Upgraded MacBook Pro models along with a second-generation twelve-inch MacBook Air with a faster Intel chip and possibly a refreshed MacBook Air are all reportedly coming at Apple’s annual conference for app developers next month.
Bloomberg claimed Tuesday that MacBook Pro will get a faster Intel Kaby Lake processor. A new version of the current twelve-inch MacBook would pack in a faster Intel chip, too.
It should be noted that the Mac maker hasn’t announced new hardware at WWDC since 2013, when it launched Mac Pro and updated MacBook Air.
Apple and Intel declined to comment.
Here’s a brief overview of the rumored MacBook upgrades:
- MacBook Pro—The same looks as the latest model, but with Intel’s faster Kaby Lake chips and updated internal architecture. It’s unclear if Apple’s rumored internally designed ARM-based chip for managing low-power mode is part of the new models.
- 12-inch MacBook—Last updated in spring 2016 with a rose gold color option, the ultra-thin machine will get a faster Intel chip.
- MacBook Air—Apple’s cheapest laptop has not received a speed boost since 2015, but its sales remain “surprisingly strong”. The company “has considered updating” the MacBook Air notebook with a new processor.
Fun fact: it’s been almost seven years since Apple last redesigned the popular Air.
In the March quarter, Apple sold 4.2 million Mac desktops and notebooks, generating fourteen percent more revenue on these systems than in the year-ago quarter.
Previously, it pledged to release a modular Mac Pro system, all-new pro displays, refreshed Mac mini models and major upgrades to its all-in-one iMac desktop with better specifications.
As mentioned, the upgraded Mac notebook lineup may be announced during Apple’s WWDC keynote, which takes place on Monday, June 5, at 10am Pacific Time.
Asides from previews of the next major versions of iOS, watchOS, tvOS and macOS, Tim Cook & Co. may provide other updates during the keynote address, including announcements related to the company’s rumored AI-driven Siri smart speaker, 10.5-inch iPad Pro model, 4K-capable Apple TV and the discontinuation of the iPad mini lineup.