Leak Suggests 12-Inch MacBook with Retina Display Will Be Updated This April
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It looks like the 12-inch MacBook will be getting an update sometime before the end of April, according to information first spotted in the Apple System Image Utility feature, shared by a source from 9to5Mac.
The report lists the early 2015 MacBook, alongside the early 2016 MacBook, which obviously hasn’t been released yet. Given the fact that it is marked as “early 2016”, the device is expected to be coming within the next few months, and it should feature a Retina display, as noted by the report.
Of course, it makes sense that a new update to the MacBook will launch in April, as the original MacBook launched in April of 2015. It’s likely that the overall design of the computer will remain the same, however it will include upgraded internal specs, such as getting updated versions of Intel’s Skylake processors.
In fact, the reports indicate that the new MacBook will be available with either the Core m3-6Y30, the Core m5-6Y54, or the Core m7-6Y75 processors. It will be likely that users can choose between the different processor models, changing the power depending on their needs.
Skylake processors have been available to computer makers since the end of 2015, and would be perfect for the MacBook for a number of reasons. The Core M Skylake chips offer a hefty 10 hours of battery life, and has processing power that is between 10 and 20 percent faster than the Broadwell processors that were included in the first generation of the MacBook. Not only that, but the new chips also offer 40 percent faster graphics.
Interestingly enough, the OS X server doesn’t include any mention of a new Retina MacBook Pro or MacBook Air models, so it’s a little unclear as to whether or not we will actually see refreshes for those computers. Of course, the assumption is that we will, but if we go by this report, then perhaps it’s not so certain.
In fact, recent rumors suggest that we will see new “ultra-thin” MacBooks, available in both 13-inch or 15-inch versions. It’s not known if these will be part of the MacBook Air or MacBook Pro lineup, or if they will be a part of a new lineup, with Apple phasing out the other models. It is said that Apple is looking at a June or July launch date for these computers, which lines up with the likely dates for Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference.
Things, of course, aren’t looking too good for the MacBook Air model in general. The MacBook seems to somewhat replace the MacBook Air, and with the MacBook Pro getting thinner and thinner, the purpose of the MacBook Air is somewhat fading away.
It would be interesting to see Apple phase away different MacBook models in general, leaving only the “MacBook.” Of course, if this were to happen, the company would have to offer wide ranging variable specs to appeal to the different types of people who buy Apple’s computers, Professionals in areas like graphic design or audio production generally steer more towards the MacBook Pro, while others who really mainly use their computer for web surfing and emails are fine with either the MacBook or MacBook Air computers.
There are obviously other indications that Apple is preparing to refresh the MacBook lineup. The computer is currently available with a $100 discount from Amazon, or with a $300 discount from Best Buy.
In general the MacBook range seems to be in a weird spot. Apple’s iPad Pro somewhat steps on the toes of the lower cost MacBook computers, and the rest of the lineup is due for a major refresh. Perhaps in a year Apple’s product range will be a little more defined, but right now it just doesn’t seem as though it is.
Apart from a complete refresh of the MacBook lineup at WWDC, we’re also expecting to see new versions of Apple’s operating systems, including iOS 10 and OS X 10.12. These operating systems probably won’t be released to the public until later in the year, however we will start getting our first previews of the operating system at WWDC, which is Apple’s developers conference. The new MacBooks and operating systems will likely be the highlights of WWDC, with other products set for updates at Apple’s September event.
Do you plan to pick up the new MacBook when it’s released? Or are you waiting for something else? Let us know in the comments below!
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[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.]
