2016 MacBook Pro And MacBook Air Release Date and Specs Coming in June's WWDC

Jun 02, 2016 09:35 AM EDT

Apple is set to conduct the Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC) in the middle of June. Aside from announcements of the latest software, the company may show off the much-anticipated MacBook Pro and Air 2016. The new MacBook line-up is said to feature lighter body and more powerful internal hardware. Here's the latest update about MacBook pro and MacBook air release date and rumors on the web.

In the past several months, Apple has not made any updates on the MacBook Air and Pro line. So, these devices are due for an update. A report from Independent claims Macbook Pro will have a new version this year. On the other hand, there are rumours that say MacBook Air line could be discontinued.

According to the Verge, this year's MacBook Pro will feature a touch-enabled OLED panel as a replacement for the function keys at the top of the keyboard. In addition, Apple may ditch all connectors on the top-of-the-line laptop except for USB-C ports.

Leaked images posted on Twitter hints the laptop could only have four USB ports - presumably all of which will be USB Type-C.  This means users will not be able to use the MagSafe connector for charging, SD card slot, HDMI connector and Thunderbolt ports. Take note that the recently released 12-inch MacBook only have USB-C ports, so Apple might do the same with the MacBook Pro 2016.

Inside, it will be fueled with Skylake processors from Intel. As of now, none of Apple's MacBooks have Skylake so Apple might install it to the MacBook Pro 2016. Tech experts say Intel's sixth generation chips will definitely bring significant performance increase to the laptop, making it a powerful machine.

Both AMD and nVidia are set to introduce new GPU products this year, and they could be installed on the 2016 MacBook Pro.

For MacBook Air, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple might discontinue the product. The MacBook Pro is set to have a lighter and thinner body, so the Air models will not be needed anymore. Furthermore, it has been years since the model received major upgrades. If there is a new MacBook Air this year, it could only have entry-level features.

For the price of MacBook Pro 2016, it could cost around $1,119 for 13-inch Retina model and $2,009 for 2.5GHz 15-inch Retina model. Apple will unveil the laptop at the WWDC 2016, which is set to happen on June 13-17.