Only the differences are shown. 19 specs stay the same.
+9you gain
−1you give up
MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016) came out in April 2016. MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018) came out in November 2018, almost 3 years later. MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016) stopped getting new macOS versions at macOS Monterey 12. MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018) stopped getting new macOS versions at macOS Sonoma 14.
Note on MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016): Keyboard type not shown: Apple's spec page does not name the keyboard mechanism. Thickness is the thickest point of the tapered design.
Note on MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018): Keyboard type not shown: Apple's spec page does not name the keyboard mechanism. Thickness is the thickest point of the tapered design.
Updates & AI
macOS Monterey 12 → macOS Sonoma 14
The only change here
Chip & memory
1.1GHz dual-core Intel Core m3 → 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5
16 GB max memory, 128 GB storage, 1.5 TB max storage
Screen
12 in → 13.3 in
2560x1600
Ports & charging
None → Thunderbolt 3
2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), 2 external displays, Bluetooth 4.2, 30 W charger
Battery
+2 hours
11 h → 13 h movie playback
Price check
MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018) launch price not confirmed
Not currently sold refurbished by Apple.
All 18 differences
Updates & AI1 gain
Latest macOS
macOS Monterey 12›macOS Sonoma 14
What does this mean?
macOS is the software that runs the Mac: the desktop, Finder, the built-in apps, the settings and the security protection. Apple releases a new version every autumn.
A Mac on the newest macOS gets new features and regular security fixes. A Mac stuck on an older version keeps working, but over time apps start requiring a newer macOS, and security fixes stop. Apple has said macOS Tahoe 26 is the last version for Macs with Intel processors.
Matters most if: You use work, school or banking apps that need a recent macOS.
Apple Intelligence
No (same on both)
What does this mean?
Apple Intelligence is Apple's set of AI features: writing help that rewrites or proofreads your text, summaries of long emails and notifications, Clean Up in Photos, and the new Siri AI.
On Mac it needs Apple silicon, the M1 chip or later. Macs with Intel processors cannot get it. Which features you see also depends on your country and language.
Apple repair support
No longer repaired by Apple (same on both)
What does this mean?
Apple counts from when it stopped selling the model, not from its release date. Vintage: Apple stopped selling it 5 to 7 years ago; repairs only while parts last. Obsolete: over 7 years ago; Apple no longer repairs it.
Checked against Apple's vintage and obsolete products list on 2026-10-11. Mac laptops may still get battery-only repairs for up to 10 years after Apple stopped selling them, if parts are available.
PriceSame
Price check
MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018) — launch price not confirmed
- Used on eBay
- Refurbished on Back Market
- Apple does not currently sell this model refurbished
What your MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016) sells for
- Apple Trade In estimate
- Sold listings on eBay
eBay may ask you to sign in to see sold prices.
Links open in a new tab. Prices are set by each seller and change daily.
Launch price (US)
Not confirmed›Not confirmedsame
What does this mean?
The price Apple charged in the US on launch day for the lowest configuration, before tax.
This is not what the Mac costs today. More memory, storage or a faster chip cost extra. Older models drop in price over time, so check the used and refurbished links for current prices.
Chip & memory2 gains · 1 loss · 1 change
Chip options: MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016)
- 1.1GHz dual-core Intel Core m3
- 1.3GHz dual-core Intel Core m7
- 1.2GHz dual-core Intel Core m5
Chip options: MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
- 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5
Chip
1.1GHz dual-core Intel Core m3›1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5
What does this mean?
The chip is the Mac's brain. Since late 2020 Apple uses its own chips (Apple silicon: M1, M2 and later). Before that, MacBooks used Intel processors.
Apple silicon Macs run cooler and much longer on battery than Intel MacBooks, and can run many iPhone and iPad apps. Intel Macs can run Windows directly with Boot Camp; Apple silicon Macs cannot.
Matters most if: You need Windows, or you want the longest battery life.
Memory (most you can order)
8 GB›16 GB
What does this mean?
The most memory you could order from Apple for this model.
Only matters if you plan to buy a high-end configuration, for example for large video projects or software development.
Storage (base)
256 GB›128 GB
What does this mean?
Storage is where your files, photos and apps are kept. This is the amount in the cheapest configuration. 1 TB (terabyte) is 1,024 GB.
Storage cannot be upgraded inside these MacBooks later. You can add an external drive, but it has to stay plugged in. Photo libraries and video fill storage fastest.
Storage (most you can order)
512 GB›1.5 TB
What does this mean?
The most storage you could order from Apple for this model.
Only matters if you need to keep very large files on the Mac itself rather than on an external drive.
CPU cores
2 (same on both)
What does this mean?
The CPU is the part of the chip that runs your apps. More cores means it can work on more things at the same time.
More cores help most when exporting video, compiling code or running many apps at once. For browsing and email, the difference is small. Cores are only comparable within the same family: one Apple silicon core and one Intel core do not do the same amount of work.
GPU cores
Not published by Apple (same on both)
What does this mean?
The GPU handles graphics: what you see on screen, games, and video and photo effects. Apple lists GPU cores for its own chips.
