Apple's upcoming laptop, MacBook Air 2016, slated for a possible release during the Apple Watch-centric event, may get a big boost in processing power. Latest rumors indicate that the laptop will run on Intel's next generation Skylake chip.
When Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, introduced a vastly redesigned 13.1mm thick 2015 MacBook, many believed that it would determine the company's upcoming MacBook lines - the Pro and Air models. The controversial redesign for the 2015 Retina-display MacBook saw it change to be portable, thinner, better battery life, and yet a less powerful device.
The model added new features like a Force Touch Trackpad, which has actionable pressure-inclined commands, USB Type-C port, and a newly built keyboard "butterfly" mechanism that accounts for the thinner case.
The redesign of MacBook 2015 paid off and now all the attention has shifted to the upcoming MacBook. With two rumored Apple product events set for March and April, it is inevitable that new releases are looming, according to International Business Times.
Many rumors indicate that the upcoming MacBook Air 2016 will run on the Skylake Core M chip. A report from MacRumors unveiled that a suitable chip for a second-generation Retina MacBook is already available, and therefore, a redesigned Retina MacBook could be introduced at any time.
Unlike the Broadwell chips used in the first-generation MacBook, the new chip would enable 10 hours of battery life and 10-20 percent faster CPU performance. Furthermore, the Skylake chip will offer up to 40 percent faster graphics performance.
With regard to design, the upcoming MacBook may be similar to its precursor. It is speculated that the next flagship will be 12-inch, 2lbs, and come with a Retina Display offering a resolution of 2304 × 1440.
When it comes to pricing, Apple may deploy the same tactic in 2016 as it was the case in 2015. The company will have a starting price of $1299 on the MacBook with 256GB PCIe-based onboard flash storage 1, 1.1GHz dual-core, Intel Core M processor, Turbo Boost up to 2.4GHz, 8GB memory, and Intel HD Graphics 5300.
The price tag can reach up to $1599 for the 512GB PCIe-based onboard flash storage 1, 1.2GHz dual-core, Intel Core M processor, Turbo boost up to 2.6GHz, 8GB memory, and Intel HD Graphics 5300.
Here is a sneak peek for more information.