MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015)
Our verdict
Revive it.
Apple’s updates ended on macOS Big Sur 11. The community’s didn’t.
I
Give it a new OS
OpenCore Legacy Patcher runs macOS Tahoe 26 on this machine — a modern browser and current patches, unofficially. OpenCore Legacy Patcher ↗
II
Give it a job
A dedicated writing machine, a kitchen recipe screen, or the family movie server.
III
Or let it go
Apple no longer services this model, but Apple Stores still take it for free recycling. Working units are worth more sold than scrapped.
ObsoleteTops out at macOS Big Sur 11 — or macOS Tahoe 26 with OpenCore.
Where to sell it
The record
Introduced
2015
Model identifier
MacBook8,1
Chip
Intel Core M Broadwell
Architecture
Intel
Latest official release
macOS Big Sur 11
With OpenCore Patcher
macOS Tahoe 26 · official patcher site
Security updates
Ended — macOS Big Sur received its final security update in 2023 (last release 11.7.10 (2023-09-11)).
Apple hardware status
Obsolete — no longer serviced
Data confidence
high
Common questions
What is the newest macOS for the MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015)?
The MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015) officially tops out at macOS Big Sur 11. The community’s OpenCore Legacy Patcher can take it to macOS Tahoe 26, unofficially.
Is the MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015) still getting security updates?
No. Ended — macOS Big Sur received its final security update in 2023 (last release 11.7.10 (2023-09-11)).
Can the MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015) run a newer macOS than Big Sur 11?
Officially, no. Unofficially, yes: OpenCore Legacy Patcher runs macOS Tahoe 26 on this machine — a modern browser and current patches. It’s unsupported territory, so back up first.
Is the MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015) vintage or obsolete?
Apple classifies it as obsolete: no more parts, no more service. Apple Stores will still recycle it for free.
Same shelf