MacBook Pro 2016 is expected to be unveiled this March. Also, according to recent reports, Intel's new Optane memory technology will come to MacBooks.
In 2015, Micron and Intel announced a new kind of storage technology called 3D XPoint. The technology is 10 times denser than dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and 1,000 times faster and extra durable than NAND flash storage, according to a report from Digital Trends.
Intel said that the first 3D XPoint products will become available in the market in 2016, under the brand Optane. Speculations are doing the rounds that the tech giant Apple will be the first adopter of this technology.
The Cupertino-based company has been early in adopting new technologies. The USB Type-C and Thunderbolt are examples.
According to several reports, Intel's Optane SSDs (solid-state drives) are compatible with NVMe (NVM Express). NVMe is the SSD communications protocol which is slowly replacing AHCI. NVMes have improved performance and speed that makes them an ideal match for Optane. Some MacBooks have NVMe-based SSDs.
According to a MacRumors report, Optane SSDs will become available for use by the end of 2016. Apple may hold its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) event in April or May. There are speculations that the tech company will unveil the next-gen MacBooks with Optane SSDs and Skylake processors.
Meanwhile, rumors are doing the rounds that the MacBook Pro 2016 will be unveiled at Apple's March event. New devices such as iPad Air 3 and iPhone SE will also be unveiled in the said event. Some reports suggest that the 2016 MacBook Air will be launched in June 2016.
MacBook Pro 2016 and MacBook Air 2016 are expected to sport Intel Skylake processor. The new devices will be more powerful and faster with a new processor.
Rumor has it that the two upcoming laptops will be redesigned to make them more portable. Apple aims to make a robust, ultraportable and superfast laptop.
Furthermore, the 2016 MacBook Pro specs are likely to include the El Capitan operating system.
If reports are anything to go by, the combo of El Capitan and Skylake will enhance the device's overall performance including efficiency and battery life.