MacBook Pro 2016 will sport an OLED touch bar. (Photo : YouTube/Cult of Mac)
As advertised, there were no hardware revelations during the 2016 WWDC event this June as Apple mostly focused on the iOS 10, macOS and other software discussions. However, the MacBook Pro and Air skip somehow confirmed the earlier hints that release date would be in staggered mode with the initial arrivals rumored to begin August.
The first batch of new Macs to launch this 2016 would be the MacBook Airs if the recent report from Japanese blog MacOtakara is to be believed. The Apple fan site claimed that contrary to numerous forecasts provided by analysts, the MBAs will remain in production but with minor specs bumps to be deployed with the 2016 refresh.
The MacBook Air 2016 though will boast of a new screen size as a result of the expected exit of the 11-inch model. In its stead, Apple will reportedly introduce a 15-inch MBA but the features and specifications have been withheld to date.
The highlight of the fresh Macs push this year, no doubt, is the MacBook Pro 2016 and according to MacRumors fans will first see the unboxing for the 13-inch model. This remains in line with the research note from reputed Apple watcher Ming-chi Kuo that the new MBPs will commence its rollout in the fourth quarter of 2016, thus pointing to a possible October launch.
And if indeed Apple has opted for a staggered release of the MacBook Pro, the 15-inch form factor should in the next few weeks, likely before the start of 2016 holiday season. Kuo has earlier indicated that the MBPs will land in two screen configurations with the build and design closely patterned after the 12-inch Retina MacBook.
The MacBook Pro to come out will be the slimmest and lightest of the bunch, Kuo said, and the projected major design revamp makes sense, MacRumors said, noting that the line last saw a notable overhaul four years ago.
All the 2016 Macs, the desktops including, are all but confirmed to jump from Broadwell to Intel's sixth-generation Skylake that promises faster, mightier and more efficient computing experience both in portable and conventional settings.
Apple has confirmed that on release date, all Macs - the MacBook Pro and Air refreshes including - will be powered by macOS Sierra that will deliver fresh features such as Siri for Mac, Touch ID unlocking via iPhone or Apple Watch and built-in support for configurable OLED touch function keys.