More GPU cores make games, 3D work and video editing smoother. "Not published by Apple" means the Mac uses Intel or AMD graphics, which Apple does not describe in cores.
Neural Engine cores
None (Intel) (same on both)
What does this mean?
The Neural Engine is a part of Apple silicon built for machine learning tasks, such as recognizing faces and text in photos.
It speeds up features like Live Text, photo search, voice dictation and Apple Intelligence, while using little battery. Intel Macs do not have one.
Memory type
LPDDR3 (same on both)
What does this mean?
Memory (RAM) is the working space for open apps and files. Apple silicon uses unified memory: one pool shared by the CPU, GPU and Neural Engine. Intel MacBooks list a memory type such as LPDDR3 or DDR4.
Unified memory lets graphics and apps use the same memory without copying data back and forth, which helps with photo and video work. On these MacBooks memory cannot be added later, so choose enough when you buy.
Memory (base)
8 GB (same on both)
What does this mean?
How much memory (RAM) the cheapest configuration comes with, in gigabytes (GB).
More memory lets you keep more apps and browser tabs open without slowing down. 8 GB is enough for browsing and documents; 16 GB or more helps with photo editing, video and many apps at once. Memory cannot be upgraded later.
Matters most if: You keep many apps or tabs open, or edit photos and video.
Screen2 changes
Screen size
12 in›13.3 in
What does this mean?
Screen size measured corner to corner, in inches. One inch is 2.54 cm.
A bigger screen fits two windows side by side more comfortably, but the laptop is larger and heavier. A 13-inch MacBook fits most bags; 16-inch models need a bigger one.
Resolution
2304x1440›2560x1600
What does this mean?
How many dots (pixels) make up the screen, across by down.
More pixels on the same size of screen make text and photos look sharper. macOS scales everything so text stays a comfortable size.
Display
Retina (same on both)
What does this mean?
Apple's name for the screen. Retina means sharp enough that you cannot see the dots at a normal distance. Liquid Retina is Apple's name for its newer LCD screens with rounded corners. Liquid Retina XDR uses mini-LED lighting for much higher brightness and contrast.
XDR screens show HDR video and photos far brighter and with deeper blacks than Retina and Liquid Retina screens.
Screen type
LCD (same on both)
What does this mean?
LCD screens use one light behind the whole screen. Mini-LED screens use thousands of tiny lights behind the screen, each lighting a small area that can dim on its own.
Mini-LED shows deeper blacks and much brighter highlights, which you notice most in HDR films and photo editing. For documents and browsing, both look good.
120 Hz ProMotion
No (same on both)
What does this mean?
Hz (hertz) means times per second. A standard MacBook screen redraws 60 times per second (60 Hz). ProMotion goes up to 120 times per second (120 Hz) and slows down when nothing moves, to save battery.
Scrolling through pages, moving windows and animations look noticeably smoother.
Brightness (SDR)
Not published by Apple (same on both)
What does this mean?
Nits measure brightness. This is the brightness Apple lists for everyday (SDR) content such as documents and websites, not the higher peak for HDR video.
A brighter screen is easier to read near a window or outdoors. 500 nits works well indoors. "Not published by Apple" means Apple's spec page for that model does not give a figure.
Nano-texture display option
No (same on both)
What does this mean?
Apple offers an optional nano-texture screen: the glass surface is etched with a pattern too small to see, which scatters reflected light.
Reflections from windows and lights are greatly reduced, while the picture stays clear. It costs extra, and the screen should be cleaned only with the special cloth Apple includes.
Matters most if: You work near windows, outdoors, or under bright office lights.
Camera1 gain
Camera
480p FaceTime camera›720p FaceTime HD camera
What does this mean?
The camera above the screen used for video calls. 480p, 720p and 1080p describe video sharpness (more lines of detail is sharper). 12MP Center Stage is a higher-resolution wide camera.
A 1080p camera makes you look noticeably sharper in calls than a 720p one. The 12MP Center Stage camera can also follow you as you move and show your desk with Desk View.
Matters most if: You make a lot of video calls.
Center Stage
No (same on both)
What does this mean?
Center Stage uses the wide camera to keep you in frame during video calls.
If you lean back or shift in your seat, the picture follows you. When someone joins you, it widens to fit both of you.
Keyboard & input1 change
Unlock
None (password only)›Touch ID
What does this mean?
Touch ID reads your fingerprint from a key on the keyboard. Without it, you type your password.
With Touch ID you unlock the Mac, approve Apple Pay and fill in passwords with one touch instead of typing.
Keyboard
Not named by Apple (same on both)
What does this mean?
The mechanism under the keys. The butterfly keyboard (MacBooks from 2015 to 2019) was very thin with little key travel. Magic Keyboard uses a scissor mechanism with more travel. "Not named by Apple" means Apple's spec page does not say which mechanism the model uses.
Magic Keyboard keys move further when pressed and feel more like a desktop keyboard. Many people found the butterfly keys too shallow, and Apple acknowledged that on some of these keyboards keys could repeat, not respond, or feel sticky.
Matters most if: You type a lot.
Touch Bar
No (same on both)
What does this mean?
The Touch Bar was a thin touchscreen strip above the keyboard, in place of the row of function keys. Apple used it on some MacBook Pro models from 2016 to 2022.
It showed buttons that changed with the app you were using. Models without it have a row of physical function keys, including brightness and volume, that you can press without looking.
Ports & charging3 gains · 2 changes
USB-C ports
1x USB 3 (USB-C)›2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C)
What does this mean?
The sockets on the sides of the MacBook. Each row shows one port gained or lost.
Built-in HDMI and an SD card slot mean fewer adapters when you connect a TV or projector or copy photos from a camera. With fewer ports you rely more on USB-C hubs and adapters.
Matters most if: You connect displays, cameras or many accessories.
Thunderbolt version
None›Thunderbolt 3
What does this mean?
Thunderbolt is a fast connection that uses the USB-C plug (Thunderbolt 2 used an older, smaller plug). Gb/s is gigabits per second. Thunderbolt 2 goes up to 20 Gb/s, Thunderbolt 3 and 4 up to 40 Gb/s, and Thunderbolt 5 up to 120 Gb/s.
Faster Thunderbolt matters for external SSDs, docks and high-resolution displays. For charging, keyboards and mice, every version works the same.
External displays (most)
1 external display›2 external displays
What does this mean?
The most separate displays you can connect at the same time, as Apple's spec page lists it. On an iMac this is on top of its own screen.
Very high resolutions or refresh rates can lower the number; Apple's spec page lists the exact combinations. More display support helps when you spread your work across several screens.
Matters most if: You want two or more monitors on your desk.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 4.0›Bluetooth 4.2
What does this mean?
Bluetooth connects wireless headphones, mice, keyboards and game controllers. Newer versions have more range and use less power.
Most accessories work with any of these versions. Newer versions mainly help with range and connection stability.
Charger in the box
29 W›30 W
What does this mean?
The power of the charger Apple includes in the box, in watts (W). Higher watts can charge faster.
A bigger charger refills the battery faster, especially on larger MacBook Pro models. Any USB-C charger works, but a small one charges slowly.
Ports on both
3.5 mm headphone jack (same on both)
MagSafe version
None (same on both)
What does this mean?
MagSafe is a charging connector that attaches with magnets. MagSafe 3 is the newest version.
If someone trips over the cable, it pops off instead of pulling the MacBook off the table. It also keeps the USB-C or Thunderbolt ports free while charging.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 5 (same on both)
What does this mean?
Wi-Fi generations. Each new one handles more devices at once and higher speeds: Wi-Fi 5 (2014), Wi-Fi 6 (2019), Wi-Fi 6E adds a new, less crowded radio band, Wi-Fi 7 is the newest.
You only get the extra speed if your router supports the same generation. With an older router, the difference is small.
Battery2 gains
Battery (video)
11 hours›13 hours
What does this mean?
Apple's battery rating for watching video on a full charge, in Apple's own tests. Older models were tested playing downloaded movies, newer ones streaming video over Wi-Fi.
Real use with many apps, high brightness or heavy work drains the battery faster. Batteries also wear out, so an older MacBook today lasts less than it did when new.
Matters most if: You work away from a power outlet for long stretches.
Battery capacity
41.4 Wh›50.3 Wh
What does this mean?
Battery size in watt-hours (Wh): how much energy the battery holds.
A bigger battery helps, but how long it lasts depends even more on the chip. Apple silicon MacBooks last much longer than Intel ones with a similar battery.
Design2 changes
Weight
0.92 kg›1.25 kg
What does this mean?
Weight in kilograms. 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds.
A difference of 0.3 kg or more is noticeable when you carry the MacBook every day. The charger adds extra weight to your bag.
Thickness
1.31 cm›1.56 cm
What does this mean?
How thick the MacBook is when closed, in centimeters. 1 cm is about 0.4 inch. For tapered designs this is the thickest point.
Thinner MacBooks slide into bags and sleeves more easily. A few millimeters are hard to notice in daily use.
Speakers
Stereo speakers (same on both)
What does this mean?
How Apple describes the MacBook's speakers on its spec page. Apple's wording varies between models. We show it exactly as Apple lists it.
Four- and six-speaker systems, especially those with force-cancelling woofers, give fuller sound with more bass for films and music without headphones.
What's new
RSS feedAdded Mac mini, iMac, Mac Studio and Mac Pro
33 desktop Macs from 2017 onward, checked against Apple's tech specs pages, in one Mac section with the laptops, so you can compare a Mac mini with a MacBook Air. Specs a model does not have, such as a screen on Mac mini, show as Not applicable.
Added MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and MacBook Neo
45 Mac laptops from 2016 onward, checked against Apple's tech specs pages. Older models appear on the timeline and open for comparison once they are checked. Switch to Mac at the top of the home page.
Added every iPad since 2010
45 iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air and iPad Pro models, checked against Apple's tech specs pages. Switch between iPhone and iPad at the top of the home page.