• MacBook Pro 2016 is the successor of the existing 14 and 15-inch MacBook Pro models and is expected later this year.

MacBook Pro 2016 is the successor of the existing 14 and 15-inch MacBook Pro models and is expected later this year. (Photo : YouTube/HandyAndy Tech Tips)

After Apple's withdrawal of the non-Retina 13-inch MacBook Pro from its MacBook devices, rumors are now rife that the company is just a step away from doing the same to the MacBook Air series, and probably using MacBook Pro 2016 to fill its spot.

According to Apple Insider, it had been earlier predicted that the 11 and 13-inch MacBook Air would stagnate in terms of upgrades, which ended up to be true. The legendary notebooks finally got relegated to an entry-level status.

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This turn of events for the two Apple's devices sparked a new speculation that the MacBook Air lineup could soon get axed for good owing to the bleak nature of its future. Now, it is supposed that the next most probable notebook that would replace it is the long awaited MacBook Pro 2016.

This is especially because the MacBook Pro is the sleekest available laptop that Apple has made to date. The 13 and 15-inch models come with NFC chip technology, an OLED touch bar in place of traditional keys, wireless charging, Touch ID fingerprint scanning, USB Type C, and Intel's latest Skylake processors.

Even better, the MacBook Pro 2016, its successor, is slated for a release later this year just before the holiday shopping season. That is sometime in the fourth quarter of the year, the same time when Apple will unveil the iPhone 7.

MacBook Pro's improved performance and updated design are a positive thing to consider when it comes to predicting the next turn of events. On the other hand, MacBook Air's stagnant design since 2010 indicates a likely death for the laptop.

The most recent upgrade for the MacBook Air was a RAM upgrade, which was witnessed early last year. Since then, the Air lineup has not received anything to amp it up. According to Mashable, the most significant advantage that consumers hold on to is that it comes with a budget-friendly price tag and uncompromising performance.

With MacBook Pro being the thinnest and most handy laptop that Apple has made so far, MacBook enthusiasts predict that the arrival of MacBook Pro 2016 may entirely choke the MacBook Air. But since Apple has a reputation of continuing its products for a long time, the latter cannot be ruled out of future upgrades.

Watch the video below for a spec wishlist of the MacBook Pro 2016: