Apple introduced the second update to its ultra-thin 12-inch MacBook on June 5, 2017, debuting new machines with faster processors, better graphics, faster SSDs, and support for up to 16GB RAM. Aside from these internal changes and the addition of a revamped keyboard, the MacBooks are identical to previous-generation 2016 models.

First introduced in March of 2015, the MacBook is Apple's newest Mac product line, distinct from the existing MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lineups. The MacBook is Apple's thinnest, lightest Mac to date with terraced battery technology and a fanless design enabled by a low-power Core M processor.

Measuring in at 13.1mm thick, the MacBook is 24 percent thinner than the MacBook Air, and it weighs just two pounds, lighter than both the 2.38 pound 11-inch MacBook Air and the 2.96 pound 13-inch MacBook Air. It has a 12-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2304 x 1440.

The third-generation MacBook continues to use the same design as the original version, featuring a full-size edge-to-edge keyboard with a speaker grille located above to save space, MacBook Pro-style black display bezels, and a Force Touch trackpad that enables Force Click, allowing users to use pressure-based click gestures. The trackpad also incorporates haptic feedback for a tactile response when it's used.

Due to its thinness, the MacBook uses a second-generation "butterfly mechanism" for the keyboard keys to make them 40 percent thinner than traditional keyboard keys and significantly changing the feel. The keys are also more stable for better precision when typing and each key is backlit with a single LED for uniform brightness.

Apple's MacBook initially came in four colors -- Silver, Space Gray, Gold, and Rose Gold -- but Apple eliminated the Rose Gold option in October 2018 when it introduced new Mac mini and MacBook Pro machines.

The 2017 MacBook uses Intel's Kaby Lake chips with integrated Intel Intel HD Graphics 615 for 20 percent improved processor speeds and faster graphics performance. Also included is 50 percent faster PCIe-based flash storage and up to 16GB of 1866 MHz memory.

A single USB-C port continues to supply power, USB 3.1 connectivity, and DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI, and VGA capabilities. The MacBook continues to feature 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, stereo speakers, dual microphones, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a 480p FaceTime camera.

The 2017 MacBook features up to 10 hours of battery life when browsing the web and up to 12 hours of iTunes movie playback thanks to the new, more efficient Kaby Lake chips.