Apple MacBook Pro 2016 is Set for Major Design and Feature Revamps (Photo : Apple)
From the 12-inch MacBook, the USB Type-C port will reportedly jump to the MacBook Pro 2016 and the release date of the MacOS Sierra-powered laptop is supposedly set no later than November this year, a new report said. Intel Kaby Lake is likely part of the deal too.
Picking up on the latest rumors from supply chain sources in Asia, Apple Insider reported that USB Type-C port is nearly confirmed for the MacBook Pro 2016 rollout later in the year. The connectivity standard is also thought to support Thunderbolt 3 with data and power processing capabilities.
The latest information came from Taiwan-based publication DigiTimes but the report pointed to the rumored MacBook Air 2016 refresh as possible recipient. However, Apple Insider is convinced that it is the upcoming MacBook Pro upgrade that will get USB Type-C, indicating too on its report that the chance is high the MacBook Air will be discontinued thus eliminating the likelihood of a 2016 version.
While the MacBook Air will remain in the market, it will take the spot as Apple's entry-level laptop but eventually will be bumped off by the 12-inch MacBook, which in recent months has been upgraded.
Now the MacBook Pro 2016 unboxing with USB Type-C has gained significant traction through credible reports and leaked details. One example is "a chassis that surfaced in May showed a thinner-than-ever MacBook Pro design with four USB Type-C ports and no MagSafe," Apple Insider said on its report.
The report also cited analysts' recent forecast, among them well-known Apple watcher Ming-chi Kuo of KGI Securities, that the MacBook Pro 2016 will be slimmer and lighter than the past versions, further lending credence to the speculations that the latest USB connectivity standard will be included on the upcoming MBP 2016 package.
Earlier, Apple Insider suggested the possibility of the MacBook Pro 2016 powered by Intel Kaby Lake processing chip instead of Skylake as the former is supposedly ready for mass availability at around the same time that the new MBP will debut, which is reportedly set in the last quarter of the year.
When unpacked, the new MacBook Pro is said to impress with innovative feature upgrades such as a programmable OLED touch bar, remote Touch ID unlocking feature and the MacOS-integrated Siri for Mac that will allow for limited hands-free use of the device.
In line with analysts' projections, Apple Insider said that the MacBook Pro 2016 release date will happen on or before November this year, suggesting that "anytime after that and Apple would miss out on the start of the lucrative holiday shopping season."
