Apple has just updated its 12-inch Retina MacBook line. In addition to the latest generation of Skylake chips, the new models will feature improved graphics, faster flash storage, and an extra hour of battery life. Plus, for the first time on a Mac, they will be available in a rose gold finish.

The new MacBooks feature 6th-gen dual-core Intel Core M processors and faster 1866 MHz memory. They use Intel's HD graphics 515, which is about 25 percent faster than the previous Intel 5300 GPU, and speedier PCIe-based flash storage.

In addition to the improved hardware, the Macs now boast slightly better battery life. Apple says that users will be able to get 10 hours of wireless web browsing and up to 11 hours of movie playback on the new notebooks.

The exterior design remains the same; rumors of a new hinge have proved inaccurate, as have the suggestions that the single USB-C port would support Thunderbolt 3.

The new retina MacBooks are available in two configurations. There's a $1299 model with a 1.1 GHz M3 processor, 8 GB of memory, and 256 GB storage, and a $1599 configuration that ships with a 1.2 Ghz M5 and 512GB of flash memory. There's also configure-to-order options that include a 1.3 Ghz M7 processor. They are available in gold, silver, space gray, and rose gold.

Apple also announced that it is making 8 GB of memory the standard for all configurations of the 13-inch MacBook Air.

In other Apple news, the Cupertino company has confirmed that the 27th edition of its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will begin with Apple's keynote and State of the Union speeches at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on June 13. All other conference sessions will take place at Moscone West, and the event will run until June 17.

Tickets to WWDC cost $1599, but buying one isn't as simple as going to the website and forking out the cash. As with previous years, a lottery-style random selection system is used to offer people who register for the event the chance to purchase tickets.

Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, Philip Schiller, said: "WWDC 2016 is going to be a landmark event for developers who are coding in Swift, and building apps and products for iOS, OS X, watchOS, and tvOS."

WWDC 2016 highlights include:

  • Over 1,000 Apple engineers supporting more than 150 hands-on labs and events to provide developers with code-level assistance, insight into optimal development techniques and guidance on how they can make the most of iOS, OS X, watchOS and tvOS technologies in their apps;
  • Access to the latest innovations, features and capabilities of iOS, OS X, watchOS and tvOS, and best practices for enhancing an app's functionality, performance, quality and design;
  • The opportunity to connect with thousands of fellow iOS, OS X, watchOS and tvOS developers from around the world --- last year, 80 percent of developers attended for their first time, and in total, more than 70 countries were represented;
  • A series of get-togethers for attendees focused on particular topics with special guest speakers and activities;
  • Engaging and inspirational lunchtime sessions with trailblazers and influencers from the worlds of technology, science and entertainment; and
  • The Apple Design Awards which recognize iPhone®, iPad®, Apple Watch®, Apple TV® and Mac® apps that demonstrate technical excellence, innovation and outstanding design.