Apple Is Expected to Pack 15-Inch MacBook Pro with 32GB of RAM This Year

Apple will likely focus on bringing internal improvements to the MacBook Pro in 2017 such integrating Intel’s next-gen Kaby Lake processors into models, according to respected KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. He also predicted that Apple will start producing new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models early in the third quarter of 2017.

Kuo’s investor note, which was obtained by AppleInsider, predicted that Apple would begin manufacturing a 15-inch MacBook Pro with 32GB of desktop-class RAM, double the current memory allotment of 16GB, in the fourth quarter of this year. Kuo also said Apple may begin mass production of upgraded 12-inch models with a 16GB RAM option, up from the current 8GB allotment, as soon as the second quarter of this year.

Apple got into hot water for the minimal 16GB of RAM capacity on its 15-inch MacBook Pros, which designers and high-end users found too limiting. While it defended its decision on the grounds that higher memory allotments would gobble up battery life, Cupertino appears to be moving toward higher-end chipsets in order to increase memory while maintaining battery performance.

Beyond these improvements however, Kuo expects that the new MacBook Pros will remain largely similar to their 2016 counterparts. That being said, the integration of powerful and power-efficient Kaby Lake processors along with the fact that Apple has resolved supply chain issues will likely boost notebook sales at a healthy 10% year-over-year rate.

On the other hand, Kuo predicts that Apple will discount the 13-inch MacBook Pro without Touch Bar, which is seen as a MacBook Air replacement.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]