m7 was Apple’s first truly ultraportable notebook. With a fanless design, tapered unibody aluminum chassis, and a weight of just over 2 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to carry. Available in Space Gray, Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold, it still looks modern today.

• Portability Pro Tip: This MacBook easily fits into most handbags and compact backpacks, making it ideal for travelers or students constantly on the move.

The build quality is what you’d expect from Apple: premium, sturdy, and elegantly minimalistic. The only notable drawback? Its single USB-C port may feel limiting today.

2. Processor

The MacBook 12in M7 was a pioneer in ultra-portability. Measuring just 13.1 mm thick and weighing a mere 2.03 pounds, it was the thinnest and lightest MacBook Apple had ever made.

• Chassis: Unibody aluminum construction available in Space Gray, Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold.
• Portability: Perfect for commuters, students, and professionals constantly on the move.
• Fanless Design: Thanks to the low-heat Core m7 processor, this MacBook operates silently.

3. Display

The 12-inch Retina display is one of this MacBook’s most impressive features. It boasts a 2304 x 1440 resolution with over 3 million pixels, producing razor-sharp text and lifelike colors.

Display Highlights:

• Energy Efficient: Balanced brightness and low power consumption.
• IPS Technology: Wide viewing angles and color consistency.
• 226 PPI: Clearer than standard HD displays.

4. Operating System

The Intel Core m7 processor (6th-gen Skylake) with a 1.3 GHz base clock and Turbo Boost up to 3.1 GHz allows smooth operation for most standard workflows.

Real-World Usage:

• Smooth handling of web browsing, Office apps, email, and video streaming
• Efficient multitasking: up to 10 browser tabs, Spotify, and word processors simultaneously
• Quick wake-up and app launch times

This MacBook is ideal for:

• Anyone who needs a quiet, ultra-light laptop
• Writers and students
• Business professionals using spreadsheets, slides, and cloud tools

5. Memory & Storage

The MacBook 12in M7 comes with 256 GB or 512 GB PCIe-based SSD storage, providing fast read/write speeds. It also features 8 GB of LPDDR3 RAM (soldered).

Benefits:

• Quick boot and application launch
• Seamless file transfers and app switching
• Enough storage for documents, media, and light creative work

While the 8GB RAM and SSD are non-upgradable, they offer consistent and reliable performance for general usage.

6. Graphics – Basic but Capable

The MacBook includes Intel HD Graphics 515, which supports:

• Smooth video playback (1080p and some 4K)
• Photo editing via apps like Pixelmator or Affinity Photo
• Light games (e.g., Sims, Minecraft, older strategy titles)

It’s not built for AAA gaming or graphic design, but it meets the needs of casual creatives and everyday users.

7. Battery

Apple designed this MacBook with a 41.4 Wh battery, delivering up to 10 hours of web usage or video playback.

Charging & Efficiency:

• USB-C fast charging support
• Energy-efficient components extend real-world usage
• Up to 30 days standby time in sleep mode

Whether you’re at a café, library, or on a flight, this device easily lasts a full workday.

8. Keyboard & Trackpad

This MacBook features Apple’s first-generation Butterfly keyboard, which is thinner but controversial due to reliability issues. While some users like its tactile response, others find it prone to sticky keys or failure over time.

The Force Touch trackpad, however, is a standout:

• Exceptionally smooth and responsive.
• Supports multi-touch gestures and pressure sensitivity.
• Feels like a physical click, even though it’s haptic.

9. Connectivity

With just one USB-C port (used for charging and accessories) and a 3.5mm headphone jack, this device demands a dongle-friendly lifestyle.

No Thunderbolt, no SD card slot, and no USB-A means you’ll likely need:

• USB-C to USB-A adapters
• USB-C hubs or docks
• Wireless peripherals (Bluetooth mouse, AirPods, etc.)

In 2025, this is its biggest limitation compared to even budget laptops.

10. Security & macOS Support

There’s no Touch ID or Face ID on this MacBook. The security comes purely from macOS, which is:

• Smooth and well-optimized up to macOS Monterey (2021)
• No official support for macOS Ventura or later (without patching tools)

While some users use OpenCore or other tools to install newer macOS versions, it’s unofficial and not recommended for beginners.

If you’re looking for a portable, fanless, minimalistic macOS device for light daily use, this MacBook 12in M7 still delivers. It’s especially ideal for:

• Writers, students, and bloggers
• Business travelers or remote workers
• Minimalist laptop users who prioritize form over raw power

Avoid it if you need:

• Modern ports (Thunderbolt, HDMI, SD card)
• Intensive performance (video editing, coding, gaming)
• Long-term macOS support or Apple Silicon performance

If you want to purchase this laptop from online stores, Amazon is the best option to go. You can buy a laptop with 256 GB or 512 GB storage capacity according to your budget and requirements.

You can no longer buy it new from Apple, but it’s widely available in the refurbished and used market.

MacBook 12in M7 Alternatives to Consider

The MacBook 12in M7 remains one of Apple’s most beautifully designed laptops, even years later. While its performance and port limitations make it unsuitable for power users, it’s still a joy to use for those who need something light, elegant, and distraction-free.

Moreover, the long battery life allows you to stream your favorite games and movies for a longer period. The high-quality processor, SSD hard drive, and 8 GB RAM significantly improve the operating speed. That’s all about this guide. Stay tuned for more information!